Shock source/recommendatiom

[patrick66]

It's time for the Imperial to get some new shocks. The shocks on the car have probably been on it for at least 30 years and are quite worn. I have no particular favorite brand. My Coronet has KYB gas shocks, and they make it ride rather nice, but those shocks and the polyurethane bushings make the car "feel" the bumps more than stock. The Imperial has stock replacement bits in the front end and is not at all modified.

So, what are you guys with '58 - '66 Imperials running for shock absorbers? NOT interested in air bags or air shocks!

 

[CBODY67]

If you're going to rebuild the front end, use quality rubber bushings. Many people seem to love the polyurethane suspension bushings for their better steering response and such, but their impact harshness absorption characteristics are minimal, as noted.

At this point in time, the KYBs might be a good choice. I'm not a fan of the Monroe "slotted bore" shocks, personally, "SensaTrac" is what I believe they were called initially.

In looking around on rockauto.com, it seems that you can still get the 1" bore shocks, but the better ones are the old "HD" 1.375" bore shocks. Monroe was the supplier of the OEM shocks, even the HD versions. If they didn't have "Monroe" stamped on them, "MAECO" (Monroe Auto Equipment Co.) was the stamping. These shocks probably have a "gas shock" version now, but the gas pressure is very low, I suspect lower than the KYBs by a bit. NOT a big influence on the ride quality. I would hope that Monroe hasn't messed with the orig valving through all of these years, but there's no way to really know. Their old Super 500 HD shocks were some great shocks, back then.

Look around in rockauto.com to see what's out there and check the specs, then go to the individual manufacturers' websites and look around. Shop well and let us know how it turns out.

CBODY67

 

[1978 NYB]

Bilstein - KYB - Rancho - Monroe - KONI Shocks and Struts - Shockwarehouse.com

 

[polara71]

Stay away from the Bilsteins if you want a smooth ride . I have these in my 70. While it holds the corners you feel the road.

 

[BigblueC]

Stay away from the Bilsteins if you want a smooth ride

Can you clarify about the difference? Would you say that Bilsteins just remove/limit the "float" or are are you saying it's more of a slammed car, no suspension kind of ride?

 

[MarPar]

 

[CBODY67]

Chryslers, with (what used to be) a good HD shock, were NOT about "float", but firm smoothness. "Float" was what GMs did, back then.

I never did get any for a Chrysler, but it was said somewhere years ago, that the best shock for a Chrysler (like in the '60s and later) was KONI. Reason was that the guy that owned the company drove Chryslers, so they got more attention to their turning than shocks for others brands might have. Never did confirm that, though.

I have used KONIs on my '77 Camaro for many years. The work well on that car, BUT tire choice can make them act differently! I started with BFG Radial T/As on it, then went to a Pirelli P77. The Pirellis were smoother tires and were also "H" speed rated, with assymetrical tread and compounding. A "low bounce" rubber, they claimed. Those tires absorbed so much of the little road imperfections that the valving must have thought they were on smooth Interstates all of the time. I never could get them adjusted firm/stiff enough! When I went back to the Radial T/As, that gutsy feel returned, which was what I liked. Smooth then they needed to be, stiffer when they needed to be. And they were adjustable, too! I saw some listings for a '66 Chrysler application once, but never did order any.

I had a friend who put Bilsteins on his '77 Z/28 and it was strange, compared to the KONIs, it was softer riding, but easier to make the rear end slide in a corner. Weird!

I put some Gabriel Striders on the front of the '66 Newport, back in '73 and they worked great. Still had the Chrysler HD shocks on the rear. Adjusted them one click "firm" and they were fantastic in ride and handling. But they left the market years ago. Those shocks are still on it, as it "lays in wait".

In one respect, I'd be inclined to put some Monroes on it and call it a day. They'll be decent, at least. The "Monroe-Matic" would be the choice, I believe. Seems they've all got the larger piston size now. Otherwise, some KYBs.

In the last couple of years, everybody's advertising "speed-sensitive damping", which is what the valving does anyway. Kind of makes me wonder if they're all not the same internally, other than the KYBs, anyway.

CBODY67

 

[polara71]

Can you clarify about the difference? Would you say that Bilsteins just remove/limit the "float" or are are you saying it's more of a slammed car, no suspension kind of ride?

To be clear the whole suspension was replaced on the car except the torsion bars. I added the Firm Feel rear sway bar and went to Bilsteins on all 4s. I have no float, I have no sway. The car does not lean in a turn which is nice but you also feel the road. You feel all the joints of a concrete road. You feel all the joints on a bridge. It is a much harsher ride. I do however prefer the way she is over what she was.

 

[patrick66]

Looks like I'm going to go with A1 Shocks in Colorado. They can "build" a shock for anything from 1937-up. They modify the valving somehow to fit the way you desire the car to ride. They also rebuild steering boxes and other suspension components. They are a little pricey at $250.00/4, but you're getting more than shocks that "might work" from a parts store.

 

[live4theking]

So, Patrick how are these shocks working out for you.

 

[cbarge]

I found on E bay some NORS shocks from back in the day to experience the REAL ride of my C..lol
I found the exact "old school" oil filled shocks that she had.
To be honest,the gas charged Monroes are too harsh.
With modern day radial tires set at 32 PSI,these shock work great

 

[patrick66]

"Pleasurizer"...sounds like a sex toy!

Haven't ordered them yet, waiting til after I get the aluminum wheels on the Corvette powder-coated.

 

[CBODY67]

The old Monroe Super 500s were good. The Monroe Radial-Matics that replaced them aren't as firm, it seems, but I think they've been replaced by Sensa-Tracs?

CBODY67

 

[cbarge]

Sensatracs I found too harsh. I love the old KYB Gas-a-Just that were on my 68 Nyer.

 

[CBODY67]

• What tires and tire pressures? Just curious as I put them on the front of my '67 Newport and they were softer than I wanted with BFG Advantage T/As. A little more float for a HD shock, I thought.

CBODY67

 

[cbarge]

• What tires and tire pressures? Just curious as I put them on the front of my '67 Newport and they were softer than I wanted with BFG Advantage T/As. A little more float for a HD shock, I thought.

CBODY67

2357015 GT Radial Max Touring set at 32 psi. If you are running a 2257515 or 2357515 run them at 35 psi.Hope this helps.

 

[CBODY67]

Thanks. I have some n24570ow-ancient BFG Advantage T/As in P245/70x14 on '65 T&C 14x6.5 wheels. Usually at 30/28 f/r.
CBODY67

 

[cbarge]

Thanks. I have some n24570ow-ancient BFG Advantage T/As in P245/70x14 on '65 T&C 14x6.5 wheels. Usually at 30/28 f/r.
CBODY67

2457014?? wow there's a size that went with the do-do bird...

 

[330dTA]

I cast my vote for Konis.

From left to right: KYB, NOS Oriflow, and Koni 80-1011. Some manufacturing needed on the latter one, though. The bottom bushing needs to be changed due to size, the top cap will have to be removed (by cutting off the top lenk), and a new piece (a bolt) will have to be welded to the top.

I took both the Oriflow and the Koni to a shock dyno:

The old (NOS) Oriflow turned out to be a surprisingly good shock absorber. Much better than the KYB I took to dyno some time ago, but different in character from the Koni.

 

[78Brougham]

I've got the KYB's on the left on my '67 LeBaron. I think their great. Shockwarehouse.
I've bought a bunch of shocks from them. Never had an issue.