Shocks and leafs

69clone · Jul 10, 2010

Hey guys,
I'm looking to replace my shot air shocks. I was wondering if anyone wanted to recommend some? I was also wondering about changing my leaf springs? Depending on the type those will help rake it, right? I was looking at drag racing ones for the rear but i wasn't sure how those would be in a daily driver? Also mopar leafs they raise up during the launch or do they dig in? I can't remember... Anyways! I'm just wondering what you guys thought.
Thanks!
~Nick

dodge41969 · Jul 11, 2010

just get the Mopar Performance heavy duty 440/Hemi style leaf springs,
and don't forget to get new shackle bushings,they already have the front bushings pressed in, and some decent shocks, I have KYB's on my Coronet (see photo)

DO NOT get the Super Stock springs!

MarPar · Jul 11, 2010

dodge41969 said:
just get the Mopar Performance heavy duty 440/Hemi style leaf springs,
and don't forget to get new shackle bushings,they already have the front bushings pressed in, and some decent shocks, I have KYB's on my Coronet (see photo)

DO NOT get the Super Stock springs!

What's the downfall of SS leafs (6 on left and 8 on right, right)? Only reason I ask is, I have a brand new set, with bushings, that i could put on my GTX. She really doesn't need 'em yet, but i got da parts and thought, what da hell? :popcorn:

Thanks for lettin' me steal a question, Nick...

BTW i love the fatty rear rims and tires you have on your Coronet, Dodge...

72 Charger SE · Jul 11, 2010

69clone said:
Hey guys,
I'm looking to replace my shot air shocks. I was wondering if anyone wanted to recommend some? I was also wondering about changing my leaf springs? Depending on the type those will help rake it, right? I was looking at drag racing ones for the rear but i wasn't sure how those would be in a daily driver? Also mopar leafs they raise up during the launch or do they dig in? I can't remember... Anyways! I'm just wondering what you guys thought.
Thanks!
~Nick

I would ditch the air shocks entirely. Unless your upper shock mounts have been reinforced, you are putting a load on a point of the car not designed to carry a heavy load.

For springs, it depends on what you are planning on doing. Stay with the factory style leafs if you are planning on a daily driver. Use the SS springs if you are planning on mainly drag racing and need them to help with weight transfer. If you go with SS springs, you will also need longer rear shocks, since the body lift when the car launches can overextend your shocks. SS springs are probably overkill for a 318 car unless you really have it built.

hunt2elk · Jul 11, 2010

The Mopar Performance 440/HEMI springs and standard KYB shocks gave me the look I like without the problems of air shocks. I think these springs raised the rear about 1/2 inch over the factory ones.

69clone · Jul 11, 2010

Thanks guys,
Not sure if my mounts are reinforced.
I'll look at those performance 440/hemi springs. I'd really want alot more then 1/2" lift. I was thinking like 3" or so. Anyone know what will give me a little more height? btw nice Coronet!

Edit: Sorry guys i just realised i didn't put in the first post that i was going for the rake look...

Cranky · Jul 11, 2010

You do realize that raising the rear will negatively affect handling, right? It also reduces traction.

69clone · Jul 11, 2010

Well when i fill my air shocks (raises about 3") i never notice much of a difference with handling. Didn't realise it would reduce traction?

Cranky · Jul 11, 2010

69clone said:
Well when i fill my air shocks (raises about 3") i never notice much of a difference with handling. Didn't realise it would reduce traction?

3" is a pretty big change and your front end alignment will be affected too with the cater angle probably being the one most affected. Maybe you don't drive hard enough to notice....man, if the tires ain't cryin, I'm not pushing it hard enough lol

69clone · Jul 11, 2010

I usually don't since I drive mostly on base and speedlimits only 15-35mph with cops everywhere lol but ya it might be idk I just like the rake look and I know I can't really lower the front since the headers hit pulling in the driveway.

dodge41969 · Jul 13, 2010

MarPar said:
What's the downfall of SS leafs (6 on left and 8 on right, right)? Only reason I ask is, I have a brand new set, with bushings, that i could put on my GTX. She really doesn't need 'em yet, but i got da parts and thought, what da hell? Thanks for lettin' me steal a question, Nick...

BTW i love the fatty rear rims and tires you have on your Coronet, Dodge...

the super stock springs were designed for drag racing use,
they weren't meant to carry any load, passengers etc., they will work but the rear of the car will sit kinda high,and they could be a little "springy" on bumps.

Thank you on your comment on my Coronet.

morbidgoat · Jul 17, 2010

if your just looking to jack up the rear of the car go to your local autozone or whatever your parts store is and ask if they have any type of leaf spring lift kits or longer drop shackles i got these from autozone for i think about $40

69clone · Jul 17, 2010

Hmm Thanks! That's pretty cool. So i could have to about normal height but when i go to a show or something i can raise it. Never seen those... Now do they seem sturdy? Also now those who said to ditch the air shocks unless it's built to hold the weight? I was looking under there today and i just don't know what i am suppose to see... But that lift spring kit might work...

dodge41969 · Jul 19, 2010

morbidgoat said:
if your just looking to jack up the rear of the car go to your local autozone or whatever your parts store is and ask if they have any type of leaf spring lift kits or longer drop shackles i got these from autozone for i think about $40

This I wouldn't recommend,
no offense, it just wouln't handle very well.

iraqivet01 · Jul 19, 2010

dodge41969 said:
This I wouldn't recommend.

Ditto. it makes a cool car look cheap.
Air shocks and shackles went out in the early 80's.
If your going for the old school look, HD springs from summit racing will raise your car up, Not 3", but anything too high, your handling and tracken goes to crap.

69clone · Jul 19, 2010

Alright, thanks guys
How hard is it to change the leafs? Should i change the shocks at the same time or which one first? I mean my leaf's seem fine should i replace the shocks first since they're shot?

morbidgoat · Jul 20, 2010

i know ill lose some handling with mine up like this i actually did it out of necessity (wrong back spacing of rims) but i thought 69clone said he'd mostly be putting around at like 15 to 35mph. at those speeds you would never notice.

as for clones question about what to do first, just simply changing the shocks to non air shocks wont help your ride hieght at all. so you'll have a better ride over those speed bumps but no hieght gain.

what makes you say your leafs are good after all if they are original thats over 40 years of wear on them. with your car sitting on the ground do you have a good arch in your springs or are they kinda sitting flat

trip · Jul 20, 2010

I'm going out on limb here, but the simplest thing to do is keep the springs you got, throw on pair of air shocks, adjust them when you want the rake, or let the ir out to take her down - its simple, cheap, and we all did it in high school, and no one cared bout
loss of handling - just like turning up the torsion bars. air shocks make the car ride hard and crappy, true, but if you don't drive her much, and just want to take her to the DQ-
its fine.

Shocks and leafs

69clone

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dodge41969

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MarPar

If it weighs, it pays

72 Charger SE

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hunt2elk

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69clone

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Cranky

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69clone

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