Rear Air-ride shocks

[claudine]

The previous owner installed air-ride shocks on my '55 bird and was wondering what would be the proper pressure to put in. Also, what is the correct measurement from the ground to the center of the taillights

[jbk772211]

I have the numbers written down. 22.75 rear tale lens/headlight is 28.75 could be off 1/8 in or so. I'm going through the same thing car looks low but measures right on, I if I use it to go somewhere overnight "what her Name" she will add about 125 lbs. personal things in the trunk. LOL

[ICON 1956]

I put rear air shocks on my 56. I can pump up about inch...

[JimCunn]

What brand air shocks did you use?
I'm at a point where installation would be convenient.

[ICON 1956]

I bought air shock Monroe air shock kit....from CJ pony Parts for $99.99

[JimCunn]

Thanks.
Do you like them?

[ICON 1956]

yes I do! These shocks take 90 PSI..... MAX work great.....

[cwwaddell]

I put a pair on my 56 and they had to be fully extended to reach the mounts. I'm concerned that they won't compress enough to function correctly. Has anyone else had this issue?

[55blacktie]

I know people who use air shocks and like them. Personally, I would rather not use them. I see them as a bandaid-fix for leveling/increasing rear ride height. But shock absorbers aren't designed to carry loads; they control rebound and dampening. Springs carry the load. When you raise the ride height with air shocks, your putting that load on the shock absorbers. Some owners have complained about shock absorbers' degrading the ride quality as well. Some also have difficulty equalizing the pressure on both sides. Lastly, if you intend to enter judging (my least concern), air shocks won't pass muster.

[55blacktie]

Wikipedia has a good explanation of how shock absorbers work. It specifically states that modifying spring rates is an improper usage of shock absorbers. Coilover shocks, however, provide the functions of springs and shock absorbers.

[ICON 1956]

I tend to disagree, I might be bias because I do have air shocks. Just this week I drove my 56 out in the country with my bride. Every year I do a complete fluid check after the car has been sitting all winter and my tires and air shocks. I could not tell you that the car drove perfectly, Now mind you I take into consideration that these cars are over sixty years, the only thing I modified was adding the air shocks in the rear. I'm not saying it'rides like a resto mod but good enough to my liking. I'm sure some of you would like to have these cars ride like a brand new car. I'm very happy with what I have........

[paul2748]

Personally, I think using air ride shocks to maintain normal ride height is just a band aid for bad springs. I can see their use when the vehicle is heavily loaded in the rear.

[ICON 1956]

Remember that the continental tire kit adds to the weight on the rear end. Having the air shocks does help with the stability of the car and comfort in the ride.

[55blacktie]

Air shocks are not springs.