Front /rear shocks..?

[Xp29h]

I've got a question or two for FBBO. I've searched old threads for good shocks for a 69 charger.. From what I found many choices given but I'm curious how the brands given have worked out and what might now be considered a good choice for my application.. Hotchkis, qa1. Bilstein, Viking, Kyb, other??

I don't want to spend a ton of cash searching with trial and error, if I can help it....

I'm trying to not make this a loaded question!

My car is a 69 charger base. 383 h code stock suspension and the shocks are kyb on front and air adjust on back. It rides like crap even for a 40+ year old car. It can do better! I don't race at the track, I cruise around and give it the gas once in awhile. Ok...most of the time. It doesn't bounce around now but hits bumps pretty hard. I would like something that is much better than factory type, it if not a factory car anymore..

I tried to give as much info as I could...
What are the thoughts / suggestions out there? Many choices..

 

[alsant]

Bilstein are great shocks , I plan to put them on my car over the winter. They are not cheap but.

 

[Xp29h]

Have you decided on particular model?

 

[Dennis H]

Bilsteins. All corners. Best $400 ever spent. Transformed.

 

[benno440]

Bilstein and viking only i would use.

I have bilstein's in my 4wd and viking in my charger
i had qa1's and they shat themselves and not very nice ride
KYB i have no experience on.

viking have 1 million mile warranty on there shocks ad there cheap

 

[440beep]

Likewise, got the Bilsteins from P-S-T.com and awesome shocks. Car rides so much better!!!! And hooks up well too!!! Don't forget your PST discount code when ordering too.

 

[CoronetDarter]

Bilsteins. All corners. Best $400 ever spent. Transformed.

X2. Get 'em from PST and 10% member discount gets your 4 for less than $400 and free shipping. Whatever you do, get rid of those air shocks.

 

[Xp29h]

X2. Get 'em from PST and 10% member discount gets your 4 for less than $400 and free shipping. Whatever you do, get rid of those air shocks.

Oh yes the air shock stink and are on the list.. Getting all 4 at once. They have to go!

Thanks everyone! I think bilsteins are on the list...adding in the discount, even better!

 

[Xp29h]

As a follow up... Just ordered the 4shock bilstein kit from p-s-t! Under 4 bills delivered. Can't beat that..

Thanks again all!

By the time they get here, Ill be back to work next week so it will be next weekend before they go on but I'll keep you posted!

 

[kb67mopar]

I just put kyb gas-a-just shocks on all 4 corners. $125 for all 4 and I couldn't be happier.

Nobody should EVER run air shocks. With those you might as well just get rid of the leaf springs and mount the axle to an I beam....that's about how much give they have.

 

[Xp29h]

I just put kyb gas-a-just shocks on all 4 corners. $125 for all 4 and I couldn't be happier.

Nobody should EVER run air shocks. With those you might as well just get rid of the leaf springs and mount the axle to an I beam....that's about how much give they have.

I looked at kyb and that's what is on the front now. They don't do much if anything..a lot of folks use kyb and love them, I just thought I'd try the bilsteins as I've heard great things about them. As far as the back air shocks, I agree!! They were there when I got the car and were on the list to do quickly but engine and ignition ended jumping up the priority list, but now as soon as they arrive and I have some time off...they are first on the list..

Thanks!!

 

[kb67mopar]

I looked at kyb and that's what is on the front now. They don't do much if anything..a lot of folks use kyb and love them, I just thought I'd try the bilsteins as I've heard great things about them. As far as the back air shocks, I agree!! They were there when I got the car and were on the list to do quickly but engine and ignition ended jumping up the priority list, but now as soon as they arrive and I have some time off...they are first on the list..

Thanks!!

Yep my car had them on it too. I sold em almost immediately. I drove it around a little bit aroudn town with no shocks...its amazing how much having them helps! These kyb's I bought give it a firm ride but still comfortable. I'd dare to say it rides better then some modern cars I have been in.

 

[CoronetDarter]

As a follow up... Just ordered the 4shock bilstein kit from p-s-t! Under 4 bills delivered. Can't beat that..

Thanks again all!

By the time they get here, Ill be back to work next week so it will be next weekend before they go on but I'll keep you posted!

FWIW, the FSM instructs you to secure the top bolt first and then slide the bottom of the shock over the mounting stud. Those Bilsteins are pretty firm and when I tried it that way the bottom of the shock was cocked at just enough of an angle that it wouldn't go on. I even used a floor jack to raise the leaf springs a little. I then started from the bottom and got 'em installed in 15 minutes.

 

[Xp29h]

Will do! Thanks for the tip. I'm sure that would have irritated me just a little!

 

[CoronetDarter]

Sure thing. Of course i don't have those pesky components like a gas tank and exhaust system getting in my way lol.

 

[Xp29h]

Sure thing. Of course i don't have those pesky components like a gas tank and exhaust system getting in my way lol.

Hmmmm that is a thought... I'll be prepared! Thanks again!

 

[edgey]

What's the discount code I just ordered front end kit could have saved 40 bucks. Have to order shocks yet thou.

 

[dangina]

because your mostly stock - bilstiens. anything above would be a waste of money until you start upgrading it all like sway bars, torsion bars, ect ect

 

[Xp29h]

Update! Oh my! The air ride is gone and the new rear bilsteins are in! Wasn't easy but coronetdarter's suggestion of the bottom on first then the top was really key. It goes against the FSM but the way to go for sure.

I'm real curious about the front. I went to pull out front shock but couldn't because the tie rod end links were in the way of the lower shock bold removal. That didn't t seem right to me but it was how it was. Here's a pic if the setup before I took it apart. I have new links coming! I did find the passenger side shock stuck. It would not compress at all! Not good!

The new issue is the new bilsteins don't really fit that well in the lower mount! What a pain!

Any suggestions on front set up why the end links are in the way. Nothing would surprise me with this car! Lol

Thanks for the vent!

 

[HEMI-ITIS]

Depending on the power level,the more power,,,,,,,the more shock you need.
I went with the Vikings,great product and fantastic customer service:icon_thumright: