Just put on new Bilstein shocks on the front of my 70 SS396 Elco. Boy were the old Monroe Sensa Traks worn out. Rides nice and firm with the Bilsteins and I like it, but the front is about 1/4-1/2 inch higher. I know, I know its the springs that hold the car up, but I'm tellin ya it's higher. Maybe after a few more miles it will settle down at little. I also have new Bilsteins for the rear but haven't put them on yet. I've currently got old spring assisted Monroes on the back.

Are the coils as worn out as the old shocks were? The pressure in the shock when new could have a small effect on the height.

It is possible since some gas charged shocks actually push back. SensaTracks are a neutral shock and won't do that.

Think of it like a hood or trunk shock, when you push it in and let go it starts extending on it's own.

I'm sure the coils (front) are original so they probably are worn out. The new shocks definately push back so its no surprise it rides about 1/4 inch higher. No big deal! Maybe when I put the new rear Bilsteins on they will push back too and raise the back 1/4" and things will be equal again!

If the coils are worn out, will the car sag or lower once the shocks break in?

My sits low, but actually like the higher look. If my springs are bad, I would welcome a higher stance. This is coming from a current Jeep wrangler guy with a 4 1/2 lift and 6'3 and 40. Much easier to get out if the car is not 4" off the ground.

the shocks will only "support" so much, a new set of coils should be looked into.

Just put in new front coils and raised it a couple of inches. The hood is still off and has not settled. Figure, once the hood goes back on, it will drop it down an inch or so.

Coil springs don't wear out. They get lower over time, but the rate never changes.

Just put in new front coils and raised it a couple of inches. The hood is still off and has not settled. Figure, once the hood goes back on, it will drop it down an inch or so.
unless you have a cast iron hood, it won't make that much difference in ride height. 1/4" or so, perhaps, but not a full inch.

Oh, well. Thanks for bursting my bubble. :D