ride height

[Arillious]

sorry guys, but i have a question that may seem like a dumb one.

what determines ride height; springs or shock absorbers? i ask because i've been confused on this for a while. my challenger has some adjustable (air controlled) shock absorbers, and all i need to do is put some air in them (like a bicycle wheel) to make the back higher or lower.

thanks if you can help

[Capt Jack]

normally, my understanding is springs control height, shocks control rebound/suspension movement.

air shocks however, can be used to adjust height, but its not really recommended.  when the shocks control height, they also take the burden of weight causing undue stress on other components not designed for such forces.

[Jim_Lusk]

normally, my understanding is springs control height, shocks control rebound/suspension movement.

air shocks however, can be used to adjust height, but its not really recommended. when the shocks control height, they also take the burden of weight causing undue stress on other components not designed for such forces.

Correct, but air shocks were very common in the 70s and 80s to get the back end up.

[Capt Jack]

dont I know it.  hate to admit, knowing full well the problems they cause...that nearly every hot rod I owned in the 80's had em.  mostly because I couldnt afford to it right.  drove around in what looked like a stink bug in full attack mode most times.   

even the duster I have now still has the filler valve in place....although the shocks arent there anymore.

ah memories.  nothing like cruising down the freeway at 80 and having one of those suckers blow out.   

[Arillious]

thanks guys on my barracuda the shocks have springs... like a spring with a shock through it... the car still has leaf springs. what's the deal with that? i didn't install any of this stuff. the cars came this way. are the spring shocks old style shocks or somethin?

[68_Val_Sedan]

Those are helper springs over the shocks .... a true JC Whitney add on ....

[Arillious]

aahh thanks Val

[fourspeed]

Those are helper springs over the shocks .... a true JC Whitney add on ....

Yep. Helper shocks were used when your leaf springs were sagging and you couldn't afford, or weren't capable of, replacing them. Yes, I have been there. I think I got mine at Sears or Farm & Fleet.

There was a kit to put them on regular shocks. That was a bad idea because they clamped to the shock with an exhaust clamp. You can imagine the effect on the shock tube.

Then there was the "quality" ones like I had, that were designed from the start as a whole shock/spring assembly. If you don't ask too much of them, they do ok. I think they were only rated for 500# or so.

[PureGTS]

Lose those and your ride quality will go through the roof! It's amazing what folks will do to "fix" their sagging rear springs. I have always enjoyed the 10" shackles sticking out from under mid 60's Mustangs.     The only thing funnier to me is 22's on a Honda Accord.  I had to ask where the light bar and winches were located!