Hi, I am looking at a 1972 Hurst Olds that sits low in the rear. I realize this is some what normal , will air shocks raise it up a couple inches or is there something else I could try , thanks

 

A pair of new springs might do the job better.

Welcome to ClassicOlds.

- Eric

 

Not a fan of air shocks, new springs or spring perch spacers is the route I'd take.

 

Would spacers be more of a band aid solution? If the rear is low because the springs are soft then wouldn't new springs be better for handling and ride?

 

I used spacers on my car, which brought the height up to where it should have been.
Then over the next couple of years, the springs continues to sag, and I had to replace them anyway.

Would've saved a few bucks, plus the time and effort of doing the job twice, if I'd just installed new springs.

- Eric

 

The rear springs are very easy to change on the A-body cars. Simply jack the car up, support under the frame, disconnect the lower shock bolt, and lower the rear axle. The springs often just fall out. Pay attention to pigtail orientation on the new springs.

If you don't want to replace the springs, at least use AirLift bags that go inside the springs as opposed to air shocks. The AirLift bags will apply loads into the spring perches on the frame and axle, as they were designed to do.

 

I would replace the springs as it is easy to do and they can be had for under $100 if you buy from the right source.

My car had air shocks back in the '80s and while they raised the rear, they also made the ride rougher. This was due to the shock supporting the weight of the vehicle instead of the spring supporting the weight. After installing new springs the ride was much, much nicer.