Removal of rear air shocks

[CudaJon]

Hello to the group,

I'm thinking of replacing my air shocks on my 73 Cuda.  They were on when I purchased the car last year.  Reading the threads on air shocks and actually experience the rough ride I think I can do better with respect to a better ride.  Looking underneath the car it would appear that I need to remove the muffler and heat shield to get at one of the two bolts for each shock. I never changed shocks before so looking for advice as to the best way to go about it.  Can I do this without removing the muffler/shield? Always thanks for all feedback!!

[burdar]

If you look inside the trunk, there will be two large orange rubber plugs in the trunk pan.  If you remove these plugs, you will have access to the upper shock bolts.  The shocks just use a regular bolt/nut.  You will have to hold one end while turning the other.  Probably be easiest with a helper.  One to hold a wrench on the bolt and another to run the ratchet inside the trunk.

Don't be surprised if the back end sags really low once the air shocks are removed.  These cars sat low from the factory even with brand new springs.  You can get new springs OR you can disassemble your spring packs and install and extra leaf in them.  If you aren't that experienced with working on cars, it would probably be easier if you just replaced the springs.

Also, air shocks are known for damaging the upper shock x-member.  I used to have a 73 Challenger with air shocks.  The x-member was completely separated from the frame rails due to the extra load from the air shocks.  Make sure you have a look at yours and have it repaired if needed.

[jim.k]

If you look inside the trunk, there will be two large orange rubber plugs in the trunk pan.  If you remove these plugs, you will have access to the upper shock bolts.  The shocks just use a regular bolt/nut.  You will have to hold one end while turning the other.  Probably be easiest with a helper.  One to hold a wrench on the bolt and another to run the ratchet inside the trunk.

Don't be surprised if the back end sags really low once the air shocks are removed.  These cars sat low from the factory even with brand new springs.  You can get new springs OR you can disassemble your spring packs and install and extra leaf in them.  If you aren't that experienced with working on cars, it would probably be easier if you just replaced the springs.

Also, air shocks are known for damaging the upper shock x-member.  I used to have a 73 Challenger with air shocks.  The x-member was completely separated from the frame rails due to the extra load from the air shocks.  Make sure you have a look at yours and have it repaired if needed.

my 73 has air shocks. good to know !

[CudaJon]

Burdar,

Thanks for the feedback!  I saw the plugs in the trunk, understand completely now in my mind how to remove the shock.  The springs look original but like you suggested will take a look with the new shocks.  As far as the x-member, I'm not quite sure about the location of this  but must be were the top of the shock is mounted and probably will be clearer to me once the shock is off to picture the X member and frame rail.   Thanks again - BTW recommend any good shock for Sunday rides??

[burdar]

I'm not quite sure about the location of this  but must be were the top of the shock is mounted

Yes, the shock x-member is where the upper shock bolts mount.  The x-member spans from frame rail to frame rail and is only held on by a few welds.  The x-member was never designed to support the weight of the body.  Air shocks or helper shocks(with a coil spring around the shock) put the vehicles weight onto that x-member.  The welds on my Challenger were broken and the x-member was loose under the car. 

As far as shocks are concerned, you get what you pay for.  If your car has its stock torsion bars, sway bars and leaf springs, just a cheap Monroe shock will get you by for awhile.  You should be able to find them for around $20 each.  Look on RockAuto.com and see if they are available from them.  They usually have really good prices.  When you start upgrading to larger/stiffer bars and springs, you really need good/expensive shocks.