[elky] Re: Rear Shocks
- From: Chris Lindh <chris@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: elky@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Thu, 27 Oct 2011 10:37:40 -0400
The 4 wheel drive guys swear by the Bilsteins, which are a mono tube design,
and the Ranchos aren't as good because they are a twin tube design.
When I replaced the shocks & struts on the Volvo I chose Bilstein without
hesitation and it handles great. I did replace the cargo coils with
standard wagon springs, the cargo coils seemed to make the ride harsh.
The only reason I'm considering other shocks is I would think a firm
Bilstein shock would not allow weight transfer like a soft shock would.
That said if I were to try a pair of 15" wheels and slicks that would
probably help traction more than suspension changes. From what I'm reading
on the Chevelle forums if you race with a manual it is best to use a bias
ply slick tire, the drag radials aren't sticky enough.
One great reason to race an El Camino: you can carry your spare parts in the
bed!
This is interesting, evidently Hotchkis puts their own valving in
Bilsteins: "Tuned in house and manufactured by Bilstein TM this shock
offers a seamless transition between comfort and control."
http://www.hotchkis.net/rear_hps_1000_shockm_gm_agb_body.html
On Wed, Oct 26, 2011 at 5:40 PM, John Christensen <johncgg@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
> I have said it before, and I'll say it again ... Nothing is better than
> Billsteins and air bags in the back of an Elky. I have tried 4 different set
> ups.
>
> If you go adjustable, the rancho sounds like a better deal. You may use the
> adjustability. The Billsteins are dynamically adjusting (according to what I
> have read). I don't know how they know howe to work just right, but they do.
>
>
> JC
>
> On Wed, Oct 26, 2011 at 4:24 PM, Chris Lindh <chris@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>wrote:
>
>> 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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