Title: Message
Gino,
Air
shocks were standard on my 67 Elky but not sure about other year Elkys.
Someone removed them long ago but I have a set on my 67 SS that I've had for
quite a few years without problems. Some people like 'em, some hate
'em. Some will even claim they break shock mounts because they or someone
they know had one break - so it must be true for all air shocks,
right? I ran out of gas in a grey car one time so I'm hesitant to ever
drive a gray car again. (doh!)
First, if air shocks are used for they are intended to be used for
- that being to level the vehicle when there's a load - they'll last for
years. If they're used to jack up the rear end they won't last usually due
to too much air pressure (rough ride) and too much air for too long. You
should run a minimum amount of air (usually 10-15 lbs) - never run them without
air as it'll break the internals.
You
should have a fill valve (my Elky's is located behind the passenger seat on the
rear sill). On my SS, it's located behind the license plate next to
the gas tank filler. Remember that air expands as it heats and
contracts as it cools. Could be the cause of the height changing ever so
often. If you don't know where the fill valve is, you can't be adding or
removing air. If you NEVER haul anything and feel more comfortable,
replace them with standard shocks. Me, I take luggage for two, tools,
folding chairs, cameras, a computer, and lots of other "stuff" when I drive
to car shows and so I'll increase the air pressure to compensate for the loaded
trunk.
Dale McIntosh
TC Gold #92/ACES #1709
67SS/67 Elky
Dale’s Place – My 67 SS
and 67 El Camino
ChevelleStuff – Decoding info on 64-72 Chevelles
Team 67 – 1967
Chevelle/El Camino Specific
Midwest Chevelles – Midwest Chevelle Show Information
I need some educating here. I have never dealt with air shocks or nor know
much about them (except that they use air...duh) I also know that the ride
isn't very nice. Anyways, I've noticed on my 64 Elky that sometimes the rear
will look really high and other times, it doesn't look as bad, but still high
though. So what's the deal with these shocks? How do I take all the air out of
them? Should I just dump the air shocks and swap them for regular shocks? I'll
send a picture in a separate email. Thanks in advance.
Gino
