Rear shock recommendations

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Old Sep 22, 2018 | 12:17 PM
  #1  
TomT's Avatar
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Rear shock recommendations

When I go over railroad tracks or a bumpy road my 72 Cutlass rear end bounces and shimmies all over the road. Thinking it might be time for new shocks. Any recommendations for some good shocks that will help with handling?
Old Sep 23, 2018 | 07:37 AM
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442Harv's Avatar
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I would use any of the good brand name HD ones. Rock Auto has a good price and some choices.
Old Sep 23, 2018 | 09:39 AM
  #3  
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I was looking at Rock Auto. Thinking about these KYB's:
https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...221691&jsn=426
Old Sep 23, 2018 | 09:53 AM
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70sgeek's Avatar
'72 Cutlass ragtop
 
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Bilsteins are excellent GM-A body shocks - as with any brand you ultimately select though, it's ideal to match all 4 wheels if it's primarily a street-driven car.

I've had KYB's before and they got noticeably soft after about 15k miles.

Bilsteins can be found for very decent sale prices if you're diligent in your online search for them
Old Sep 23, 2018 | 12:03 PM
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Looking on Bilsteins website they only seem to make front shocks for my Olds.
Old Sep 23, 2018 | 01:02 PM
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We recently bought a 70 442 - I really like the ride so later on ask the seller what they were and where he got them. They are coil over shocks from Napa - I liked them so much I replaced the air shocks on our 70 Supreme Convertible with them.

https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/NS_58574
Old Sep 23, 2018 | 04:49 PM
  #7  
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Originally Posted by mmitton
We recently bought a 70 442 - I really like the ride so later on ask the seller what they were and where he got them. They are coil over shocks from Napa - I liked them so much I replaced the air shocks on our 70 Supreme Convertible with them.

https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/NS_58574
I guess that's the same as a spring assist shock. I've looked at them. They are generally used when towing. I was afraid they might be too stiff.
Old Sep 24, 2018 | 09:35 AM
  #8  
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My car has regular old Monroe gas charged shocks all around.
Old Sep 27, 2018 | 04:14 AM
  #9  
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hello this is what i bought for my 1972 cutlass in january from amazon for $349 for the complete set front/rearNEW BILSTEIN FRONT & REAR SHOCKS FOR 68-72 GM A-BODY, GAS SHOCK ABSORBERS, 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 CHEVY II CHEVELLE CONCOURS EL CAMINO MALIBU NOVA OLDSMOBILE OLDS CUTLASS F85 PONTIAC GTO LEMANS

Last edited by bronxdevine; Sep 27, 2018 at 08:09 PM.
Old Sep 27, 2018 | 06:20 AM
  #10  
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There are lots of good shocks out there. Some of what you buy depends on how you are going to use your car. For normal everyday driving Monroe shocks are hard to beat. I think they also have a lifetime guarantee. If you want the absolute best then Bilsteins are the way to go but you are going to pay for them.
Old Sep 27, 2018 | 10:55 AM
  #11  
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There are a lot of good shocks out there. I used the 1-3/8" Monroes, which worked well. Be sure that the arm bushings are not in need of replacement.
Old Sep 27, 2018 | 03:00 PM
  #12  
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'72 Cutlass ragtop
 
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Bilsteins can be had cheaper than $349/set - I bought mine under $300 online by watching sales/discount codes

Best way to search them out is by their part# in a google search then check each reputable vendor that comes up for them - I recall I got my from a vendor named Shock Warehouse, I believe?

And they are available front/rear for a '72 Cutlass - that's what I have (convertible)
Old Sep 29, 2018 | 10:30 AM
  #13  
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Found this Bilstein set listed on Amazon. Think those are the right part numbers? Really hate to order and get the wrong ones shipped.
Amazon Amazon
Old Sep 29, 2018 | 02:56 PM
  #14  
70sgeek's Avatar
'72 Cutlass ragtop
 
Joined: Jun 2016
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From: Tampa, FL
Bilstein HD front shocks, p/n 24-131506. - Bilstein HD rear shocks, p/n 24-009294 are the correct part numbers.

I would google each part number separately before buying as a set - you may find other vendors selling each p/n cheaper - I paid about $275 combined for mine - shopped vendors and then searched discount codes to see what I could match up with them. Ended up saving at least $75 or more combined.

Last edited by 70sgeek; Sep 29, 2018 at 02:59 PM.
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