Air Shocks revisited

[Glennster]

I know that most of you you guys have warned against Air Shocks, but I'm still considering them for a few reasons. I've just got a little 318 and I don't drive the car too hard at all. No holeshots, no drag racing, just cruising. Would Air Shocks be OK for this application, or am I just peeing into the wind?

[Chryco Psycho]

IMO  no our roads are rough & just cruising pounds the suspension , as said before the crossmember is not very heavy & is not designed to take the loads air shocks put on it , I have seen cars with the shock holes worn oval & you can generally tell if the car had air shocks on it for a while , besides the cost of an extra leaf , new center bolts & even new U bolts is not signifiacntly more than the cost of air shocks

[hemiken]

The main problem with airshocks is all in the installation. people have been fitting airshocks for years and i bet 99% or even more have been fitted incorrectly.  The reason that air shocks are fitted incorrectly is because they are sold as a kit and extra bits are needed.

When air shocks are installed incorrectly, they will dispurse air from one shock to the other when cornering unless they are over inflated.  In the kit you will find enough air line to connect the air shocks to one common air valve, here is where the problem lies, a shock can not have a controlled air support if it is not contained with in that one unit.  Having the common air valve, air is pushed from one shock to the other shock when cornering because of wieght.

This can be eliminated by having individual air valves per shock as single units, that is two air valves for a pair of shocks.  You can controll the amount of air that  is needed, but will need an air gauge for equal air pressure when filling.

End of the day it will be your decision which way to go. But remember never over load the air shocks as you can do damage to the cars suspension, as it will act as a solid rear if enough air is pumped in to the shocks themselves.

[Bullitt-]

Don't do it, spending good money for a temporary fix...  get an add-a-leaf

http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=44537.0

[matt63]

I threw my air shocks out this summer as they made the car ride bad.  IIRC they were very expensive and probably as much as the add a leaf and half the price of a new leaf set.

[Super Blue 72]

I had an '81 5th Ave that had a saggy butt and add the Superior full lenth add a leaf for like $30 since I was a poor teenager and it lifted the car up 1-2" and gave the car noticeable better handling.   

My Challenger ride height is good now and the factory leaf springs are decent but I might add a full length leaf to give it a little more rake.  You can go to most local parts stores and find them in the suspension isle with the truck stuff, still around $30 or so.

[Glennster]

You guys continue to use things like logic and real life experience to help me, I've been watching the news too much lately with the election and all. I 'm not used to a sound thought process like this.
Thanks, I appreciate the help. Add A Leaf it will be! ! ! !

[Bullitt-]

We Are Looking Out For You.   

[Glennster]

Much appreciated Sir! ! !

[hemiken]

  air systems are good on the right application.

E-body Mopars do not come under this catagory because of the week crossmember design.

[Aussie Challenger]

     Hemikens explaination is right if air shockers are being installed for lifting and performance.   
  Most air shockers were installed by manufacturers as a boost for the rear springs when a heavy load was being applied like a trailer, hot rodders got hold of them and changed the springing action.   
  They shouldn't be used as a permanent solution, that is all the time, it messes up the spring rates at the rear of the car and damages the frame/floor or the top mounting point.      

[DAYLEY/CHALLENGER]

I guess I better revisit my set up.   When I bought the car it had air shocks.   I haven't changed them and keep them pumped up snug.  I only cruise and don't do any hard driving.   It will bark the tires easily in second and the ride is smooth.    Unless I start having trouble with them....I think I will leave them be.  There is one air valve so I do understand the air balance issue.  A lot of good info..........

[73Chally]

I'm with Dayley on this one.  Our car has had air shocks for 20+ years (same set) with zero problems.  I just put in XHD springs last year, and the whole rear suspension was apart and there was no warpage or other damage to the shock mounts, etc, so I put them back in.  At some point I am going to get a set of Espo springs, or custom made because I do not like the MP springs I bought (this has been covered by many others before), and I will replace them then, but otherwise they are fine.  Maybe the older ones were made better  ?

[hemiken]

I don't see any problems with the newer air shocks.  it all comes down to how you drive and the installation is a big factor.  For best results with air shocks, they should have their own individual valving, simple as that.

[Moparal]

If your not going to carry aload, why the air shocks?  Rear shocks are a pain to put on as it is. You get a better feeling ride with hydraulic/gas shocks anyways. Don't you have an 8 1/4 rearend in your car?  I'd just go for a good premium built shock and be happy with that. 

keep it simple, your not towing a trailer/boat or loading the trunk down. An ebody is very light weight in the back.