Shocks recommendations
03-15-2019, 11:39 PM
#2
Burning Brakes
Member Since: Oct 2018
Location: Henderson, NV
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St. Jude Donor '19-'20-'21-'22
I've been looking at shocks myself for my 72. For my purpose, I will probably go with a simple AC Delco OEM style replacement.
Most vendors sell them as a matched set of 4 for around $160
Most vendors sell them as a matched set of 4 for around $160
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Stevie1982 (03-16-2019)
03-16-2019, 06:46 AM
#4
Le Mans Master
I have had AC Delco, Koni Oil, KYB, and currently Bilsteins on my 78 C3 over 40 years and by far, the biggest improvement in ride and handling that was very noticeable are with the Bilsteins..hands down. Bilsteins are quite reasonable in price, come with a lifetime warranty (they used to), and in all the cars that I have used Bilsteins over many years, I have never had one wear out or fail..German quality.
I also use Bilsteins on my 1994 Mustang GT and 2008 Chrysler 300, both applications the Bilsteins transformed the ride and handling. They are simply the best shock/strut you can by at their rpice point..period....
I also use Bilsteins on my 1994 Mustang GT and 2008 Chrysler 300, both applications the Bilsteins transformed the ride and handling. They are simply the best shock/strut you can by at their rpice point..period....
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Stevie1982 (03-17-2019)
03-17-2019, 07:28 AM
#6
Heel & Toe
On my 71 base coupe I've used Delco gas shocks, front and rear. work well, not stupid expensive. However they don't last forever. Good luck.
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Stevie1982 (03-17-2019)
03-17-2019, 07:33 AM
#7
Le Mans Master
I have rarely had most shocks or struts wear out over 40 years of driving (never with high performance units) but just recently, on my daughter's 01 Grand prix that I replaced OEM struts with Monroe Police/Taxi struts (the only thing I could find with any performance), I had a front strut leak after 20-25,000 miles....Life time warranty BUT replacing the pair is a hassle.......not worth the lifetime warranty for carp parts...
Last edited by jb78L-82; 03-17-2019 at 07:34 AM.
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Stevie1982 (03-17-2019)
03-17-2019, 09:08 AM
#8
Le Mans Master
Bilsteins only cost a bit more than cheap shocks. For a stock-ish car, Bilstein HDs. For a stiffer slung car, Bilstein Sports. If you have an unlimited budget, then QA-1 double-adjustables, and the shocks won't be the only thing you change.
Are you sure about that tire size? 255/60R15 is stock for your car.
Are you sure about that tire size? 255/60R15 is stock for your car.
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Stevie1982 (03-17-2019)
03-17-2019, 09:27 PM
#9
Racer
Depends on what your going to do. The Bilsteins are good for racing and autocross. I put KYB on my 79 for street driving and I did do autocross and they performed well enough for me. The biggest help I found was to put a strut brace in as well.
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Stevie1982 (03-17-2019)
03-17-2019, 09:34 PM
#10
AC/DELCO
https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...041185&jsn=470
https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...041185&jsn=469
https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...041185&jsn=470
https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...041185&jsn=469
Last edited by Gunfighter13; 03-17-2019 at 09:34 PM.
03-19-2019, 12:15 PM
#13
Le Mans Master
He has a stock GM base fiberglass rear mono spring so he really needs Bilstein "Sports" on the rear, without any hesitation. The "HD"'s are a bit soft for that spring.
03-19-2019, 12:59 PM
#14
Wow. I am amazed that 255/70R15's fit. The biggest on can put on the front of my 68 is 235/60R15....I used to have 245s but they rubbed (barely, but they did).
Here is a size comparison website. That 255/70r15 is quite tall.
https://tiresize.com/comparison/
Here is a size comparison website. That 255/70r15 is quite tall.
https://tiresize.com/comparison/
03-19-2019, 03:51 PM
#15
Le Mans Master
I too find it hard to believe you can clear 255/70's, especially up front. I'm running 255/60-15's all the way around on my '73 and the left front just touches the frame on full lock turns. Unless your shocks are totally shot, changing to a 225/70 or 255/60 will make more of an improvement in how your car rides than almost any shock you put on it currently.
I do like and use Bilsteins on all of my vehicles and have Bilstein Sports on my '73 convertible currently.
Good luck and do let us know how it works out... GUSTO
03-20-2019, 11:58 AM
#17
Melting Slicks
My 82 has the Gymkhana suspension and I have 255x60x15 all the way around which was stock for mine. I run Bilstein and have run them for over 18 years with no issues. I have these, Bilstein's old part numbers on these shocks was F4-B36-0946-H0 on the front and F4-B46-0956-H0 on the rear. New one is the B6 HD which is for stock spring height cars, the sports are for lowered cars and work the best for that and a stiffer ride. The HDs will not change the ride height of your car and a bit better ride without changing the handling. There were only two stock tires offerd for 82, 225x70x15 and the optional 255x60x15.
Last edited by Buccaneer; 03-20-2019 at 12:01 PM.
03-20-2019, 01:38 PM
#18
Melting Slicks
I also run Bilsteins and I think they ride much better than AC/Delco or Monroe. My 75 Vert had HD's with a glass spring on the back when I bought it and it was too bouncy for me. No bounce at all with my Sports and the ride is still good. I would go Hd front and Sport rear with the glass spring for cruising.
Mike
Mike