Shocking problem????? - Update!

[CUDA JAS]

Ok so I recently de-arched the rear springs in my 74 cuda...here is a link to the post with pics.

http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=105980.0

The old springs were reached over 25 years ago and had a leaf added.  I left the additional leaf in and had a spring shop de-arched them.  The spring rate is around 200 lbs per inch (based on me stepping on the springs while they were sitting on the ground and measuring the deflection).
When I took the car for a drive it rides really rough...it feels like it is bottoming out.  I climbed under and had my wife bounce the back end of the car and it moves a very little amount.  I can not see it hitting on anything, but it sounds like it is.  There is not even any bounce on the rebound!

There is lots of clearance between both the pinion snuber and the bumpstops.

I am guessing (HOPEING) the shocks are the problem.  The shocks on it are 23 year old parts store pieces.

I was looking at some QA1 double adjustable units...but holy $$$$   Any reasonable priced units out there anyone can suggest.  Car is 99% street driven.

Is it worth trying out a new set of Napa / Monroe units and see if it helps??

Jason

[roadman5312]

If its just street driven I don't see why a regular over the counter shock wouldnt be ok.

[ChallengerHK]

I would think that if the shocks were shot it would be more likely to bounce more, right? 

[anlauto]

Take the rear shocks out altogether and take it for a drive...

[anlauto]

Is the rear of the leaf spring hitting the frame rail ?

[crash340]

My car had some shop shocks fittted but it had a knock on bumps, shocks felt fine out of the car but with someone bounding the car and my hand on one of the shocks I could feel it knocking, something inside was not right, bought a set of KYB Gas from RockAuto, problem is now long gone and rides well.

[brads70]

Is it hitting on the pinion snubber?  What's " lots" of clearance?
Another thought... is the rear of the leaf/shackle  contacting the bumper bracket? It was hitting on mine but I used offset shackles ?

[BIGSHCLUNK]

Are the shocks extended to capacity. (not enuff travel??) 

[burdar]

Monroe shocks SUCK.  Double check for anything hitting and then put some good shocks on it.

[roadman5312]

Monroe shocks SUCK.  Double check for anything hitting and then put some good shocks on it.

                Just curious why you say that ?  Have a bad experiance ?

[RCCDrew]

I still believe it's the pinion snubber.

[turbo224]

I had rearched springs on the rear of my cuda and the hangers were hitting the rear valence. Might want to check your clearances there as well.

[dodj]

Take the rear shocks out altogether and take it for a drive...

Good idea.

Monroe shocks SUCK.  Double check for anything hitting and then put some good shocks on it.

Good for Grandma.
Also take a look at your exhaust. With the de-arched springs, maybe you are close to the over the axle pipes?
Once you replace the parts store monroes with a quality piece, you will not believe the difference. Shocks are really important but seem to be often overlooked as an upgrade item.

[Chryco Psycho]

My bet is you had longer shocks installed with the arced springs & now the shock is bottomed out internally instead of being in the middle of the travel so you need a shorter shock

[CUDA JAS]

Thanks for all the comments guys...I can not see where anything is hitting, including the exhaust.  in fac the rears suspension willonly move about two inches if I am lucky!

My bet is you had longer shocks installed with the arced springs & now the shock is bottomed out internally instead of being in the middle of the travel so you need a shorter shock

CP you could be right, but I would be surprised If I new enough to buy longer shocks back then, but who knows if they are even the right ones for the car!!

I think I will pull the shocks off and have a closer look at them.

Jason