Hi everyone,

My 68 Dart (270 4 door) is getting new 5 leaf springs this month. Because I will be towing a relatively heavy camper this summer, I'm debating replacing the shocks with air shocks.

Years ago these things were pretty junky. Are they still as bad as they used to be? Do they make for handling problems, even if they do hold air?

My front shocks are new KYBs.

Constructive opinions welcome!!!

Thanks -
Mac

I have had good luck with air shocks for intermittent load handling, and they should not hurt handling. I've never had shock mount damage either on the 3 cars I've had them on (mostly a big car - B or E or C body problem). I like the Monroe Max Air if you can still get them. A bit more expensive, but a better unit than others I've seen/used. Lasted 100k miles and 14 yrs on my 68 Dart 270 before giving up.

Lou

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Home of Slant6-powered fun machines since 1988

Thanks Lou.

If your tongue weight is enough to require air shocks I hope your car brakes and trailer brakes are up to snuff. If we are talking about 9" drums and no trailer brakes I think I would direct my shock money towards brakes.
Just my humble opinion,,,,air shocks are hard on the upper shock mounts . On my 69 Dart I had to reinforce the upper mount. I added a piece of 1/4 x 2" flat iron on both sides (trunk and ground) that bridged both mounts.
On my Buick Roadmaster that came with factory compressor and air shocks I had continual trouble. I switched to air bags connected to the factory compressor and taxi shocks and got stellar results.

You are correct, Sandy. The popup camper I'm pulling weighs about 2100 empty, then I have to add some gear (sparingly). The camper does have excellent electric brakes.

My preparations for the Dart are as follows:
-Front Disc Brake conversion
-New front end kit (bushings, ball-joints, etc, already done)
-5 leaf springs
-3.23 axle ratio
-Larger torsion bars
-Transmission cooler
-14" Goodyear Radial TA tires
-Comp 252 camshaft
-4 Barrel Offy (or dual 1 barrel)

Whether it will pull reasonably comfortably and safely, I do not yet know. The Dart is only rated at 2000 pounds towing capacity. My hope is that with the newer technology tires and other improvements I will be able to pull this beast. If not, I may have to trade down my camper...

-Mac

Ahhhhhhhh....that sounds OK! I would reinforce the upper shock mounts though....

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Yeah....Im the one who destroyed this rare, vintage automobile.....