New Shocks to RAISE the REAR?

[Ki_Power]

Will replacing the rear shocks raise the rear any?

Or is there a different model or brand of shack that will raise the rear up a bit?

I would like to get the rear up about 2 inches or so...

Thanks

'68

Liam

[Rank]

Do a search for "air shocks" ... they might fill your bill.

[shadowgray396]

I would be more incline to change the springs. The rear springs are easy to change out.

[Rank]

Thats well and good Ray but Liam asked about shocks .... at least he isnt trying to slam it LOL

[shadowgray396]

I know he asked about shocks, but I'm not a big fan of air shocks. But I have to say I have used them years ago to raise the rear of a car. But if the rear is to low it is a spring issue and trying to find a shock to raise it will only work for a while until the shock fails. The ride of the car would be better with the correct springs and shocks. Other wise I would say a air shock would work, but may be more incline to have wheel hop in a burn out. Cost wise it mignt be about the same price.

[Rank]

Actually Liam didnt mention that his existing springs were collapsed ... he simply wants to raise the rear "about two inches".

If this is his goal then air shocks are the way to go. They can be filled to any point that he is comfortable with and if he is dissatisfied then returned to the original stance.

Air shocks are cheap, at or near $100 a pair and simple to install. Whereas replacing the springs seems a bit more tedious, expensive, and a more permanet commitment.

I say go with the air shocks and see if they fill his needs but, of course, that is just my perspective.

[shadowgray396]

Originally Posted by Rank

Actually Liam didnt mention that his existing springs were collapsed ... he simply wants to raise the rear "about two inches".

If this is his goal then air shocks are the way to go. They can be filled to any point that he is comfortable with and if he is dissatisfied then returned to the original stance.

Air shocks are cheap, at or near $100 a pair and simple to install. Whereas replacing the springs seems a bit more tedious, expensive, and a more permanet commitment.

I say go with the air shocks and see if they fill his needs but, of course, that is just my perspective.

I agree with everything you are saying. When you raise a car 2 inches you could have a gap between the spring and the frame. This is a picture of a spring off my car with air shocks after the spring moved from having the car lifted in the rear some. I wonder what the rattle was in the rear after awhile. Old springs will sag in time. But this is a great discussion topic.
They do make spring spacers and he could get his 2 inches, but then the old shocks may not work. It's a catch twenty two on which is the best way to go without seeng his car.

[Derek69SS]

Air shocks are known for breaking shock mounts on both the frame and the axle.

Springs are the "right" way to raise a car, but be forewarned that no matter how you do it, raising the back of a Chevelle WILL CAUSE WHEELHOP if you don't also change the suspension geometry. You will need something to relocate the upper control arm mount on the axle like these: http://www.jegs.com/i/Edelbrock/350/5213/10002/-1

[Ki_Power]

So...here's what's up.

I don't know enough about my Chevelle, or Chevelles in general - YET, to know if my rear springs have sagged or not.

Here is a pic...you can see the rear tire sits just a bit under the well...is this a normal height?


I just put 1.5" drop springs on the front and it rides the same as it was before
so, if this is a low sag issue, replacing the old with some new springs...and maybe just do the shocks too while I'm at it, should raise it an inch or two? with no wheel hop if I use OEM?