When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I have a C3 which I have owned for just under 2 years. I looked at the shocks and I could be wrong, but they look like the original ones, but maybe not, the rear ones are air shocks, which don't really work that well. So here is my question, I am going to change them, can you recommend shocks that would give me a better ride and control? I know the 72 is not built as a touring car, but I would like to try for something better. Thank you for your time and trouble Tom
You may try the original AC DELCO shock. they may give you a better ride and control then your old shock. Please do a search on this forum there is a lot of info on shocks,
The air shocks would not be an original part, and it makes me wonder why they used air shocks on your car. Possible the rear spring has gotten weak and needed some help?
If you're looking for a softer "cruiser" ride try a set of Monroes. We used Monroe shocks on our '77 and it rides pretty well. If you're looking for something aimed at a little better cornering (little rougher ride as well), check out a set of KYB or Bilstein shocks.
Also, I not positive on this, but I think the '72 still had steel body mounts, so the ride will be harsher than the later years with rubber cushions. Perhaps someone on here can verify this for you.
KYB's were much better riding then the replacement Delco's I tried for a few years.
I know there are a million threads on shocks cause I've read them all, but....since you are here now, which KYB specifically are you talking about? I replaced the (broken) composite spring installed by PO, with another one, which I am not sure the rating is. I bought it new, but don't recall if it is a 300 or 330. The car is a '72 base model. Thanks. Also, in the past I have tried Monroes and presently have Bilsteins, and sure enough, don't remember if the Bilsteins are Sport or HD. Have a great day.
When I rebuilt/upgraded the suspension on my 72, I went with Bilstein Sports and have been very satisfied. Some have used the Bilstein HD's because they are not quite as stiff/firm.
I know there are a million threads on shocks cause I've read them all, but....since you are here now, which KYB specifically are you talking about? I replaced the (broken) composite spring installed by PO, with another one, which I am not sure the rating is. I bought it new, but don't recall if it is a 300 or 330. The car is a '72 base model. Thanks. Also, in the past I have tried Monroes and presently have Bilsteins, and sure enough, don't remember if the Bilsteins are Sport or HD. Have a great day.
KYB G2's. They are very plush. Some complain they are too "spongy" on the back with a composite spring. Where the Delco's were too firm and rough. These suck up the bump without a rough jolt.
KYB G2's. They are very plush. Some complain they are too "spongy" on the back with a composite spring. Where the Delco's were too firm and rough. These suck up the bump without a rough jolt.
Could any shock (I've tried) have been useless against the stiffness of the spring? Could the spring be controlling the ride and not the shock? That's probably a bit crazy though, spring is surely not that stiff....
I have a C3 which I have owned for just under 2 years. I looked at the shocks and I could be wrong, but they look like the original ones, but maybe not, the rear ones are air shocks, which don't really work that well. So here is my question, I am going to change them, can you recommend shocks that would give me a better ride and control? I know the 72 is not built as a touring car, but I would like to try for something better. Thank you for your time and trouble Tom
Tom,
I have a complete set of KYB GR2 shocks w/less than 1400 miles on them...
Make me an offer to include shipping and their yours....
mk's78
Mike
Could any shock (I've tried) have been useless against the stiffness of the spring? Could the spring be controlling the ride and not the shock? That's probably a bit crazy though, spring is surely not that stiff....
Springs control ride height. Shocks control suspension motion.
In the early 90's I decided to redo the front and rear suspension in my '73 convertible. I went with KYB's as they seemed like a pretty good shock at the time and a better value than some others on the market. Five years later I bought what I wanted in the beginning, Bilsteins, and figured I'd pass my good value KYB's on to a friend long overdo for shocks.
As I removed the KYB's, I was disappointed to discover that 2 of the 4 no longer had gas in them, even though they had less than 10k on them and looked nearly new. Needless to say I tossed them. A lot of time has passed since then and KYB's now may well be the value I believed they were.
These Bilsteins have been on the car since 1998 and still look and perform as they did when I installed them.
I now have Bilsteins on most of my vehicles. I even have over 90k on a set I installed on a Tacoma pickup, still doing their job.
For general use, just put brand name gas shocks on the car (Monroe, etc.). If you plan to keep the car for many years, put Bilstein Heavy-duty shocks on, as they will last for many years. And, if you need to have it handle well (but sacrifice in ride quality), Bilstein Sport shocks are for you, IMO.
Last edited by 7T1vette; Feb 16, 2016 at 10:30 AM.
I've been driving approximately 2 years now on Bilsteins HD series all around.
I made the right choice.
Ride is quality and still allows me to get on it when I want to hang it out through the corners.
Remember these cars will never ride like your Daddy's Caddy.
Marshal
You may try the original AC DELCO shock. they may give you a better ride and control then your old shock. Please do a search on this forum there is a lot of info on shocks,
I just had the Monroe's in stalled and what a difference, I went from a 4 speed trans to a 5 speed and now with new shocks it a completely different car, performance and gas mileage, I see a lot more cruising in our future.
The air shocks would not be an original part, and it makes me wonder why they used air shocks on your car. Possible the rear spring has gotten weak and needed some help?
If you're looking for a softer "cruiser" ride try a set of Monroes. We used Monroe shocks on our '77 and it rides pretty well. If you're looking for something aimed at a little better cornering (little rougher ride as well), check out a set of KYB or Bilstein shocks.
Also, I not positive on this, but I think the '72 still had steel body mounts, so the ride will be harsher than the later years with rubber cushions. Perhaps someone on here can verify this for you.
Good luck with your project,
Adam
I just had the Monroe's in stalled and what a difference, I went from a 4 speed trans to a 5 speed and now with new shocks it a completely different car, performance and gas mileage, I see a lot more cruising in our future.
Monroe Gas-Matics will be a good 'general purpose' shock that will last about 5 years on your car. For the money, it's a good deal if you don't know that you will keep the car for many years.
For most of us, installing Bilstein's will last the rest of our lives.
Shocks
Have a great day.
