New Shocks for the TA

[challengermaniac]

I read through a lot of earlier posts regarding shocks and didn't find exactly what I was looking for.  I have a 70 Challenger TA.  It has air shocks in the rear, but I have since deflated them and had the leaf springs re-arched +2 inches and the stance is now PERFECT.  I think I want either Monroe or Edlebrock, possibly Gabriel's (80 each range) but don't want my ride heigth to change.  Application is for nice street performance, not serious track work.  What are your thoughts, specific part number/names & where to buy?
     

[brads70]

I bought new Bilsteins RCD's from Hotchkis $100 each, $400 total. Just installing them now so I haven't tried them out.
http://www.hotchkis.net/rcd_shocks_dodge_a_e_body_4_pack_stock_height_cars.html

Mine had air shocks on it too when I first got it.  

[67vertman]

I did the Edelbrock IAS shocks on mine.  They have been on over a year with no issues.

They run $89 each.  I haven't abused them though, to see how they hold up.

[MEK-Dangerfield]

Congrats on ditching the air-shocks.   

This is my experience, so yours might vary. I had the stock Gabriel/Monroe's on my rear. I went with KYB's all around. The rear height didn't change. I had a major improvement up front, as my driver side shock was pretty much dead.      So I don't think your ride height will change.   

[Chryco Psycho]

Bilsteins , QA1 , Eddy are all premium shocks
 KYB & Monroe are cheaper

[Strawdawg]

Shocks do not change ride height unless they are air shocks

[67vertman]

Shocks do not change ride height unless they are air shocks

They do if your old shocks were so worn out that they are crap.  My Eddys raised my car up an inch from the old shocks. But, I am sure it raised it back to the original ride height.

[brads70]

They do if your old shocks were so worn out that they are crap.  My Eddys raised my car up an inch from the old shocks. But, I am sure it raised it back to the original ride height.

Are you sure? I've just never seen a shock do that before? Other than air shocks.

[67vertman]

Are you sure? I've just never seen a shock do that before? Other than air shocks.

Yep     I measured the before and after.  The old shocks were so bad, they could be compressed by hand and played like a trombone.   

[ShelbyDogg]

Gas charged shocks will raise the car a little compared to the old original non-nitrogen charged shocks. The pressure keeps the air bubbles from forming in the oil.  I bought 2 complete sets for my 70 and 71 from Rock Auto. They were gas charged Monroe or Gabriel shocks and both front or rear shocks were less that $12 each.   AND there is always a discount code out there somewhere to save 5% or more.

[djwhog]

I did the Edelbrock IAS shocks on mine too, I think in the under $100 range each they are one of the bestter shocks. Firm, good ride, yet pretty stiff and much better on handling too.

It you have a lot of $$ Koni is a great shock and there are a few other adjustable type that are nice too.

But I think you will be happy with the classic Edelbrock IAS.

[Katfish]

Gas charged shocks will raise the car a little compared to the old original non-nitrogen charged shocks. The pressure keeps the air bubbles from forming in the oil.  I bought 2 complete sets for my 70 and 71 from Rock Auto. They were gas charged Monroe or Gabriel shocks and both front or rear shocks were less that $12 each.   AND there is always a discount code out there somewhere to save 5% or more.

Same here, hard to beat RockAuto, I think I have a  total of $50 into it for all 4, rides great. Granted I'm not autocrossing though.

[challengermaniac]

Wow, what a delima!  Do I go with the Rock Auto Monroe or Gabriels for a total of $50 or step up to the Edlebrock IAS for a total of $310 (Summit Racing)?  That's a huge price differential.  What factors should I consider (other than my wallet) in making a decision?

[ShelbyDogg]

Wow, what a delima!  Do I go with the Rock Auto Monroe or Gabriels for a total of $50 or step up to the Edlebrock IAS for a total of $310 (Summit Racing)?  That's a huge price differential.  What factors should I consider (other than my wallet) in making a decision?

  It's your money....    What did you use for your other E-Body?

[brads70]

Wow, what a delima!  Do I go with the Rock Auto Monroe or Gabriels for a total of $50 or step up to the Edlebrock IAS for a total of $310 (Summit Racing)?  That's a huge price differential.  What factors should I consider (other than my wallet) in making a decision?

For me I was going after improved handling so first in line was the Hotchkis/Bilsteins RCD, next would have been the Eddy IAS shocks. The top of the line QA1's were out of my budget.
 Don't expect to bolt on a pair of shocks and now you have an autocross racer either. It's like building an engine , one parts doesn't make it a strong performer, it's the combination working together. Same with handling. Shocks are just one part. If your not to concerned with ultimate handling just get the Monroe, or Gabriels? Just my  ?