Air shocks?

[66 bel]

Hi Everyone . Im working on a 66 Plymouth belvedere . I just put a new axle housing , leafsprings , shackle kit. I'm not happy with the height of the back of the car. ( Two Low) . Would it be smart to put air shocks on the back? If so what would be good shocks? Anything about pros and cons would appreciated. Thanks
Billy

 

[AR67GTX]

I have some on mine (Gabriels) that I run at fairly low pressure to bring the rear up about an inch. I ran air shocks on my 64 Ply back in the 60s for years without issue. But, I've been told this is unwise due to the rear shock brace member being inadequate to handle the additional stresses of air shocks. Although I haven't had any problems with them, I can't argue with their logic or cautions.

 

[66 bel]

Thanks ive had gabriels on a car years ago. I see that Summit has them . Thank you.

 

[thequickster]

I ordered some from summit , and have them aired up a lot , they seem to work fine, car rides rough but I don't mine, I will replace mine eventually but for what I wanted to do they worked

 

[Basket case]

air shocks are ok for a little lift. just don't put 100psi trying to raise the car a bunch, or it will eventually damage the shock cross member. I've run air shocks for 30+ years, at 45 psi and never had a problem.

 

[GetX'd]

I went thru this same issue a year ago or so. My thread drew a substantial response. Most people said no way to air shocks for a multitude of reasons. I was looking for about 2" of additional lift. Someone then recommended Summits Add a Leaf". They're basically a couple of half leafs that bolt right on to your leaf springs. They're very inexpensive at around $35 a set. Gave me the perfect lift I was looking for with none of the issues that people have with air shocks.

As noted call or search Summit Racing for them. I think they're made for trucks but a number of members on the site use them as I did. Nothing to lose.

 

[Car Nut]

I've run air shocks for 30+ years, at 45 psi and never had a problem.

I did the same 40 years ago with no problem.

 

[66 bel]

Is there something else that I could use other than air shocks?

 

[mmissile]

Low pressure in air-shocks, is a great way to change ride height/adjust suspension. Back in the 70's with all the cars jacked-up...My high-pressure air-shocks, ripped the shock crossmember outta my 71 Challenger. I made a 2X2 steel tube one, then bolted and welded it in. Some people say they don't work on a faster/powerful car. I beg to differ.....

The wagon has super-stock springs, air shocks on separate lines, and NO pinion snubber. It worked great.

 

[66 bel]

That's what I'm worried about . I just need to raise it a little I don't want to have to worry about making any kind of repairs

 

[Basket case]

you can get new springs, get your old ones re arched, or add a leaf or two.

 

[Cranky]

I'm surprised this thread hasn't brought in the ones that hate air shocks lol. I too have run air shocks since the early 70's on a number of cars without any problems. There were a couple cars that I maxed them out on and again, no problems. Used one car as a truck and even delivered a 383 to this guy with it. Max air and drop the engine into the spare tire well in a 67 Dart. Rode level all the way That I do NOT recommend! Also used them in drag racing and aired up the right side shock more than the left side for a bit of preload. Worked well with open rear ends too buy planting the right rear. Whatever you use them for, just use a separate line kit instead of tying them together with a T.

 

[Dako]

I put Gabriel's on mine when I finished up the restoration in 2012. Quick install, easy way to adjust height. No problems.

You gotta keep in perspective, any problems (cracking mounts) were likely seen on cars that were used (abused) back in the day as daily drivers...these days your mileage is probably like 'most' of the rest of us...only a fraction of what a daily driver sees.

 

[66 bel]

Ok thanks. I think they will work on my car. I will try them.

 

['68 Charger]

This guy likes them.