I'd like to upgrade my suspension with some new shocks and I'm looking for some advice as there are a ton of different shocks out there. I've got a 70 SS with all new rubber bushings in the rear and front as well as new ball joints and 1" lower coil springs in the front. I've got the sway bars in both the front and back as well. This car is a weekend cruiser and is mostly driven on our bumpy secondary roads full of potholes here in Pa. Never on the highway. Looking for a nice ride. I've got some old Monroes that are tired and want to upgrade. Might get some new rear coils as well. Any advice appreciated! KYB's, Bilstein, QA-1(expensive), Koni?

Scratch KYB off the list, they suck...

Koni, Billstein, QA1, and Edelbrock are all good. :thumbsup:

Thanks for the tip Derek. This is probably a no brainer question but each of those companies mentioned makes several different kinds of shocks that would fit my car. Do I need the "coil over" shocks for both front and rear? they're a little pricier but I need to know what's best for my car. I see Billstein makes one in the Summit catalog for $59.95 but not sure if that's what I want.

For a weekend cruiser I don't see the need for the "coilovers". Some nice Bilsteins should work just fine.

I dont think the ones in summit listed under bilstein are the right application for the front. I think summit only lists them for a 73-77 chevelle. (not sure what the difference is) Hotchkis sells A-body bilsteins relabeled under their name in the summit catalog.

Coilovers wont work in the rear without some custom fabbing. I bought qa1 coilovers for the front because it was worth it to me not having to try out several different spring and shock combos until I found one I liked, especially since I hate installing coil springs.

I have the Edelbrock shocks with the H&R 1" lowering springs and the car has a tight European car feel. I feel every bump at low speeds while it is perfect at higher speeds. The H&R are much firmer and lower than the Suspension Technique springs. I would not use the Bilstein or Koni with the H&R because Bilstein & Koni's tend to be firmer.

Theo.

People can make fun of KYB all they want. But I have KYBs on all 4 corners of my 66SS and couldnt be happier. It rides and performs just fine for me and thats the way I like it.

IMHO go with the Bisteins I put a set on my 72 SS they are great. They keep car flat in turns even with a belly full of Big Block!
Gary.