[57vette]

Eventually I'll get around to installing the replacement 8.5" 10-Bolt '72 Nova rear. I have a set of Hotchkis 1.5" springs, shackles, etc. and since I'm going from mono leaf to multi, new shocks are in the picture. I have no intention of racing the car at the drags or autocross, but I like a nice firm suspension. Already have Hotchkis 2" springs in the front. So I'm wondering what shocks would complement the Hotchkis leafs using the "Soft Shocks, Stiff Springs" mantra? Adjustable or not? So you cruiser guys...what have you used with Hotchkis leafs and what was your honest opinion? Did you stagger them or put them both behind the axle? If you had/have a 69 with these springs, how did/does your car sit? What about shock mounting plates?

Mike

 

[slazisme]

Mike, I used Hotchkis springs front and back, with Bilstein shocks all around- staggered in the rear, DSE shock plates. I'm happy with this setup and see no reason to change. Simon

 

[57vette]

Thanks Simon... Good info and nice stance. Was there a specific model on the Bilsteins, and were they adjustable? I want to keep the same basic stance I have now, maybe drop the front 1/2".

 

[427mike]

Nice. Similar set up here. I use cheap Monroe shocks and like the ride they provide.

 

[DOUG G]

Calvert Racing CR42133: CR Series 9-Way Adjustable Rear Shocks | JEGS

single adjustable, and price not too bad. Dial in your ride

 

[slazisme]

The Bilstein's I have are the yellow ones and are not adjustable, mono tube design. They do make a drag race version colored black.
If you're looking for adjustability I would look at Ridetech also Hotchkis has shocks as well made by Fox, more expensive though.

 

[ilikeike]

You’ve got Hotchkis springs; why not use the shocks ?

 

[57vette]

Looking for opinions of people with Hotchkis springs and whatever brand shocks work best for a nice cruiser ride, yet not too mushy. As noted above, the car gets driven not raced. If you've used Hotchkis shocks with their 1.5" drop springs give me the pros/cons. I've heard Hotchkis shocks are pretty stiff, but maybe that's older versions?

 

[The Camaro Guy]

Save your money and go with Delcos, Gabriel or Monroe. I can't tell the difference between the Gabriels and Hotchkis on 2 different cars except my wallet. . . . .just an old guy talkin from 60 years experience and 37 F bodies later

 

[schnide]

I switched from gas charged shocks (don't recall the brand) to the Hotchkis 1.5 street shocks, they took away the hard hit bouncing the stuff in the trunk issue. This is with non Hotchkis springs though.