Shocks
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2022
Posts: 194
Likes: 47
Shocks
I just put the 81 on the road today. Rides real hard. This car sat for a while and the shocks look original along with a lot of other parts on this car. I just changed the original ignition wires which made a huge difference. Question- Has anyone used Monroe Spectrum shocks or the cheaper Gabriel Ultra shocks? I'm actually looking for a softer ride. I just checked my air pressure in tires and all 4 were 36 psi which is way too high. I just lowered all 4 down to 27 psi but haven't taken it for a test ride yet. I do have to change the original shocks either way though.
2026 Loser of the Year
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 36,597
Likes: 7,046
From: New Or-leens Loo-z-anna
I installed Monroe SensaTrac shocks. They ride like a SUV. I went to the Monroe shock dimension chart to see what shocks would fit.
You wont be turning any 70mph sharp curves though.
You wont be turning any 70mph sharp curves though.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 11,949
Likes: 4,507
From: Virginia
What rear spring do you have? The mushy Hyperco composite spring, or the steel leaf spring, that was only in Gymkhana cars in 1981?
I have Bilstein Sports in my 80 (with a stiff composite spring). It is firm, but not "hard", and is less bouncy than my 2022 Mustang.
What car are you comparing the ride to?
I have Bilstein Sports in my 80 (with a stiff composite spring). It is firm, but not "hard", and is less bouncy than my 2022 Mustang.
What car are you comparing the ride to?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2022
Posts: 194
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Not sure exact rear spring but it’s not the steel one. It’s the original spring that came with car. I owned an 89 Vette and I think it rode on the highway better. This 81 has no forgiveness with any bumps on roadways. I’m sure 43 year old shocks is the main reason for the hard ride.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
2025 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
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I'm pretty happy with my Bilstien shocks. I tried some inexpensive shocks a few years back.
Wasn't really worth the effort to install them.
I realise your inquiring about low cost options.
Just saying this is probably a bad place to cut corners.
Wasn't really worth the effort to install them.
I realise your inquiring about low cost options.
Just saying this is probably a bad place to cut corners.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 2,276
Likes: 337
From: "ɹǝpunuʍop", Adelaide, South Australia
Do it once, do it right....
10yrs ago I put a set of Monroe SensaTrac shocks in my '72..
Have just replaced them last month with Bilsteins as recommended by most on here.
The Monroe's were worn out, no compressive rebound left at all, push them in and they stayed collapsed..
10yrs ago I put a set of Monroe SensaTrac shocks in my '72..
Have just replaced them last month with Bilsteins as recommended by most on here.
The Monroe's were worn out, no compressive rebound left at all, push them in and they stayed collapsed..
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2022
Posts: 194
Likes: 47
Still looking at shocks but I did test drive car with the tire pressure deceased to 27 psi from 36. Made a big difference. Not as hard as before and car still handles great. I was pushing car on off ramps and noticed no decreased handling. As I was backing car into driveway, I heard a rather loud clicking come from right at the left tire, not in middle of car. As I creep forward or backwards, car keeps clicking. I’m guessing half shaft u joints are bad. Those bad u joints probably are the reason I got a slight vibration in the rear. I’m going to change the u joints in both half shafts.
