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| DaleD | Shocks/alignment | ||
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Senior Guru
 
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I bought new tires, I need an alignment. The shocks are an unknown age, not original, but not new. They are solid blue, some rust.
If I change the shocks, should I do it before an alignment? I'm pretty sure the answer is yes. I was going to wait on the shocks, but if I need to, I'll change them before the alignment. I'm considering KYBs? |
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Posted on: 2008/2/18 19:48
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| jhammons01 | RE:Shocks/alignment | ||
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Senior Guru
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KYB Shock part numbers (at least for my '84 and I think it was '84-'87)
KG 5564 KG 4537 And depending on the place you order from, they can be had for less than $150 for all four. George (949) 598-8285 Performance Center |
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Posted on: 2008/2/18 22:23
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| Z51L9889 | RE:Shocks/alignment | ||
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Guru Newb
 
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You may or may not need to align after installing shocks. If the current shocks are low gas pressure (i.e. twintubes) and you replace with high gas pressure (i.e monotubes) the ride height will change a little and you may need to adjust the alignment slightly. The same applies to the reverse case.
It's probably less hassle to go ahead and change the shocks now so you don't have to worry about it.  |
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Posted on: 2008/2/19 0:30
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| skirlin | RE:Shocks/alignment | ||
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Great question. :me2: I am doing the same thing and was wondering that myself. Thanks. :thumbright:
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Posted on: 2008/2/19 6:18
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There is no point in living if you can't feel alive. |
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| jhammons01 | RE:Shocks/alignment | ||
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Senior Guru
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One thing I'd like you guys to look out for prior to buying Shocks.
Look at the other items in your suspension first. This includes Wheel Bearings, U-joints on the half shafts, Dog Bones on the rears, Front ball joints. You can blame the shocks for a vibration etc, but understand, they are primarily responsible for pushing your tire down quickly on the pavement after a bump or a drop off. So many other factors in there to look at, the bushings are nearing the 3 decade mark....surely most are failing at this point. The Guy will align your car while you are there, and the alignment will be accurate...until you hit a bump and reposition something with those 30 year old dried out bushings. I'm not saying anything other than just think about it before you throw good money away. |
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Posted on: 2008/2/19 17:34
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| DaleD | RE:Shocks/alignment | ||
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I'm not a mechanic, obviously. Think of the context here. I'm asking how to determine the viability of my shocks. Now, given that I am at that level, my ability to diagnose the rest of my suspension is suspect. That is one of the things I'm hoping to find with an alignment. I'm hoping I pick the right shop, and they'll give me an honest assesment of the condition of my suspension.
I just thought that shocks would be a good place to start. |
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Posted on: 2008/2/19 17:40
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| CentralCoaster | RE:Shocks/alignment | ||
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It would be better to change them first, because they are gas charged, and will try to effect the ride height.
BUT.. it's all sort of pointless if you're running on original bushings. Those things will fuse together and bind up, or just fall apart. Even if new gas shocks raised your ride height, the bushings might let it rise unevenly. Or they might loosen up 3 weeks after the shock install. They might crack loose while the car is on jackstands and find a new binding position... And if you're gonna pull the bushings out, then you've got easy access to those old ball joints and tie rod ends. Anytime you change those you need an alignment... And you see how suddenly you've got the entire car torn apart because you just had a leaky shock. Anyways, put your new shocks on, hit some speed bumps, head to the alignment shop, and call it a day. |
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Posted on: 2008/2/19 18:31
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| jhammons01 | RE:Shocks/alignment | ||
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Quote:
It would be better to change them first, because they are gas charged, and will try to effect the ride height. So you have a CCD camera somewhere in my garage??? |
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Posted on: 2008/2/19 18:43
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| sprint7677 | RE:Shocks/alignment | ||
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Senior Guru
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Quote:
It would be better to change them first, because they are gas charged, and will try to effect the ride height.  I don't think gas charged shocks will change the ride height or alignment, but the bushings, ball joints, rod ends, and wheel bearings will effect how good an alignment you will get. I hope you have a trust worthy mechanic |
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Posted on: 2008/2/22 3:07
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1984 Corvette mostly stock, many new parts |
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