[elky] Rear Shocks
- From: Chris Lindh <chris@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: elky@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Wed, 26 Oct 2011 17:24:33 -0400
The drag strip adventure highlighted the need to replace the air shocks on
my '80. All along I had planned to install Bilstein HDs (~$60 each) as I
have in the front, but I'm wondering if that is a good choice if I decide to
continue drag racing.
I've researched shocks... there are a lot of options since GM used the same
basic shock in most rear wheel drive cars:
Standard replacement shocks are available as low as $18 each... the Chevelle
forum folks like the Monroe Sensa Tracs for a budget shock. The thought
behind using a budget shock is I can inflate the air bags to stiffen the
suspension if necessary. I plan to install the bags plumbed independently
so I can add more air to the right rear for traction. For some reason
Monroe does not list a Sensa Trac for the El Camino, but they do for a
Malibu (I believe the Malibu wagon has the same frame as an El Camino). AC
Delco shocks are also available for $18.
Drag shocks that can be installed with 70/30, 60/40 or 50/50 valving are
around $40 each, the downside is you have to disconnect one end of the shock
and rotate the shock body to change the setting. Also drag shocks will not
be good for handling, although the air bags could compensate.
Single adjustable shocks that can be converted to coil overs seem to run
$150+, double adjustable are up to $300... each! Single adjust able means
you change the compression and rebound simultaneously from soft to firm,
double means you can adjust each independently.
Lastly I have found some racers are using Rancho adjustable shocks (Rancho
is a truck shock company). Although there is no stated application for
passenger cars evidently it is as simple as removing the steel sleeve from
the bottom of the shock and it bolts right up (application from a '90 4WD
S10 for example). These are 9 way single adjustable and I can source them
for not much more than Bilsteins.
I'm debating between the standard replacement shocks and the Ranchos... I
may need to make a chart...
Your thoughts?
Chris
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