1981 TA - Stock suspension, need new shocks

[Wildcatter]

My car looks like it’s sitting on its ass, aftermarket air shocks finally failed. I see many people swear by Koni’s and Bilsteins but I was wanting a step up from OEM in terms of quality. What do y’all recommend and rides good and makes the cars stance look good? How’s KYB? I see the standard and then the high pressure monos.

Keep in mind:Im about to replace my wheels with a Classic Industrie 17x9”. Likely going with 255/50/17 because I hear the 275/40/17’s may look small. I didn’t want to have to make any adjustment to any roll bars or spacers.

I hate to replace my tires/wheels and then the tires rub as I drive out of the tire shop.

Thanks for your help in advance!

[Wallington]

Shocks are not used to hold the car off the ground, replace the worn leaf springs.

[FormTA]

I have the KYB (whatever NPD sells) I think they are standard. They are OK but seem a little too tight for my liking.  I just bought air shock but have yet to install them. Based off the another forum members recommendation to soften up the semi stiffness.  I know Tom (the other forum member) has tried a few other shocks as well  but settled on the air. I have the 17x9 snowflakes and the Pro touring F body GT rear spring.

[b_hill_86]

I have the KYB (whatever NPD sells) I think they are standard. They are OK but seem a little too tight for my liking.  I just bought air shock but have yet to install them. Based off the another forum members recommendation to soften up the semi stiffness.  I know Tom (the other forum member) has tried a few other shocks as well  but settled on the air. I have the 17x9 snowflakes and the Pro touring F body GT rear spring.

Would you describe your KYBs in the rear as bouncy? I put 4 new KYBs on my car a few years ago and my rear end seems a bit bouncy for lack of a better term.

[FormTA]

Not bouncy per say and not harsh but not as soft as I would like. It's really hard for me to explain... I have the matching ones in the front and they seem fine. It's the rear that in my mind is slow to move, like too thick of fluid or the holes the fluid move through are too small. It doesn't seem to let the suspension move to absorb dips. I really feel everything.  I understand it won't be like it was stock with the 15s and stock springs but I think it can be better.  The right thing to do would be to just pony up the dough for double adjustable rear shocks and just tune them to my liking but I am cheap..... I let Tom spend the money and time trying shocks so I didn't have too  . I hope these air shocks are softer and control the jounce I'm after.

Sorry for the log winded probably difficult to understand explanation....

[Wallington]

The rear end is light, the shocks need to be softer than most vehicles or the ride will not be terrible good, or the handling. Sagging springs and soft springs are often opposites, regardless of shocks.

[b_hill_86]

Not bouncy per say and not harsh but not as soft as I would like. It's really hard for me to explain... I have the matching ones in the front and they seem fine. It's the rear that in my mind is slow to move, like too thick of fluid or the holes the fluid move through are too small. It doesn't seem to let the suspension move to absorb dips. I really feel everything.  I understand it won't be like it was stock with the 15s and stock springs but I think it can be better.  The right thing to do would be to just pony up the dough for double adjustable rear shocks and just tune them to my liking but I am cheap..... I let Tom spend the money and time trying shocks so I didn't have too  . I hope these air shocks are softer and control the jounce I'm after.

Sorry for the log winded probably difficult to understand explanation....

No it makes sense. Maybe similar to my experience. I would agree though I’m satisfied with the front set. Hopefully your air shocks make an improvement.

[Wildcatter]

Sounds like it need to take the car in to have them look at it. Thanks for the tips.

Ok the KYB’s are they the standard ones? What color are they?

[b_hill_86]

Mine are grey/silver if I remember correctly.

[Wildcatter]

How can you tell the leaf springs need changing? I have a 3” clearance from the wheel fender to the top of the tire where it would rub. Here’s what I see under the car.

[kentucky yeti]

... and my rear end seems a bit bouncy for lack of a better term.

"Watch your language in front of my young son."   This is a family-friendly site 

[b_hill_86]

... and my rear end seems a bit bouncy for lack of a better term.

"Watch your language in front of my young son."   This is a family-friendly site 

  Gave me a good chuckle this morning.

[langss]

Before the site crashed, at one point there was a thread on this same subject....You might look into this.... https://www.eatondetroitspring.com/leaf-spring-rearching-services/

[Wildcatter]

Before the site crashed, at one point there was a thread on this same subject....You might look into this.... https://www.eatondetroitspring.com/leaf-spring-rearching-services/

Oh Wow. Is this why people change over to coil overs ?

[langss]

Before the site crashed, at one point there was a thread on this same subject....You might look into this.... https://www.eatondetroitspring.com/leaf-spring-rearching-services/

Oh Wow. Is this why people change over to coil overs ?

I can't speak for why people change to coil overs,as that for me is a long way off....But I do know that it offers a lot of options the factory stuff does not....That being said...It also carries an expense, I would find hard to justify unless someone did a lot more than drive the car to shows or on the weekends....that is unless money is no option....

[79T/Aman]

The obsession with coil overs is purely infatuation with racy looking parts and believing they have magical powers.
one thin to realize is that the bushings in the control arms and leaf springs are worn out, shocks will not be the answer, but obviously you need new ones.
KYB   are inexpensive but the compression valving is higher and tend to make for a rough ride.
Bilstein   have a lot of rebound valving, this would be good with stiffer springs or 100% perfect bushings and springs.
Koni   I do not have any data on I have yet to dyno a set.   

[BAD2000TA]

When I bought my 1980 T/A SE, it needs shocks badly. I opted for the Bilsteins. Very happy with my choice. I have them on my 2001 also.