Shock Absorbers

[Twins]

If the shocks are not pressured up (if you haven't checked or had to fill 'em, I would wager "not"), then the car won't drop any.

The 5-spring packs have a higher load rating, which results in a taller stance and firmer ride than the more common stock 4-spring packs. Most likely, whomever replaced the springs probably added the air shocks to get the old school raked look, and eventually realized they just could get better springs. Then replaced the springs then forgot about the air shocks - or, they realized they had to replace the springs when the air shocks quit holding air, and never replaced the air shocks themselves.

I would certainly think that anyone with the skills to replace the leaf springs wouldn't have been afraid to remove an air shock set-up... but you never know - they might've thought it was Original Equipment and more valuable or something.

I agree. The last owner seemed surprised when I pointed out the air shocks even though they had done a decent amount of other work to the car - like new front shocks. I'm assuming their mechanic saw no need to remove the air shocks in the rear if they were working. He was not a specialist with these cars and probably figured to leave well enough alone. Let me get home and see how much (if any) air is in the bladders. The shocks don't look beat up and the bladder part does not look compressed. My leaf springs don't looked arched by the way if that is the proper term. They look kind of flat. I counted them quickly last night. Looked like four large sections and a fifth much smaller section of metal on top. I'll double check the number for what it is worth.

Thank you all again for all your patience and advice. Wait until I start asking you about the mysterious rear end clunk the car has developed (local tranny shop says transmission and u joints are fine - rear might have some excessive lash) and some help with tuning the carb.

I checked and there was not enough air in there to register on a pressure gauge. Let out what was in there and the car sits about the same.

 

[detritusmaximus]

Air shocks had two purposes, neither of them good. Make that three and still not good. They were a way to increase some load carrying ability (although not really the right way to do that). They were a way to get a little clearance for your big fat rear 'drag' tires. And also as a crutch for worn out sagging springs. Since the air shock is pressurized it wants to exert force on the shock mounts, even when sitting still. Fluid shocks did not. So if they are aired up, they transmit more road shock into the chassis thru the upper shock mount. This is just like hammering on the shock mount.

I'd have a look at the spring shackles as well. Many people used taller shackles to compensate for sagging springs or to get tire clearance instead of new springs.

The perfect storm was big fat tall tires, air shocks set on 11 and tall spring shackles. It was the 70's and the automotive equivalent of platform shoes.

This should give an idea of the last statement (some questionable content ****, viewer beware):

http://upintherear.tumblr.com/

Of course, it might just be memory lane for some ....

 

[Mister 4x4]

I checked and there was not enough air in there to register on a pressure gauge. Let out what was in there and the car sits about the same.

Cool! So swapping in the new shocks shouldn't have any kind of negative effects at all... only smoother ride and peace of mind - good for you! ::thumb::

 

[Twins]

I checked and there was not enough air in there to register on a pressure gauge. Let out what was in there and the car sits about the same.

Cool! So swapping in the new shocks shouldn't have any kind of negative effects at all... only smoother ride and peace of mind - good for you! ::thumb::

That is what I am hoping for. Just have not looked at the topside of the shocks to make sure everything is ok up there. Ill find out Saturday morning! If all goes well I should end up with a smoother ride and definitely peace of mind. If all does not go well, I'll be posting on this board begging for help to fix someing I screwed up

Air shocks had two purposes, neither of them good. Make that three and still not good. They were a way to increase some load carrying ability (although not really the right way to do that). They were a way to get a little clearance for your big fat rear 'drag' tires. And also as a crutch for worn out sagging springs. Since the air shock is pressurized it wants to exert force on the shock mounts, even when sitting still. Fluid shocks did not. So if they are aired up, they transmit more road shock into the chassis thru the upper shock mount. This is just like hammering on the shock mount.

I'd have a look at the spring shackles as well. Many people used taller shackles to compensate for sagging springs or to get tire clearance instead of new springs.

The perfect storm was big fat tall tires, air shocks set on 11 and tall spring shackles. It was the 70's and the automotive equivalent of platform shoes.

This should give an idea of the last statement (some questionable content ****, viewer beware):

http://upintherear.tumblr.com/

Of course, it might just be memory lane for some ....

Indeed, in 1982 I had the perfect storm. A 68 Mustang that had clearly been abused but I loved it. And, it had air shocks, leaf spring helpers and ....L50 15 tires in the back. Those things were so wide that you could stand on them as they protruded from the rear wheel wells. When I got three nails in one I could not afford to replace that size tire and went with a 60 series I think. Calmed down the look of that car a bit. Oh, I did not mention the sidepipes, the large mural on the hood, the leaking rear main seal, and the list goes on.

 

[Twins]

Here's a shot where you can kind of see how the car sat with the air shocks

 

[detritusmaximus]

Nice color combo. I always did like the Grabber Blue.

You might get a better idea of how the car will sit without so much weight in the drivers seat, probably 3-4 inches of suspension compression right there.....

 

[Twins]

Nice color combo. I always did like the Grabber Blue.

You might get a better idea of how the car will sit without so much weight in the drivers seat, probably 3-4 inches of suspension compression right there.....

Thanks. It takes some getting used to but now I love it. Looks darker usually but

The photo was taken with a cell phone in very bright light

.

that kid couldn't compress a cotton ball. I keep trying to get her to

eat something more than chicken nuggets