I put a new set of springs and shocks in my ‘70 442. Stock front and rear. I’m not sure of the brand of the rear shocks - bought them from Fusick. Advertised as gas replacement shocks. When going over even small bumps the rear driver side Spring becomes unseated. I suspect that the reach on the shock absorber is too long and pushing down on the axle, causing the spring to unseat. Any suggestions ? Maybe try a different set of shocks ? I’m not sure of the quality of these shock absorbers.

 

If the spring comes loose then the shock is definitely too long. What happens if you jack the car up with the rear wheels off the ground? Does the spring fall out of place?

 

Hey Joe. Yes, the spring does fall out of place with the car jacked up and the rear wheels off the ground. I was hoping that the shock would adjust accordingly.

 

The length of the shock is supposed to keep the spring compressed enough with the weight off the wheels to keep it in place. Post a side view picture of your car for us to see how it sits.

 

Apparently the spiral shocks that I used are junk. Obviously I have to find a new pair for the rear - the reach is just too long. Someone mentioned that these exact model shocks are sold for many makes and models - one shock fits all. My concern now is finding a new pair that will not affect the stance of my car since I have the same junk brand in the front. Any recommendations on a good set of shocks for the rear ? Is it necessary to install a new set of four ? Thanks - Mike

 

Shocks have no effect on "stance" (unless they are air shocks). The stance will be the same if you remove the shocks completely. It's the springs and suspension and tires that determine stance.

 

I put Monroe GasMatic shocks from the local auto parts store on may car and they have worked well.

 

Thank you Joe and Ken. Cheap = Expensive. Shocks are one of those tasks that you do once. Extremely important and worth doing right. I should have researched more options from the very beginning. I really hate getting ripped off. Like you I work hard - has integrity disappeared ?

 

And thank you Oldcutlass

 

Hey Mikey, you don't mention whether any other suspension work has been done. Were all control arm bolts tightened/torqued with the weight on the wheels? If not, this will leave the suspension artificially high.

 

Yeah all the suspension parts/bushings/bolts etc. were either refurbished or replaced. Everything has been gone over.

 

Good deal. Was the suspension "loaded," vehicle on its wheels, when everything was torqued?

 

How does this affect the fact that the shock is too long? Or perhaps the spring is too short. Can the OP post a side view of his car so we can see how it sits?

 

If it was not loaded when torqued, that would leave the suspension and therefore shock (over) extended, making it act/look as if the shock was too long or the spring too short, no?

 

this^^^^^ It could be as simple as putting jackstands under the axle and ramps under the front, then loosen and retorque the control arm bolts.

 

The suspension has an upward travel limit that is solely based on the shock length. Whether it was torqued with or without the weight on the wheels is irrelevant to this issue. Torquing the bolts without the weight on the wheels will only cause binding in the bushings but it can't extend the travel past the extended length of the installed shock.

 

*shocks are the downward limiters. But, yeah, I get it.
The real question is: have they come unseated while driving? If not, I wouldn't worry about it, unless you're jumping it Duke boys- style.

 

I’m going to give a different brand of shocks a shot - I’m pretty sure that will solve my issue.

 

At least double check the model number and packaging vs invoice. Fusick is pretty good; I doubt they "sold" you the wrong ones, BUT they could have mis-shipped.

 

The rear shocks should have an extended length of about 20.88". Compressed length should be 12.75". That's center-to-center of the mounting eyes.

 

Thanks men for the help and technical advice. A couple of different model shocks have been recommended - I’ll let you know how it works out. Mike