[Doc68]

I drive a '28 Ford rat rod with a dropped tube axle, spring behind setup. The front shocks are currently Pro Street Rod shocks (non-coil over). These shocks are inexpensive ($35 each), very small, and I don't believe gas filled (correct me here if I'm wrong). Ride height mounted length is 9 inches, compressed length is 7.5 inches, and open extended length is 10.5 inches.

I don't think these shocks are doing a very good job at this point (I inherited them--I didn't choose them). The front appears stiff and doesn't take bumps too well.

I would be interested in getting better shocks that give a smoother, softer ride to the front end. I'm not Money Bags (I wish!), but I think I could afford going into the $200 range for a good pair of shocks if necessary.

Recommendations? Would a coil-over setup in front be worth the cost? Adjustable would be nice, but... I'm really at a lost of what shocks I should be looking for to get a smoother ride.

Any help would be appreciated.

[poncho62]

Sounds to me taht your spring rate is too high. You need softer springs, not softer shocks. Adjustable coil overs may be the way to go.

[morenbd]

If the front is bouncing up and down when you hit bumps I would say the shocks are a problem. If the ride is very stiff take a leaf out of the spring assembly.

Bob

[jimmyd]

I had a 55 ford pu and had redone the rear springs. The rear end is very light and is effected by the shock you put on it. I found the red rider gaberial shocks were very stiff and that the monroe shocks were the easist on the ride. These were actually NAPA shocks made by monroe that worked very good. The softest ride came from some mexico or twiwan straight hydralic shock ( not gas shocks) that I found at a parts house for 3 or 4 dollars apiece. These rode the best.

Too stiff of a shock can cause havic on your rear end, not the cars.

If you can, take the shocks off go around the block(be careful and go slow) and see how it rides.

You can physically push down on the shock and feel the resistance and compare that way.

You can also get shocks for street rods. I think they may be a little softer dampend.

Call Monroe , the shock people and discuss your problem with them. They will want to know your shock measurements and they will help you.

Jimmy in nc