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Shock absorber assistance

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Old Aug 23, 2009 | 11:27 PM
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Default Shock absorber assistance

I have a 69 with a new 315 composite rear spring along with new KYB gas shocks. Problem is way too much rear bounce on dips in the road. It is bad enough to cause bump steer above 50-60mph. I once was advised to get a (?) QA2 shock? I cannot remember if that was the correct name, in any event I cannot find such an animal. Anyone have some ideas for me? My shocks and spring have 2,000 leapy miles on them.

I am ready to make whatever change is necessary as this makes me seasick and I am a commercial fisherman.
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Old Aug 23, 2009 | 11:48 PM
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Probably have to go with a stiffer rear composite spring. 330 lb or higher , OR, go with the Billstein sport shocks. That will make for a stiff ride. Also If ya get longer spring bolts and lower it a bit, that might absorb some of the bounce also.
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Old Aug 24, 2009 | 07:47 AM
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You might be thinking of the KYB GR2 shocks. You'll see them paired with that spring in many of the kits.
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Old Aug 24, 2009 | 11:05 AM
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Thanks for the responses. I also wondered what anyone thought of the QA1 shock compared to the Bilsteins? I am going to get the stiffer spring (I have a 383/425HP) and do performance street driving. Too damn old for the strip anymore. Just wondered on the shock comparison if anyone knew. Also I get a rear chatter often when I pull out in a turn such as leaving a stop sign and turning right onto a street.

My other issue is I occasionally get what feels like a stuck brake(?) in the rear when the car has sat for a time and go to back up. It makes a clunk sound when releasing as I start to back up but the brakes (new SS) work fine otherwise. I am positive I have posi-trac additive installed. Maybe worn plates or half-shaft yokes?

I didn't see how the yokes could affect the lockup situation when I back up after long-term (2-3+ weeks) sitting though. Maybe I am in denail about rebuilding the rear-end?
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Old Aug 24, 2009 | 09:20 PM
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Originally Posted by Rebelrob
Probably have to go with a stiffer rear composite spring. 330 lb or higher , OR, go with the Billstein sport shocks. That will make for a stiff ride. Also If ya get longer spring bolts and lower it a bit, that might absorb some of the bounce also.
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Old Aug 24, 2009 | 11:00 PM
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Well if its never been rebuilt, it could probably use it. Pull the rearend yourself, purchase a rebuild kit, and bring in the whole mess to a pro shop. Should get it all done for $500 or less.
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Old Aug 24, 2009 | 11:25 PM
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The QA-1 Shocks work well for the C3 Vettes. For somebody who is very good at Suspension Set up is Paul at Van Steel. He Woked Years at Vette Brakes and has done Championship Autocross c3's and now works for Van Steel.
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Old Aug 25, 2009 | 11:47 AM
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Thanks again for all the help. I will follow all your good advice. The rear-end has about 120,000 miles but not hard miles on it. Anyway, it is the only thing I haven't rebuilt. I will try to give Van Steel a shout too. Guess QA1's will ber my next investment along with a rear-end kit.
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Old Aug 25, 2009 | 12:42 PM
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Originally Posted by jbates
Thanks again for all the help. I will follow all your good advice. The rear-end has about 120,000 miles but not hard miles on it. Anyway, it is the only thing I haven't rebuilt. I will try to give Van Steel a shout too. Guess QA1's will ber my next investment along with a rear-end kit.
If you are using the Vette Brakes spring, that may be your problem. I had one on my 80 and it did the same think, bounced. I have the TRW composite spring on my 72 and it has been troble free not matter what shocks are on it, I've used Koni's, Bilstiens and now Penski's.
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Old Aug 25, 2009 | 11:48 PM
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Originally Posted by jbates
My other issue is I occasionally get what feels like a stuck brake(?) in the rear when the car has sat for a time and go to back up. It makes a clunk sound when releasing as I start to back up but the brakes (new SS) work fine otherwise. I am positive I have posi-trac additive installed. Maybe worn plates or half-shaft yokes?
My first guess would be mis-adjusted parking brake. Have you checked that?
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