Installing rear shocks

[old-school]

I need new shocks for the rear of my 73 Chally. I haven't decided on what brand i'm buying yet. What i'd like to know is where is the best place to jack the car so as to make the install easier. I've never changed them before so any advice that will make the job easier would be appreciated. I did notice that the top of the shock where it bolts looks like it's going to be hard to get to but i'm not really sure until i jack it up and get under there.

old-school

[MEK-Dangerfield]

There is no problem with jacking it up from the frame in front of the rear wheel. Heck, I'll even admit to useing the old bumper jack.   

The top of the shocks look tough, but there are body plugs inside your trunk that will give you better access to the bolts. If I can do it, anyone can!!   


  Mike

[old-school]

I was just looking at the Koni shocks in the summit catalog and i was wondering what is the difference between the single adjustment and double adjustment shocks? How do you adjust them and how do you know if they are adjusted right? Thanks

[NoMope Greg]

Word to wise, the rear shocks are easier if you have some help - someone in the trunk to help rethread the bolt and to hold a wrench while you use the ratchet.

The adjustability will be for compression (shock goes in) and rebound (shock goes out).  There is no "right" - there's only a "better or best" depending on what you're asking the car to do.  If you only use the car to cruise, there's no point in getting adjustable shocks at all.  If you're going to drag race or do some combination of cruising, racing and spirited driving on twisty roads, then get the adjustables, so that you can tune the rear for each type of use.  Me, I don't plan on doing anything except the occasional 1/8 mile drag and Camaro/Mustang/ricer kill,  so I just used plain ol' non-adjustable KYBs.

[Ravage]

Word to wise, the rear shocks are easier if you have some help - someone in the trunk to help rethread the bolt and to hold a wrench while you use the ratchet...

 

I just bought the cheapest shocks for my car and some clamp on coil overs give it a nice stance and ride.

[old-school]

I've probably settled on the edelbrock shocks. My next question is am i supposed to buy a separate hardware kit? Or just use all of the same hardware. Do the shocks come with any hardware? What is the norm when replacing shocks?

[matt63]

I did not get hardware with my cheap Monroes.  Just reuse the old stuff.

[NoMope Greg]

I did not get hardware with my cheap Monroes.  Just reuse the old stuff.

   If there isn't any damage to your old fasteners, then re-use them.

[e-tek]

Even the Resto shocks from Year One come without hardware - and now I can't find my originals!! And I remember putting all the washers and  scewing all the nuts back on in case....Argh!