Shock replacement

[8v-of-fury]

Hello there all,

Ive semi owned this car for a while, driven it my whole driving career.

It is need of shocks. The fronts, at a quick glance, look like more than just the shock ends need to he unbolted to get the job done. Whats the preferred procedure here fellas.

The rears are likely very straight forward, through the trunk or behind the seat if anything.

 

[AMC Diplomat]

The fronts just unbolt and you push them down to get them in and out. The backs are bolted to a rail under the car and to the leaf spring plates. There is no access behind the seat or in the trunk. Get ready to use a wrench in a semi-tight space.

It looks like you have a lot of sag in that rear end and you might need more than shocks to help you out

 

[Camtron]

Monroe shocks and a new set of leafs and bushings will have you rolling right. I have KYB gas adjust shocks on my 5th Ave, they’re very stiff, would not recommend if you’re looking to keep the factory ride/feel.

 

[8v-of-fury]

The fronts just unbolt and you push them down to get them in and out. The backs are bolted to a rail under the car and to the leaf spring plates. There is no access behind the seat or in the trunk. Get ready to use a wrench in a semi-tight space.

Well shit eh, thanks for that info!

It looks like you have a lot of sag in that rear end and you might need more than shocks to help you out

It has a little sag.. as can be expected. And yes, i know shocks arent what set ride height. Lol. It is needing shocks because the entire car floats uncontrollably over rolling bumps.

Granted, i had the trunk and back seat loaded with camping gear, and there is a subwoofer that resides permanently.

Monroe shocks and a new set of leafs and bushings will have you rolling right. I have KYB gas adjust shocks on my 5th Ave, they’re very stiff, would not recommend if you’re looking to keep the factory ride/feel.

Haha, i am sure i dont know the factory ride! She's been floaty the whole time I've driven it. I can see rockauto has shocks and bushings, but don't see leaves listed anywhere really.

Would you mind listing some part numbers if you could? I am wildly unfamiliar with this platform and what bushings sizes or what have you go where.

 

[AMC Diplomat]

link: Leaf Spring Sag

i called espo springs
https://www.springsnthings.com/

 

[Aspen500]

Monroe shocks and a new set of leafs and bushings will have you rolling right. I have KYB gas adjust shocks on my 5th Ave, they’re very stiff, would not recommend if you’re looking to keep the factory ride/feel.

I second that opinion, based on personal experience. Had the KYB's on my Aspen. Rode like there was no suspension. Switched to the Monroe OE Spectrum. Made it feel like a whole different car.

 

[Camtron]

First link is for, General Spring KC. They’re who I used personally when I replaced my leafs. They’re about $300 a set for 4 leave civilian and about $360 for 5 leave AHB/fleet springs. They can also do all hardware/bushings if you give them a call.

1982 - 1989 Chrysler 5th Avenue Leaf Springs

Second link is for Espo/ Springs and things. Lots of guys here have used them and they’ve been around. No parts shown and currently a 3 month lead time for leafs if you call in an order.

https://www.springsnthings.com/leaf-spring.htm

 

[volare 1977]

I agree on the KYB shocks. Way too stiff IMO