Looking for suggestions on shocks and/or springs for a '63 F85. I wouldn't say mine are blown but they look pretty old flex pretty good so I might start looking at replacing them.

 

Bilsteins are the best and most expensive shock you can buy. Unless you are doing some high performance driving, you probably don't need them. Monroe shocks have always been very good shocks and I think they still have a lifetime guarantee. KYB is another popular brand. I am sure others will speak up.

 

Bilsteins are probably not the most expensive shocks available but they are very good and somewhat pricey nonetheless - that said, other options may also include Koni (the orange 'Street' series would likely be your best choice within that brand), as well as those noted earlier.

A good barometer of what may be out there for your ride would be Summit or Jegs - plug in your vehicle info and they'll list out just about every mainstream shock option available for it. Rock Auto likely also another good source (especially for OEM-style replacements) and watch for their typical 5% discount codes if electing to buy from them.

 

I was able to score a set of NOS energizer P-1039 hydraulic shocks for the front. Seems to handle a bit better. Still think the springs might be tired but not in a rush to replace those right now.

Now I have one NOS in the box energizer shock and the two old original ones that I haven’t brought myself to toss yet. Not sure if someone would want/need them to rebuild.

 

Jake, I just did springs and shocks all around on my 1964 88 convertible, and it transformed the ride on the car. I know an 88 is not an F85, but if your still running the original springs I would suggest you consider the process required for a shock replacement, and think about new springs too. I wanted the KYB Gas-A Just rear shock (KYB KG5508) but I opted for the Napa auto parts equivalent because it was in stock at the local store, which saved me time and money. That shock listed for the 1965 Delta 88 and I had to modify the top shock mount to make it fit, but there isn't a rear shock listed by anyone for my '64 Dynamic, so I had to get creative. KYB Gas-A-Just or the Napa auto parts equivalent is a good rear shock for added stability and a little stiffer ride, IMO.

Front shocks I used the Gabriel Classics, and I'm very happy with them. They're also a gas shock, firmer ride. I got my springs from ESPO Springs and Things, out of PA. Nice people, easy to work with, fast shipping and reasonable cost. I did springs and shock on all 4 corners for around $500. It was a coupla 2-3 day project but the rear shocks were a bitch because of how they mount, and because I had to fabricate part of the rear mount to accept the new shock. Front springs and shocks were a 1 day process, and by the time I had it apart as needed for the shock replacement, the springs were practically out of the car anyway. It probably took 30 minutes to change the springs at that point of the job. In the rear, I couldn't have changed the shocks without removing the springs- but again, I was fabricating a new mounting bracket. Your case is probably different.

 

Did you find rear shocks for your 63 f85? If so could you please share the make and part #? Im having trouble finding some. Much thanks.

 

If they are the same style as my Dynamic 88, the problem you're having is the top mount style. There's a steel sleeve inside the rubber bushing, and a bolt goes through it. Once that bolt rusts it's nearly impossible to get out. It becomes "one" with the steel sleeve. I ordered rear shocks for a '65, which is pretty much the same size car, but the top mount is different. I fabricated the mount to make it work. I have pictures, I can try to find them.

Short answer, I did not find rear shocks for a 1964 Olds, I found shocks for a 1965, and I made them work. Here's a You Tube video wherein I explain how I managed to use the 1965 rear shock in the 1964 Olds 88.

 

I ended up doing a S-10 rearend swap for the larger ring gear and posi so my rear shocks are different than stock. But I don’t think I ever found any original style.

 

For my fronts I found some NOS energizer hydraulic shocks that worked. I think my springs might are soft though but no plans to change them right now