Jolting Experience
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 533
Likes: 177
From: Silicon Valley, Shell Beach, El Centro
Jolting Experience
I have a '62 'Vette with new AC Delco shocks. I don't know the part number but they are very hard riding, My wife refuses to go on long rides with me because of her aching bones. I do admit it is much stiffer than my other full size classics. Lateral travel front and back is a half inch at most.
Any recommendations on a softer riding shock that won't sacrifice performance. I need as a weekend driver, not a race car.
Thanks,
Bob
Any recommendations on a softer riding shock that won't sacrifice performance. I need as a weekend driver, not a race car.
Thanks,
Bob
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 533
Likes: 177
From: Silicon Valley, Shell Beach, El Centro
I am now replacing the heavy duty springs in front and going with the four leaf spring springs in back. It will change the height a little and I'm concerned how it will impact the limiting straps for the axle.
Bob
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 1,071
Likes: 322
From: palm springs ca
Back in 71 I had the same thing and it was the HD suspention. I changed the front springs and all was much better and eliminated the chance of cracks that stiff springs cause to the body.
Dom
Dom
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 10,343
Likes: 668
From: Beverly Hills (Pine Ridge) Florida
I have the "original" style (grooved) 5 leaf springs in the rear, and do not have a rough ride at all.
If your ride suddenly became rough after the shocks were replaced, I would be looking at different shocks....
I can't help you with what shocks to use, since mine are no longer produced (Gabriel 3 way adjustable)... Mine are not gas, nor air, just adjustable valving.
Plasticman
If your ride suddenly became rough after the shocks were replaced, I would be looking at different shocks....
I can't help you with what shocks to use, since mine are no longer produced (Gabriel 3 way adjustable)... Mine are not gas, nor air, just adjustable valving.
Plasticman
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 533
Likes: 177
From: Silicon Valley, Shell Beach, El Centro
I have the "original" style (grooved) 5 leaf springs in the rear, and do not have a rough ride at all.
If your ride suddenly became rough after the shocks were replaced, I would be looking at different shocks....
I can't help you with what shocks to use, since mine are no longer produced (Gabriel 3 way adjustable)... Mine are not gas, nor air, just adjustable valving.
Plasticman
If your ride suddenly became rough after the shocks were replaced, I would be looking at different shocks....
I can't help you with what shocks to use, since mine are no longer produced (Gabriel 3 way adjustable)... Mine are not gas, nor air, just adjustable valving.
Plasticman
Bob
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 10,343
Likes: 668
From: Beverly Hills (Pine Ridge) Florida
Hmm, you're lucky Plasticman. You seem to be the exception rather than the rule as far as the five leaf springs go. I've already given the shop the go ahead to order the set of four leafs. I've had the seats restored and tightened but we still hit bottom on a rutty or bumpy road.
Bob
Bob
You did not answer my question: If your ride suddenly became rough after the shocks were replaced, I would be looking at different shocks...
And my wife looks forward to our long rides....
Plasticman
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 533
Likes: 177
From: Silicon Valley, Shell Beach, El Centro
Not to add salt to your wound, but I also have traction bars (Traction Masters), but I did remove the original Radius Bars (due to binding, after I installed the traction bars), and then the rear anti-sway bar was removed (due to increased roll stiffness caused oversteer).
You did not answer my question: If your ride suddenly became rough after the shocks were replaced, I would be looking at different shocks...
And my wife looks forward to our long rides....
Plasticman
You did not answer my question: If your ride suddenly became rough after the shocks were replaced, I would be looking at different shocks...
And my wife looks forward to our long rides....
Plasticman
It has been in a body shop in Santa Clara since last Fall. I just began driving it off and on for a few weeks. It is now back in a shop that specializes in Corvettes. He is swapping out the stiff suspension, and installing a dual master cylinder and front wheel disk brakes.
My wife will now be a lot happier going on long rides with me, and I'll be happy too. Maybe we'll meet someday with smiles on our wife's faces.
Bob
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Pro
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 638
Likes: 133
From: Omaha NE
I run cheap Monroe spectrum on my 61, I like the ride and my wife does too. I know there are a bunch of threads talking about this and high pressure high performance shocks seem too much for lightweight cars. Also check the tire pressure I run 28psi.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,452
Likes: 315
From: Scottsdale AZ
I did five leaf rear a while back. I hate it. Made the car wicked loose. But very responsive. A hack could easily spin it. Soon to go back to leaf and new front springs. Factory original spec.