the last guy had changed all 4 shocks, but I remember putting some nice coil-over type ones on the rear of my nova maybe there is something along those lines for this car, maybe even the same ones? I like the cars soft ride but something more substantial is probably required for the way I drive it. I even tipped the exhaust against the pavement pulling into the local corner store's driveway and even my driveway is pretty close. its a little different than the leaf spring set up on my last car, but not too hard to change em out right? all input is helpful, thanks!

 

Your problem may be the springs along with the shocks. Both stock type were designed for a soft ride not cornering, plus if your springs are original they may have lost some tension. Fusick sells heavy duty springs and shocks which I used on my car. The ride height stays original but the handling is dramatically improved. Beware though, the soft ride is gone, rides like a muscle car.