Just got new shocks and it made all the difference. The 25 yo shocks needed to go. Had leakin

g hijackers in the back that were harsh when full and sagging when they were low. Replaced the front with basic Monroe OE Spectrum and rears with 58574 adjustable load spring assist. The car sits flat in the curves. It seems to sit level and the shocks are supposed to maintain factory height not sure what that is but included a picture.

 

Looks good.

Shocks don’t carry any weight, they normally don’t affect ride height. Gas charged shocks (the kind that are compressed and held in place with wires) might change ride height a tiny amount. The only exception is air shocks, or some other load compensating shock.

I never cared for the butt dragging stance some of these cars had new. I really despise the jacked up in the rear look that was popular in the 70s. Just a slightly raised rear for a little aggressive stance. I think you nailed the look.

 

Looks good Don. I bet its a nice change, for not a lot of money.

 

yes it rides a lot smoother but firm. It handles much better too.

 

Yes, slight nose down.

 

If you needed the load leveler shocks to raise the rear, then your coil springs are sagging.

 

yes the springs were sagging 26 years ago when I replaced the Hijacker air shocks that came with the car with the same. I grew to regret that decision. The Monroe Sensa-Trac Load Adjusting shocks I just had installed in the rear seem to do nicely. How much better would new springs be?

 

What would be better is the car would be supported by the coil springs and not the shocks.

 

If you are riding on original springs, there is no way to describe how much better the ride and handling would improve. The sensa-tracs are a good choice, but I would replace all four springs.

 

Night and day difference.


Took her out the other night to stretch her legs...

Donald I only had the rear done so far. But your looking at new springs at plus 1 inch taller than factory for rear and basic KYB gas adjust shocks. The front as best I can tell are factory springs and sagging with a slight bounce at highway speed coming from dips. Plus replacement front shocks installed at some point before my ownership. The rake is less than this picture shows. Because of our gas fill tube location I am obviously well forward of the level cement. And front tires are actually sitting in what's probably a 1 inch drop.

I'm figuring once I get the front done (factory height with KYBs) she should sit a lot like yours on a level floor. By the way your car looks and sits great ! I see we share a mutual admiration for 35% smoke tint. Looks perfect on your ride.

 

so if I replace springs should I go with 442 heavy-duty springs. The car now has a 455 but none of the AC parts. I removed then to increase air flow through the radiator and reduce weight which was considerable.

 

more about which springs to choose. I'm a fan of the old Bud Lindeman road test videos and he invariably promoted the heavier duty suspension options when available. Does anyone have replacement part numbers for such springs?