mkhargrove

I have an 84 with stock shocks/springs (no ability to adjust ride height). I'm way low. I have no clue how old the shocks are....possibly original.
I am wondering if the oem shocks (boge/sachs) had a pretty strong gas load, and if that's blown, how much it can cause the ride height to drop....?
Also, how much can the rubber in the top shock mount collapse (lowering ride height)?
(I haven't take the shocks off to check whether or not they have any charge left, but I'm guessing that they are providing no lift...). I have to get this fixed asap if I choose to keep my oil pan and starter...ouch. I'm just trying to figure out if it's shocks, springs, or both without taking everything apart...

Speedtoys

I dont think shocks do much here, that's not their job.

Yes, you can compress a bad one by hand easy, and a new one wants to expand fully, but that's..what..30lbs of effort to hold a shock at one point?

So..that MIGHT be .125" of "rise" in the front and .2" of rise in the rear between a dead shock and a new one.

soontobered84

Kevin,
You should order the parts necessary to adjust the front ride height before you test the shocks. That way, even if your shocks are bad, you will be able to adjust the height when you install the new shocks because you already have those parts necessary.

mkhargrove

I was thinking about swapping to a later set....I think Richard might have some.

​​​​​​

GregBBRD

The upper spring mount definitely deteriorates, which will cause the front to settle.
The lower control arm bushings also are famous for deteriorating. These are part of the front spring rate, so when they do deteriorate, the front will settle from these pieces also.
Depending on how deteriorated these pieces are, the car can settle over 2".

mkhargrove

This is exactly what I was looking for. Thanks for your help!!!!