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Got the shocks changed today!

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Old Mar 16, 2002 | 04:40 PM
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Default Got the shocks changed today!

Took it to a local mechanic with a lift, and he changed the shocks. We kind of did a bubba to the Vette, we cut the wires for the air shocks and put on gas shocks. When we were tracing the wire for the air shocks, we found the original jack too :D. But, for $30 we got the rear shocks changed and now the Vette rides a lot better and the rear end is a little higher.
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Old Mar 16, 2002 | 04:46 PM
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Default Re: Got the shocks changed today! (Mikes80L48)

Air shocks? Wiring?
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Old Mar 16, 2002 | 04:49 PM
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Default Re: Got the shocks changed today! (paul79)

Air shocks? Wiring?
I think they were air shocks, they had some wires running to them that we had to cut. A little later today I'll go out to the garage and snap a pic of the old shocks.
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Old Mar 16, 2002 | 05:31 PM
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Default Re: Got the shocks changed today! (Mikes80L48)

I am looking through a book about the 1980 Vette and it says the original shocks are AC Delco Direct, double acting hydraulic. So whats that little wire on the side of the shocks for?


[Modified by Mikes80L48, 9:31 PM 3/16/2002]
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Old Mar 16, 2002 | 06:01 PM
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Default Re: Got the shocks changed today! (Mikes80L48)

Air shocks? Wiring?

I think they were air shocks, they had some wires running to them that we had to cut. A little later today I'll go out to the garage and snap a pic of the old shocks.
Air shocks would have TUBES not wires running to them. Some shocks (very expensive) have electric controls.

No STOCK '80 would have either.

For ride height, a standard shock will not make any difference in ride height. An airck could be pumped up to increase ride. A gas shock will increase slightly, but I do nott hink it would change it as much as an inch.

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Old Mar 16, 2002 | 06:18 PM
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Default Re: Got the shocks changed today! (Mikes80L48)

You're probably correct that they are air shocks someone put on. The tubes can look like wiring especially when covered in dirt, grease, and undercoating. Wasn't every old car fitted with rear air shocks so that Bubba could jack up the rear? Most of the old cars I've had sure did.
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Old Mar 16, 2002 | 06:26 PM
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Default Re: Got the shocks changed today! (lbell101)

I just went out and looked at the shocks, and they are TUBES not wires that are coming off of the side of the shocks.
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Old Mar 16, 2002 | 06:45 PM
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Default Re: Got the shocks changed today! (Mikes80L48)

That explains it. Somebody probably wanted a little different ride height and the air shocks are the cheapest and easiest way to get it. Nothing Bubba about cutting those hoses. :smash: Let us know how the ride is, oh, and did you say what you put on for shocks?

-Justin
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Old Mar 16, 2002 | 10:27 PM
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Default Re: Got the shocks changed today! (Dalannex)

That explains it. Somebody probably wanted a little different ride height and the air shocks are the cheapest and easiest way to get it. Nothing Bubba about cutting those hoses. :smash: Let us know how the ride is, oh, and did you say what you put on for shocks?

-Justin
Drove about 140 miles on the new shocks AND THEY ARE MUCH BETTER. The shocks we replaced them with are Gabriel's. As soon as the fronts need replaced, we'll put Gabriel's on the front too. They make the ride very nice and smooth.
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