Finally got around to replacing what I assume to be the original shocks in my 72 scamp. All 4 were leaking oil so they were totally shot. I did it on the cheap ($74 total) using NAPA brand, but figured that anything would be an improvement, which it was.

The handling is much improved, but I think one of the shocks is bad. At slow speeds there is a clunk coming from the left rear, and I think it is the bladder inside the shock sticking or something. Anybody seen this kind of thing before?

WTS

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72 Scamp 225 /6, auto, radio delete, alum super six, cold air duct, pertronix ignitor II and flame thrower, 3.23 rear, 2.25" free flow exhaust

Make sure the bolts arent loose at the top of the shock. Wher they bolt through the trunk.
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Grape Ape Marijuana Strain

I agree, always a good idea to go back after a few miles and check for proper torque. If the noise didn't exist before the change this seems most plausible also did you reuse your hardware or replace. On mine, if I would have used the new hardware on the top mount, would have had the shock shifting due to a incorrect top bolt. Have learned the hard way that whenever they push a shock conversion kit (bolts/nuts/washers-spacers) it ends up rotting in the toolbox unused...Dave

On the front I used the new bushing, big washer, and nut that was in the box. On the rear I just slipped the shock onto the upper and lower studs and reused the nut. Seemed simple enough, and those studs didn't seem to be going anywhere. I'll get underthere and check to see if everything is tight, but I still think the noise if from the actual shock itself.

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72 Scamp 225 /6, auto, radio delete, alum super six, cold air duct, pertronix ignitor II and flame thrower, 3.23 rear, 2.25" free flow exhaust

If it turns out to be a bad shock keep us posted.....Dave

I wouldn't be surprised if it was a bad shock. I just replaced my shocks with ones from the local parts store (said on them made by Gabriel) and one of them ended up going bad on me in less than a month. Mine was making the same clunking noise and replacing it fixed the problem. Makes me kind of worry about the other ones (and the current state of quality control), but oh well.... At least it was easy to replace since everything had just been apart!

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-DaDusterDude

72 Plymouth Duster - 198 super six auto
67 Plymouth Belvedere II - 273 auto
69 Ford Custom - 302 3-on-the-tree

Before you change anything, try tightening the nut inside the trunk that holds the shock stud to the body. Soemtimes those will loosen when taking off the outer nut to change the shock.

The inside trunk nuts are tight (which is surprising because getting the nut off that stud by the upper shock mount was a bitch, had to use the tire iron!) so the noise isn't from that. It has subsided somewhat now that I've put about 300 miles on it since the new shocks. I still think it's the shock itself, but haven't had time to change it yet.

The improved control is a different story. Sooooo much better on the highway, 85 isn't scary anymore.
WTS

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72 Scamp 225 /6, auto, radio delete, alum super six, cold air duct, pertronix ignitor II and flame thrower, 3.23 rear, 2.25" free flow exhaust