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Shock recommendations for Smooth ride ?

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Old Aug 22, 2016 | 09:48 PM
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Default Shock recommendations for Smooth ride ?

Need shocks for my 1970. Have NO interest in high performance....I want the best RIDE I can get for a driver. What would be the best choice?

Thanks, Dean
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Old Aug 22, 2016 | 10:34 PM
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Originally Posted by Dean_Fuller
Need shocks for my 1970. Have NO interest in high performance....I want the best RIDE I can get for a driver. What would be the best choice?

Thanks, Dean
Same here.......I tried Monroe Sensa-Trac shocks front and rear.......the ride changed 100%.....now it rides smoothly like my mother-in-law's Toyota Camry. Those 70 mph backroad curves are now 60 mph curves......small price to pay!

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Old Aug 23, 2016 | 12:37 AM
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Any good brand of gas shocks (AC-Delco, Monroe, etc.) will get your job done. No need to spend big buck$ for shocks if you don't need performance. But, those shocks may only last you 5-10 years. Bilsteins will last lots longer (but cost 3 times as much).

Last edited by 7T1vette; Aug 23, 2016 at 12:37 AM.
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Old Aug 23, 2016 | 07:04 AM
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Dean

I second the use of stock replacement AC Delco, have them on mine with 340 lb VBP mono spring and ride is smooth, compliant, and believe me it still handles the curves just nicely! Not that the KYB or Bilsteins are bad they just ride a lot "rougher" in my opinion. In the front though I run coilover shocks from Speed Direct for ride height adjustability.

Last edited by midigike; Aug 23, 2016 at 03:42 PM.
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Old Aug 23, 2016 | 07:41 AM
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I put AC Delco shocks on my 68 big block a few years ago. Very satisfied with the ride and handling in all types of driving. Car is stock.
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Old Aug 23, 2016 | 01:00 PM
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AC Delco gas shocks.....not hydraulic shocks.
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Old Aug 23, 2016 | 01:30 PM
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I have put Delco gas shocks on 2 of my C3's in the past. They worked well but in both cases they raised the rear ride height more than I liked.
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Old Aug 23, 2016 | 07:53 PM
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Bilstein gets my vote. A little bit more firm but very nice.
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Old Aug 23, 2016 | 08:11 PM
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for the best ride I think I would get a fiberglass spring.shocks can help but the glass spring is a much better ride and less weight.
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Old Aug 24, 2016 | 04:45 AM
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Glass spring & KYB-G2's gave me a plush ride.
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Old Aug 24, 2016 | 07:28 AM
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Originally Posted by 7T1vette
AC Delco gas shocks.....not hydraulic shocks.
What's the difference?

Also, do they really only last 5-10 years? First, that is a huge range, but also considering how much they are driven compared to daily drivers, shouldn't these be lasting twice that? Especially since they are not driven in the winter with the salt eating away at stuff.
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Old Aug 24, 2016 | 12:17 PM
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I don't like the AC Delco on the rear of my car. If feels 'springy' with the OE steel spring.
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Old Aug 24, 2016 | 02:22 PM
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The OP said he wanted a smooth ride...not great cornering.

If you don't know the difference between hydraulic shocks and gas shocks, you should just Google both and learn about them and the ride characteristics of each. The difference is akin to the difference between bias-ply tires and radials.
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Old Aug 24, 2016 | 03:10 PM
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The shocks I have on the Corvette are the ACDelco Professional Premium Gas-Charged Shocks. With the “RoadResponse” technology.
I've had them on for several years and I'm very satisfied with them.

http://www.acdelco.com/auto-parts/sh...ks-struts.html

According to the ACDelco catalogue ........

Front Shocks are 530-315
Rear Shocks are 530-4

http://parts-catalog.acdelco.com/cat...&parttype=3940
http://parts-catalog.acdelco.com/cat...&parttype=3941
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Old Aug 25, 2016 | 06:04 PM
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Just put Bilstein HD's on my 71 and all I can say is:

WOW!!!!!! What a difference

Hope this helps

Russ
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Old Aug 25, 2016 | 07:09 PM
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I have a 330#Composite Spring and Bilsteins(HD). Smooth ride, good handling and NO kidney pounding. Tires(sidewall height, pressure) will also affect your smoothness.
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Old Aug 26, 2016 | 07:11 PM
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I prefer to use Bilsteins. They cost more but really last....and for me it is worth it.

Do it once and your done with that.

DUB
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Old Aug 26, 2016 | 08:00 PM
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Originally Posted by Dean_Fuller
Need shocks for my 1970. Have NO interest in high performance....I want the best RIDE I can get for a driver. What would be the best choice?

Thanks, Dean
I have delco gas shocks, standard rear spring (metal) and BFG TA 215-65 tires on my 70 and it ride quality is very good and the ride height is correct.
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Old Aug 26, 2016 | 08:40 PM
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I have Bilsteins front and back. The ride is awesome and handles the twisty mountain roads with ease!!!
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Old Aug 26, 2016 | 11:44 PM
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Im surprised how nicely mine drives with the vb&p grand touring suspension kit. I had the sport suspension on another corvette, that ride was harsher, but boy did that car handle.
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