 jel1957
"4th Year" Gold Supporting Member
Posts: 413
Loc: Sugar Land, Texas
Reg: 01-01-04
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08-18-12 11:49 AM - Post#2260632
I want to raise the rear of my car by roughly 1". What re the thoughts on load levelers versus air shocks? Also, with or without a shock bar (floor is in good shape). Tanks for the advice in advance.
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CharlieC
Senior Member
Posts: 1744
Loc: Flower Mound, TX,
Reg: 03-27-02
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08-18-12 12:48 PM - Post#2260644
In response to jel1957
Most load levelers go in between the axle and the frame, resting on top of the plate which connects the axle/leaf springs/u-bolts together.
Given the Tri-5 Leaf Springs and hence the plate are underneath the axle, don't know what kind of load leveler you would use. Air Shocks pumped up would ride pretty rough. If you want to permamently lift the rear, you could get some re-arched springs, which would again, affect overall ride quality.
You could also just use longer shackles on the stock springs.
Charlie
"Yeah, I'm just going to clean it up and make it a driver." May 2002
'57 BelAir Conv. GMPP LSX/L92-440 T-56 (almost...)
'74 K5 Blazer 4x4
'09 Avalanche LTZ |
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 Big T
"7th Year" Silver Supporting Member
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Loc: Simi Valley CA
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08-18-12 02:02 PM - Post#2260668
In response to jel1957
I would very much suggest a shock bar. They are inexpensive insurance for something that is marginally safe or unsafe depending on how you look at it. EZ to install.
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Docjim
Contributor
Posts: 240
Reg: 01-11-07
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08-18-12 03:00 PM - Post#2260678
In response to jel1957
Put these on mine and raised it a bit over 1 inch. The ride was great and handled a bit better also.
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 Rick_L
Honored Member
Posts: 24718
Loc: Katy, Tx, USA
Reg: 07-06-00
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08-18-12 04:13 PM - Post#2260711
In response to Docjim
If you use either a coiover assist shock or an air shock, you need a shock crossmember to hold the load. Our cars are pretty bad about breaking up the trunk floor in the shock mount area even with regular shocks.
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jel1957
"4th Year" Gold Supporting Member
Posts: 413
Loc: Sugar Land, Texas
Reg: 01-01-04
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08-18-12 04:21 PM - Post#2260714
In response to Docjim
Docjim - what kind of shocks are those - I was looking at the Monroe load levelers (58510)?Thanks
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Docjim
Contributor
Posts: 240
Reg: 01-11-07
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08-18-12 06:40 PM - Post#2260750
In response to jel1957
I believe thats what they are. Not sure about the part number but I know they are Monroe.
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jel1957
"4th Year" Gold Supporting Member
Posts: 413
Loc: Sugar Land, Texas
Reg: 01-01-04
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08-19-12 06:10 AM - Post#2260870
In response to Docjim
Thanks - that is what I am looking at
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CharlieC
Senior Member
Posts: 1744
Loc: Flower Mound, TX,
Reg: 03-27-02
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08-19-12 07:37 AM - Post#2260898
In response to jel1957
When you mentioned Load Leveler, I thought you were talking about Load Leveler Air Bags.
I would also heed the advice of others on the shock bar as probably most everyone on this board has had cracked mounts on the floor.
Charlie
"Yeah, I'm just going to clean it up and make it a driver." May 2002
'57 BelAir Conv. GMPP LSX/L92-440 T-56 (almost...)
'74 K5 Blazer 4x4
'09 Avalanche LTZ |
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Tabasco
Senior Member
Posts: 878
Loc: Parker Co., Texas
Reg: 06-04-03
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08-19-12 12:53 PM - Post#2260975
In response to CharlieC
probably most everyone .n this board has had cracked mounts on the floor.
Not me! I've had air shocks since 1984. I put them on because in the past I used my '57 as my tow car to tow a #5000 trailer. Maybe I'm just lucky.
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57tim
"11th Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 2474
Loc: Cameron, Wi, USA
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08-19-12 02:26 PM - Post#2261000
In response to Tabasco
Mine has had them since 1984. No cracks either. I just removed them when I installed new shocks.
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56sedandelivery
Valued Contributor
Posts: 2547
Age: 61
Loc: Everett, Wa.
Reg: 02-26-08
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08-19-12 04:07 PM - Post#2261032
In response to 57tim
My 56 Delivery has SEVEN leaf, rear leaf springs, AND coil wrapped overload shocks (it rides fine). I have a shock bar I have'nt installed yet, but the floor looks fine, so I may not put it in. I have seen a lot of tri fives with damaged shock mountings; it makes me wonder what condition roads they were driven on. Butch/56sedandelivery.
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Rick_L
Honored Member
Posts: 24718
Loc: Katy, Tx, USA
Reg: 07-06-00
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08-19-12 04:40 PM - Post#2261045
In response to 56sedandelivery
Having had a busted up trunk floor and no rust, it makes me wonder how you guys with load levelers and air shocks were so lucky! 
I guess it works both ways.
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 nstlga
"8th Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 643
Loc: Colorado
Reg: 12-01-05
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08-20-12 08:21 PM - Post#2261544
In response to Rick_L
I also ran air shocks in the stock location for over 20 years. No cracks. Now have gas shocks in the same locale. Went to 5 leaf new springs. Got the lift I wanted and a needed stiffer ride.
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