Topic: Rear Gas Shocks

[Sunlitgold68]

I put some Motorcraft rear shocks on my 68 coupe paired with an original set of leaf springs. It sits a little bit too high in the back. Pete believes this is from the gas shocks, is there a better alternative shock that is a little weaker to enable the car to sit down more? Needs to come down 2 inches or so.

[carlite65]

it has been my experience that the springs control the height of the car or its' stance. that said i usually use the monroe gas-matic. they are not as stout as some of the other gas brands out there.

[CharlesTurner]

Give the car a chance to settle before replacing the shocks.  Maybe loosen the leaf spring bolts with the car on the ground and then re-torque to spec.

[ruppstang]

Be glad they are a bit high out of the gate they always seem to settle in when you drive it the first 100 miles or so. Have you driven it? Marty

[Sunlitgold68]

It has gone less than 1 mile, I'll see how it settles as the miles go up.

[RocketScientist]

The need for a 2 inch drop means almost certainly its your new springs. Good shocks can hold the rear up with old soft springs but won't affect the stance with new springs.
I also had the same problem with new springs and left them on for a good six months to settle in. I left it so long becaus I don't drive the car much. Then I had the springs reset to give the ride height I wanted. For me resetting was the right way to go as the springs were uneven and the left was higher than the right. This way I was able to get everything squared up.
Brad.

[Sunlitgold68]

I don't have new springs, they are original 1968 leaf springs.

[CharlesTurner]

I don't have new springs, they are original 1968 leaf springs.

Probably just need to settle then, check the torque of the lock nuts to the spec in the shop manual.

[gtamustang]

I never tighten any of the suspension bolts until the car is resting in its full weight on the four tires. Also, depending on where I am in the restoration, the Mustang may sit like that for a month or more. Shocks never go in untl the complete drivetrain is installed.

For the record, if there is a specific torque called for by the shop manual for any attaching hardware, I always follow that specification.

I don't think the rear of the car needs a 2 inch drop, rather it may need to settle 1/2 inch to be correct. Kinda of hard to truly appreciate the correct ride height when current radial tires are on the car.

Regards,
Pete Morgan