I need to replace the shocks in my 70 cutlass supreme. I am wondering if I should just get standard replacement shocks or air shocks? I already bought all 4 standard replacements from my local napa but had someone suggest air shocks because they are the pretty much the same price. Has anyone installed one or the other and wished they would have gone the other way? Any thoughts are appreciated. thank you

 

Unless you're planning to tow a trailer or otherwise routinely carry heavy things in the trunk, I'm not sure what installing air shocks will gain for you. Using the standard shocks for your car would be most likely to give you the ride and handling you expect.

 

I just ordered shocks all around from Rockauto, Delco standard OEM replacements. Really nice ride for the money.

 

Air shocks plain suck! They are not gas charged so in the winter when the oil is cold the car needs to bounce a few times to get the shock working. They constantly leak, and when they do work, the ride is horrible.

Why not get some new springs to restore your car to its proper height, or the height you wish to attain.

 

Ok, I have got what I need. It appears you guys prefer the standard shocks. I agree with you I just wanted to make sure I wasn't missing something here. I'm not trying to gain any height, the shocks just need to be replaced. Thanks guys

 

This is what i paid, do the same and you'll be happy with OEM spec shocks.

ACDELCO520180 (520-180)Shock Absorber$ 2X 35.72
ACDELCO520179 (520-179)Shock Absorber$ 2X 31.42

So thats... around 66 bucks for 4 shocks. what were you going to pay at napa for air shocks?

 

It depends how far you want the Cragars to stick out past the quater panels

 

The 1960s called. They want their wheels and tires back.

Seriously, if you must use some sort of additional load carrying system, use airlift style bags that go inside the coil springs. The shock mounts aren't designed to support the weight of the car and will fatigue over time.

DO NOT ask my how I know this...

 

Don't you mean $132 for 4 shocks? I payed around the same price for standard replacement shocks from napa

 

no i deleted the itemized price, rock auto is super cheap.

i ordered a couple other parts too, it ended up being under 100 dollars.

 

I replaced the shocks on all 4 corners on my wifes 71 Cutlass with the Monroe Sensatrac's. Best money I spent. Way better on the driving and handling than the air shocks. Even a better ride than the OE replacements. Wouldn't go any other way.

 

Actually re-did most of the suspension parts on my car, and thing really flies around corners now. Heavier springs, sway bars and Bilstein shocks. Also the mentioned air bags in the rear springs, for when loading up the trunk, and a quick ratio steering box from a Trans Am. Obviously some money here, but worth it to me, as really transformed the car.

 

I used Monroe OESpectrum on my 1994 sentra. absolutely amazing ride quality.

I went with Delco because there's a sticker under my hood that says "keep your GM car all GM"

 

Agree, air bags work well several years and no leaks, I use them to level the rear from side to side.

Now on those air shocks, the Gabriel Hijackers had a cool decal that came with the rear end lifters. No teenage hotrodder wanabe in the late 70's would not have these important high performance suspension components on the car, and the decal as well. I know, I had purchased several pair throughout my wonder years.

 

I have air shocks in my 72 and also in my 70 Bonneville convertible. They ride just fine with 20-25 pounds of air in them around town, but when I load up the trunk with luggage and take a trip, I like that I can add air and it rides level and it's like the trunk is empty. They just are no intended to change the ride height or compensate for worn out springs.

 

x2!