Here's another newbie/rookie question.

I have a 67 Camaro, pretty much as stock as it can get. In short, when I have two people in the backseat, I'll hit even the smallest of bumps and it sounds like the shocks are going to come through the body! This happens even with my two kids (less than 200 lbs total) in the back. Is this the leaf springs, shocks? All I know is, I want to correct it but I'm not sure where to start.

Thanks in advance all,

John

I would have a look at the upper and lower shock bushings for starters.

I would have a look at the upper and lower shock bushings for starters.
X2!
Also you may consider a better set of springs to handle the loads:yes:

Time for a rear spring and everything else R&R to me.

Or a new cheap set of shocks and a cheap set of shock coil-overload springs.

pdq67

Does it have the OE monoleaf springs, or retrofit multileafs? If it has multileafs, the shocks could be too short and making noise at the end of their travel. A lot of folks convert to multis and don't change the shocks.

Tell us more about the setup under the car.

Check for loose shock mounts on top. Also, lower shock mount holes can become elongated and make a heck of a racket on even the smallest bumps. Loose exhaust hangers can allow the system to clunk around too.

Does it have the OE monoleaf springs, or retrofit multileafs? If it has multileafs, the shocks could be too short and making noise at the end of their travel. A lot of folks convert to multis and don't change the shocks.

Tell us more about the setup under the car.

Hey Eric,

Bare with me, I'm a "shade tree mechanic in training" but, how can I tell the difference between mono and multileafs?

Thanks,

John

mono leaf = one spring

multi leaf = 4 or 5 springs stacked together

Ok, I just checked and it looks like its a mono leaf. Also, are there supposed to be Springs around the shocks (like in the front end)? There isn't any there if they're supposed to be.

Also, it looks like I'm going to try to replace the leaf springs to a multi leaf and I might add a new set of shocks while I'm at it. That said, in you guys opinion, is this something a novice like me could do or should I take this to the experts?

Thanks for all the help, you all rock.

John

I would check for anything loose on the rear suspension.... shocks, shackles, spring pocket, swaybar, etc etc

I would crawl under it and have someone push down on your rear bumper, I also had this problem it turned out to be the exhaust hitting the rear axle. Ive since replaced the exhaust and took great care with any clearance issues, problem solved.

I would get under it and look for places where the exhaust is very close to rear axle and inspect for signs of impact on the exhaust. That is probably the most common cause. Next I would look for movement in the shock ends while someone is bouncing the rear end of the car. One of those two most likely the issue. If the shocks are old, it might be worth just changing them anyway. They are inexpensive and can make a big difference in overall ride quality. Good luck!

If it doesn't end up being shock absorber or exhaust related then one other thing that would cause alot of racket, hitting bumps in the road, is a lack of a gas tank insulation pad, this is the pad that goes between the top of the gas tank and the trunk floor and without it, you'll hear alot of squeaking noises and metal banging noises while hitting bumps in the road!