Re: upgrade shocks for an a body
[Re: karengarneau]
#2425730
12/30/17 12:29 PM
12/30/17 12:29 PM
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 14,889 up yours
Supercuda
About to go away
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About to go away
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 14,889
up yours
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Ah, the good old Moparts ignore the question answers.
Not looking to spend a ton of $$$ so right off suggest a $400 set of Konis. 4x the proce of a set of stock replacements or even KYB's
Says wants to stay stock, so let's suggest a bunch of suspension upgrades.
PAY ATTENTION
A BBM said, it's probably the alignment. I've had A bodies for years and the only time they ever felt wandery was with bias plies or a bad alignment, note he said the suspension is all new so no worn parts.
They say there are no such thing as a stupid question. They say there is always the exception that proves the rule. Don't be the exception.
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Re: upgrade shocks for an a body
[Re: Supercuda]
#2425769
12/30/17 01:37 PM
12/30/17 01:37 PM
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Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 16,189 Mesa, Arizona
dart4forte
I Live Here
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I Live Here
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 16,189
Mesa, Arizona
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I start with a good set of KYBs. Good shocks for a street car and inexpensive. If my bushings are good as is the rest of the suspension I usually upgrade the sway bar bushings. Polygrahite is a good replacement for the rubber. Grease them up so they don't squeak. With those two mods you'll notice a differance in handling and ride.
From there, sky is the limit.
“So if it’s on the internet it must be true”
Abe Lincoln
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Re: upgrade shocks for an a body
[Re: AndyF]
#2425770
12/30/17 01:38 PM
12/30/17 01:38 PM
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Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 16,189 Mesa, Arizona
dart4forte
I Live Here
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I Live Here
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 16,189
Mesa, Arizona
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Firm Feel has the Bilstein shocks. Summit has Koni shocks. The Koni shocks will fit okay up front but the rears will not bolt on. I had to make my own shock plates in order to mount the Koni shocks in the rear. Say Andy, that's an interesting endlink setup for your sway bar.
“So if it’s on the internet it must be true”
Abe Lincoln
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Re: upgrade shocks for an a body
[Re: karengarneau]
#2425782
12/30/17 01:55 PM
12/30/17 01:55 PM
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 3,886 Lost and Spaced
bboogieart
master
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master
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 3,886
Lost and Spaced
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"I upgraded to a 5spd trans and now at interstate speeds I find the car is a little loose. front end is all new as are the tires, replaced bushings etc. its just now that I can easily maintain 75/85mph the car wants to wander a little"
Sounds more like alignment then shocks to me. New parts doesn't mean good alignment.
I have mechanical Aptitude. I can screw up anything.
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Re: upgrade shocks for an a body
[Re: karengarneau]
#2425789
12/30/17 02:04 PM
12/30/17 02:04 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,405 Pikes Peak Country
TC@HP2
master
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master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,405
Pikes Peak Country
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Agree with latest posts...sounds like you need more caster. But... you didn't say what size tire you have on the front. Wider tires do tend to tram more than skinnier tires. If you have a loosish steering box and stock alignment, wider tires will produce this feel. In any case, the additional caster produces several effects; it stabilizes the car at speed, it increases steering effort slightly to provide more feedback, it improves return to center characteristics.
In my experience, gas charged Monroe and Gabriels work fine with stock suspension rates and a an improvement over stock style oil shocks. Step up rates and you will need to step up shock control. Now, that isn't to say that Koni and Bilsteins won't improve the ride, they definetely will. Its akin to the difference of wearing Converse All Stars compared to a custom fitted $400 running shoe. But if you aren't ready to go there, try alignment changes first.
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Re: upgrade shocks for an a body
[Re: Supercuda]
#2425807
12/30/17 02:22 PM
12/30/17 02:22 PM
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Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 4,483 Morristown Tn.
71birdJ68
master
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master
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 4,483
Morristown Tn.
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Back off a little, first words out of his mouth were shock up grade. He has box store shocks now, and wants something better. I take for granted the front end is good cause he didn't say anything about it. To me, when one shock cost $200, then I think a $95 Koni is a better deal, and a better shock than a sore shock.
Last edited by 71birdJ68; 12/30/17 09:54 PM.
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Re: upgrade shocks for an a body
[Re: 71birdJ68]
#2425810
12/30/17 02:27 PM
12/30/17 02:27 PM
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 3,886 Lost and Spaced
bboogieart
master
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master
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 3,886
Lost and Spaced
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I take for granted the front end is good cause he didn't say anything about it. New parts, doesn't mean the alignment is correct. I never heard of shocks causing the front end to wander.
I have mechanical Aptitude. I can screw up anything.
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Re: upgrade shocks for an a body
[Re: karengarneau]
#2425929
12/30/17 05:05 PM
12/30/17 05:05 PM
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 3,886 Lost and Spaced
bboogieart
master
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master
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 3,886
Lost and Spaced
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Car should remain stable. Side to side is not a shock issue. Shocks control up and down (bouncing) movement. I still say it isn't your shocks.
One way to check would be to replace 'em I guess.
Road conditions and automotive knowledge has come a long way since your car was designed.
I would suggest you have a "GOOD" shop due a performance alignment designed for your intended use.
I have mechanical Aptitude. I can screw up anything.
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Re: upgrade shocks for an a body
[Re: 340Cuda]
#2426311
12/31/17 02:22 PM
12/31/17 02:22 PM
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Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 36,041 Lincoln Nebraska
RapidRobert
Circle Track
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Circle Track
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 36,041
Lincoln Nebraska
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Bennoel you might call em & see if they have a sheet on what they set it to.
live every 24 hour block of time like it's your last day on earth
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