I'm sorry if this has been covered, but have not found anything in my search. I have a 56 Mainline that was wear an old set of Delco air shocks. Can anyone tell me the best way to raise the rear without the air shocks? Thanks in advance. Shady G
Put a new set of leaf springs on it with air shocks. That's what Ron did to his Vicky and it sits about perfect now.
i say new leafsprings as well. am not a big fan of the shackles that hang down for all the world to see (ala 1970).
if your wanting to put it back to stock height then just put in new rear leafs, i got mine at a great price from jc whitney made in the good ol USA not china. you can also flip the rear shackles down instead of up. not hard at all and if using the original shackles i dont think it would stick down past the body. that would raise it a few inch's.
Ditto on new leaf springs from Whitney - best price I could find anyplace too. And they do free shipping from time to time so keep an eye on their website for the offer. If your air shocks are good, that should do the trick. I have Gabriel hijackers on mine, running about 100 lbs in 'em. And re: the Aerostar front coils - they will drop the height a bit from stock but 1" spacers makes it just right for me. Stock coils are available but they're kinda pricey. Aerostars are about $80 for a pair, and spacers - $10 or so.
Thanks to everyone for the suggestions. I'm starting to learn about the 50's era cars. Thanks again, ShadyG
I think my comment may have been misinterpreted. Without photos to go by it's hard to tell whether shadyq's problem is a rear end that's too low or a front end that's too high. Since he's a nooby it might also be appropriate to mention that lifting the rear higher than stock - especially if it's done with reversed or extended shackles - will introduce unwanted handling characteristics. Worn spring bushings and shackle bushings will exaggerate the problem to the point that it might even be dangerous. A better alternative might be to retain the stock rear springs and replace the front coils with the AeroStar units, which would have the effect of raising the rear by lowering the front. Opinions vary, but this would be the way I'd consider the best and the safest.
Use these for 3" more lift http://www.amazon.com/Superior-13-1...id=1339791279&sr=1-2&keywords=lowering+blocks if you need replacement air shocks the Autozone part number is a Gabriel 49105.You may find the blocks also at Autozone and Pep Boys.
One thing you don't hear mentioned much, but a competent spring shop should be able to re-arch/rebuild a leaf spring pack.
I would not recommend raising height by using air shocks. I had a Customline that had stuffed springs that the previous owner used to raise the car using air shocks. This places extra stress on the upper shock mounts and the cross brace those mounts are welded to. The weight of the car broke one shock mount of and cracked the cross brace. I had to replace the cross brace and replaced the springs. Turned me off air shocks for life. Set the ride height by spring resetting or lowering blocks. Regards
Thanks again to everyone. I don't care much for air shocks,either, so I think I am going to try a new set of rear springs and shocks with Aerostar springs up front. I hope this will give me the rake I am looking for. "Nose Down" What are the thoughts on coil ***ist rear shocks?
Yet another example of how this place works - ask questions and get choices & recommendations. But ulitmately the decisions are ours to make. Sounds like you have a plan. BTW I love cars with a rake to 'em
If you MUST raise the rear of your car - which is a really bad idea when it comes to cornering stability - consult a spring shop in your area. Most of them can rebuild your stock springs with a higher arch but without any extra spring rate. Always use new OEM replacement shackle bushings on the rear and new heavy duty gas-filled shock absorbers on both ends for best ride and handling.
The Jalopy Journal
