When i go over a bump the rear suspention is as stiff as iron. Springs and bushings are ok. I have gas shocks which I am told I should change to these hydraulic shocksfor a better ride. If I try to push the rasr end down with my hands from the trunk,forget it. Whadayathink? Brian
http://www.kanter.com/p52-shox.htm

You know, I have the same problem. I've always felt It was just to stiff in the rear. I put new 68 Z 4 leaf springs on it. I run KYB gas shocks, bushings are good. I'm wondering if my problem isn't from the Comp. eng. traction bars. Looking at it, it's almost like the traction bar could serve as an extra helper spring if the car wants to try & bounce if you know what I mean. I've got about 3/4" between snubber & spring but.......?
I also think the BFG's are a harder rubber than other tires.

Are you running traction bars?

Yes I am, I was told by somone who knows its not the traction bars. found this out yesterday.

My guy swears by the shocks.

If you`re running KYBs it probably is the shocks. We put them on a few customer cars that rode like buckboards afterwards (a few other cars rode like marshmallows). They seem to be very inconsistant. We stopped using them some years ago. Swapped the KYBs for Bilsteins or Varishocks on several cars and they rode much better and handled better too. Mark SC&C

KYB's, that's interesting. I wondered about those too. I'm going to order a new set of shocks for another 67. I think I'll bolt them on the RS first and see if I can feel the difference.
Thanks.

I did not realize it might be brand specific.I was told to do Hydralic shocks and it will make a huge difference. I will see whats in the car tomorow.

I was about to post something about this .............. No joke If I try to push down on the rear .. or trunk lid ... for get it . I want to lower it alittle bit from the rear except I have no idea how to do it.

I am going to unbolt my shocks and see if the back has a little more give. Called Kanter on the Hydraulic shocks but this salesman diddn't know anything. I will call them back when i have time. Brian.

Hey Brian
Only the specilty stores have the oil filled spirel shocks, I am planning to put them on and rid myself of the stiff feel from the gas charged, in a drop top I want the suspention to work and not send it into the body. You do probly have some stiff spring bushings aswell causing it not to move much. The rubber gets hard after 40 years.

Blue,
U R right. I also just found a rub mark from the left traction bar only on the spring. I am going to get smaller snubbers or do I also have to adjust? Here is a picture. it is not great. P>S. jost installed a Hotchkis ft sway bar and took out the factory toy bar. Have not driven yet.
Stupid question, I assume my springs are multileaf? Shocks are next. Thanks. Brian. U are not driving yours either after getting spanked w/ all that snow.

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d43/Carnut_/DSCF1658.jpg

The OE style oil filled shocks should ride better than cheap gas shocks. BUT a good set of modern shocks like Bilsteins will ride just as nice,likely nicer but will also provide better handling and overall control. Even Edelbrock shocks work well if ride is a big concern. IMO they just don`t hold up that well compared to the Bilsteins. The last 30 years or so of development has done wonders for refining valving curves and dampening rates. Shame some companies like KYB haven`t taken advantage of that... Mark SC&C

Stupid question, I assume my springs are multileaf? Shocks are next. Thanks. Brian. The only stupid question is the one not asked.

Yes, you have multi-leaf springs, but, 7 leaves? Usually is 4- or 5-leaf, not 7. The more the leaves, the stiffer the ride, generally.

Unless, you're using it as a truck and hauling a trailer with weight-distribution hitch, and I don't think you are.

Yes, you have multi-leaf springs, but, 7 leaves? Usually is 4- or 5-leaf, not 7. The more the leaves, the stiffer the ride, generally.


I think we have a winner Everent spotted the problem, i looked at that pic and didnt even notice the huge stack of leaves

he has 7 leaves, looks like the rubber isolator pads were taken out and more leaves were added

if you want your suspension softer you should take out your leaf springs so you can remove leafs until you have 4 or 5 left

but i think a better idea would be to buy a new set

Wow, you live and learn every day. Everett youre tha man. I had no idea I had more leaves IE: stiffer ride. Now that you enlightened me, that was done about 10 years ago. I think the car is bottoming out prematurely to get even more specific. How can i tell what the problem is? Thanks ALOT. Brian

My car came with single leaf springs.During its 1st "camaro leaning period "I changed all the springs,front and rear,and went with 5 leaf multis on the rear...and I hated every blessed minute of it.The car road like a "jolt" wagon and handle,to use a Mark Martin phrase,like a dump truck. I love a good handling car,and it handled terrible,always felt like it was on the verge of a spin-out,and the rearend skipped badly if you hit a bump while cornering.I went back to mono-leaf on "camaro leaning period #2" added traction bars to stop the wheel hop,added Bilstein shocks all the way around and It corners like a Porche now and rides great!

Its the leaves. Anyway you could find out who changed those springs. Might have a cool/funny story behind them. Im thinking it will start off with "There was this huge truck".....

I think the car is bottoming out prematurely to get even more specific. How can i tell what the problem is? Thanks ALOT. BrianYou're welcome, and I would agree to "There was this huge truck...." Check past history to see what happened.

If the springs are so stiff, you won't be bottoming out, but, the car will feel like riding over a washboard.

No amount of shocks will clear the "jolt" of the stiff springs, the springs will have to be replaced with a softer spring rate. You might take it to a professional, a spring mechanic would be good, and let them test drive and listen to what they recommend.

Do a search here in this category and educate yourself on the springs/shocks others have used to get the ride quality they were looking to acquire.

Remember, the more the weight, the softer the ride. Before adding weight or doing any measurement, check & add tire pressure if needed. Tires also play an important role in weight/ride handling. The higher the Load Rating, i.e., Load Range B and above, C, D, E, etc., the stiffer the tire/ride.

It feels ok until a good bump. Then it feels like bong I just hit bottom. It corners fine for me. How do I check what my next move is? Thanks. Rims and tires are new.

Your next move would be to decide what stance and ride you are looking to achieve. Stock height, lowered height, etc.

The bong is probably more like a 'bonk' springs ain't bending. Plus, it's going, as you say, corner very well due to the stiff springs, no body roll. Make a great roundy-round car.

So i gues i can rule out the shocks and i must do springs? Hte hight & stance is fine for me. I just dont like the bong/bonk. Thanks in advance for the help. Brian