orsogrigio

hi folks, here I am again asking informations about my delta 88, that finally , after a serial troubles, I can drive it. Car is soft and drive smooth, but reacts rude and does not absorbe the shocks. the only other american 70th car I have driven and that I drive actually is my 72 Lincoln continental, that react soft and smooth with every road conditions. Maybe is it a matter of shock absorbers that must be replaced 'cause they don't work as they should or some other problem in the suspensions system? I have got a look at the undercarriage, but it does not seem to have silent block or else that don't work, indeed, I haven't seen any silent block at all, may be the car does not like lumpy roads at all,but it seems that it wants to open as the blues brothers car in the movie at every asperity of the road. Excuse me folks, but my english is very poor and I'm not sure to use the right terms to explane the problems but I hope you understand what I mean

D Appeldorn

Look if you not got worn bushings.

second, look at your suspension if something worn.
A manual is perfect to assist with the repairs and explains a lot.

jaunty75

One of the hallmarks of the full-size Oldsmobiles of this era is their softly-spung, smooth ride. Usually, when shock absorbers fail, it's the other way. The ride doesn't get more harsh, but rather it gets more bouncy as the shocks fail to absorb the bumps properly and the car goes bouncing down the highway.

The classic do-it-yourself test for bad shocks is to push down hard and fast on the bumper on each of the four corners of the car. The car should spring back once and settle down immediately. If it bounces up and down more than once before settling out, the shocks are worn.

If your ride is too harsh, it suggests that the shocks are too stiff, which is unusual, but I guess it could happen. If you don't know anything about the history of the shocks and haven't replaced them, that might be the thing to try next.

orsogrigio

thank you guys, in effects it seems that shock absorbers are worn even if testing 'em they don't bounce more than twice before settle down, but it seems that suspensions work with the springs only,the most is the floating like sailing on a rough wavy sea, but it get harsh on the bumps. Ah, the factory gives the avarage in 16 miles per gallon, but it seems it get less... possible?

MDchanic

You drive a '72 Lincoln around Modena?

Bravo.

- Eric

orsogrigio

yes, I do thanks

- Beppe

orsogrigio

hi man, next time I'll come to holland I will come to Emmen to visit you

orsogrigio

hi folks,one suggestion for shock absorbers, as I found more than one choise on USA part supply catalogue... shock absorbers heavy duty or gaz ? what is it the best solution?

orsogrigio

hey folks, did I ask something wrong? If so, I apologize for that

jaunty75

What, as to which kind of shock absorber to buy? No, nothing wrong with that question. Me, I'd probably buy whatever the "standard" shock for my car would be.

MDchanic

I would tend to recommend KYB GasAdjust shocks.
They're firm but comfortable, not over-priced, and last a fairly long time.

This seemed to be the best price on a set when I checked last month.

Ciao,

- Eric

—Sorry for the bad link. It's for JustSuspension.com, Kit #2102, for 4 shocks (2 KG4515 & 2 KG5507) for $142.68.
I can't get their site to load at all right now, but I'll fix the link when I can.

—Fixed, but you need to select "Gas-Adjust" to see the result.

D Appeldorn

my manual is in Englisch not Italian

I buy most parts from Fusick.
They are a bit pricey, but have a great service in parts.

The shockabsorber is original a gas absorber.

The springs
Fullsize had differend springs and shockabsorbers than the medium.
And even the same cars were differend.
350 engine or 455, If it were equiped with AC etc.

Your car is about 1800 kg, so it need the right absorbers

You can get a manual on dvd/cd.

But in my opinion check fusicks side first, they sell original looking stuff.
They are a bit mor expencive but it is easy to find the right parts and buy.


And are the absorbers mounted tight?
the upper screw of the front absorber, and it's rubber bushings.?

holidaysedan

I have 4 new in the original box '73 Olds original equipment shocks from Sears, made by Monroe, if you want them. $100 + shipping. I take PayPal.
Roger in NY

orsogrigio

MDchanic

Sounds right.

The rears will fit many different GM full size cars over a large number of years.

A '72 Pontiac Ventura is the same car as a '73 Olds Delta (sorry, guys...).

Check application listings for other shocks, like Monroe, and you should find that they also list the same shocks across these different models.

- Eric

orsogrigio

thanks to everybody that have answered to my questions and got suggestions and informations. you are precious friends

Lady72nRob71

Try rockauto.com, too - they have a variety of shocks and all the other suspension parts you might need. They ship all over the world, too.
I am surprised to hear that a 72 Lincoln will even fit on the roads in Italy! They seemed a bit narrow when i was there 5 years ago...

orsogrigio

yes you are correct, roads in Italy are narrow (motorways excluded of course), but long time ago I drove long trailer trucks and now I drive large busses, so a 72 Lincoln Continental seems a bycicle at comparison, and... thank you for the suggestion for rockauto

Beppe

orsogrigio

hello guys, I got a look on Just suspension site, and I have found nothing but monroe shock absorbers that fit on my delta 88, low price, but I am not sure about the quality . I installed once monroe shock absorbers on a Volvo I had long ago, and they lasted no longer then 13000 miles, not too much if I think that the factory shock absorbers in my dayly driver (a Chrysler town and country) are still in good conditions after 110000 miles. Besides, I don't know if worth the candle spend 200 dollars plus shipping and italian custom fees for a car that I drive for no more then 2000 miles for year. some suggestion about?

joe_padavano

Wanna bet???

Here's a 1972 Pontiac Ventura (hint, it's an X-body, like a Nova):

MDchanic

You got me Joe.
I don't know what I was thinking. Probably just forgot what a Ventura was since it's been so long since I've seen one.



On the other hand, "Ventura Highway" is a cool song...

- Eric

orsogrigio

what?? I have a delta, what is that car? If I ever 'd buy another car I would not buy a car like that

orsogrigio

hey guys I searching informations about a delta 88, and some suggestions about the most economical way for replacing parts, please do not make confusion, I am confused enough by myself.... gee...