Rear suspension on a vista cruiser bottoms out with a full passenger load. Are air shocks the solution or is their a better answer. Current shocks are 30 yrs old but very little usage. No bounce In car when pushing down.

 

The problem with air shocks is that the upper shock mounts aren't really designed to take all the suspension load (ask my how I know...). I prefer AirLift bags that go inside the rear coil springs. This puts the load exactly where the chassis is designed to take it. I have these in my 69 Cutlass wagon.

 

If the springs are original, they may need to be replaced.

Air shocks will raise the rear, but will give a stiff ride quality. I had some on my car long ago and eventually replaced the springs and installed regular shocks. After that, no droopy rear and a much better ride quality.

 

Thanks, Sounds interesting, how difficult where they to install.

 

Yes, I figure the original springs are probably wore out. I’ve heard that replacing the springs is a very difficult task. The shocks have been replaced, but I don’t when my dad last replaced them. The shocks that are currently on it are at least 30 yrs old, but the car is not bouncy.

 

Here’s a video of her, with a full passenger load. Of course she was bottoming out when hitting bumps.
https://www.facebook.com/reel/357642...455/?fs=e&fs=e

 

All you need to do to replace the rear springs on an A-body is to get the chassis up in the air and supported on jack stands, lower the rear axle on a floor jack a little, disconnect the lower shock bolts, then the rear can be lowered enough the springs will drop out (watch carefully as this is done to avoid over-stressing the brake hose between the body and rear axle......may have to detach one end). Install the new ones, raise up the axle, re-bolt the lower shocks, and get 'er on the ground. WAY easier than replacing the front springs.

 

Furbody, Years ago I had a similar problem with a Cutlass Cruiser Wagon. I ended up installing a Moog CC variable rate spring in the rear and it totally fix the problem. Your application appears to be Moog CC 507.


I can give you additional information if you like. Here a chart that will hopefully help you. If you choose to search for these.
Search (Moog Coil Spring CC507)

 

Thanks, I’m gonna replace the shocks with gas shocks, I’ve heard their better than the oil style which is currently on the car.if that doesn’t remedy the issue then I’ll proceed to spring replacements. Your post helps a lot.

 

I’m a newbie to this, I’m unfamiliar with the moog you speak of, is that the nomenclature of the main spring or an aftermarket application, or an add on suspension system.

 

Moog is a manufacturer of suspension and steering components (springs, ball joints, etc.).

 

Thanks

 

Changing shocks will have no effect on the load carrying capacity of the suspension.
Shocks only dampen the movements of the suspension.
Save the money you would spend on new shocks and put it toward new springs.

 

The Moog Springs are replacement springs. I posted the pg so that you could see what was available to you from stock rated to the Cargo Carrier Springs. If you use 2 fingers you can zoom in on the picture to read. If it would help you out I can post some additional information or I can send it to you in a PM, I'd tried to watch your video but it won't play for me. Probably because I am anti-facebook lol. Haven't been there in 11 years. Old Sailor Out

Adding a side note, Gabriel at 1 time used to offer a helper spring that was incorporated into a replacement shock. However I wouldn't recommend that for all of the reasons previously mentioned.

 

Thanks for the info, I was curious about the shock spring combo, if they would save me from having to change out springs. Here’s some pics she looks like a low rider lol.

 

Beautiful car and looking at your pictures, I would consider replacing both front and rear springs. Changing out the springs is really easy on the rear and just a little more work on the front.


This pg will explain the difference between the Regular Springs and the Cargo Coil Springs.

 

All information comes from this Catalog. The part house that I used to buy parts from was throwing them away and gave them to me.


It has everything in it as far as springs rates, installed height, Free height.

 

Can you post a better picture of the part number page that shows the top headings? That is great information. I have it in a spreadsheet format but a good, clear image of the page posted on the forum would be a great reference.

 

Thanks, I’ll probably replace all springs in the spring. Springs in the spring lol 😂

 

Mevotech is another company manufacturing springs patterned and essentially catalog-numbered after the Moog units - so if a particular Moog p/n isn't available, cross-reference it to Mevotech's catalog for additional options.

 

I like the moog website, you can sort multiple ways to find what will work.
Moog Coil Springs | Moog Suspension Parts

 

Thanks for the info,I was gonna replace them anyway, they’ve been on the car for 30 yrs

 

Thanks

 

^^x2^^

 

Here you go. If you need more send me a pm so that we won't be hijacking the post.

 

Which is better when it comes to rear springs, the variable, or the Constant Spring rates.

 

The variable springs would be your best choice.
They offer good ride qualities when lightly loaded as well as extra load capacity.

 

X2 what he said. Then if you really want help with handling, install a rear swaybar.

 

Nice wagon. Honestly, it sits pretty low, front and back. Not surprised by the back but the front usually sits high on these cars.

 

Yea I think new springs will remedy the issue. But thanks

 

Yea I assume springs are shot. Yet I’ve got natural l9w rider with 0 costs. Lol 😂

 

Yes I’ve decided to go variables

 

Since that car sits so low, and appears repainted/restored, (beautiful), I would guess previous owner may have put lowering springs in it- that is the style now a days. If you put new springs on all around though be careful, I put the heaviest springs I could find on my '70 Vista and the front end was way too high...

 

Or you can do as JP suggested and simply install air bags in the springs. Beautiful wagon by the way..

 

My dad was the original owner and I inherited it 30 yrs ago. The springs have never been replaced. He had it repainted in 83. He never used any detergents, or wax on the car. Simply washed it with warm water and authentic shammy clothes then dried it with shammy clothes, I kept up the washing ritual. It has such a good coat of oil on it from the shammy clothes the water just beads off it.

 

Ya I considered the air bags, but I don’t wanna have to mess with airing them up and letting them down. If new springs don’t remedy the issue then I’ll consider the air bags. On the front I’ll probably stick with the oem springs. Hopefully the car won’t set to high with oem springs.

 

As a fellow long roof owner I would also recommend progressive rate springs in the rear, you won't be disappointed. I put a set in the back of my 1994 Buick Roadmaster wagon a few years ago to replace the leaking air level ride factory setup, and the difference was huge. It rides nice and smooth both when empty, and loaded. No more bottoming out and excellent road feel. I also replaced the factory shocks with some Bilsteins with zero regrets.
I realize a '90s B body wagon isn't the same as a '60s Vista Criser, but it's pretty similar in layout (V-8, perimeter frame and four link) and it even has glass in the roof

 

Thanks for the advice, I’m planning on the progressive rate springs for the rear, Did you also use them on the front,

 

Just in the rear, my fronts were still good. I did do new shocks on all four corners.
FWIW, I also have a '68 VC and was planning on doing an air-ride setup. After talking with several owners of bagged cars, and my own experience with the factory setup in the Buick I will definitely be using PR springs in lieu of the air-ride.

 

I’m ordering the variable rates for rear, .standard for front, plus new shocks. I’m also gonna I replace all ball joints and tie rod ends while I’ve got it broke down to replace front springs. Any thing else I might need, I’ve never done this before.