Performance rear shocks

I remember seeing several discussions about the lack of rear shock options and wanted to share an option I found. So I was digging for options because I just don't want to run Monroe Matics or reinvent the wheel. What I found is the shocks listed for the 60-64 Galaxies by QA1 are very close in dimensions to the Maverick/Comets shocks. According to Monroe's dimension chart, the Maverick shocks have a collapsed length of 11.5" and an extended length of 17.88". The QA1 shocks for the Galaxie have two different dimensions, for the non adjustable shock, TN518 they are 11.69" x 17" and the adjustable versions, TS518 and TD518 are 11.5" x 16.5". Ridetech also offers replacement shocks for the Galaxie in the nonadjustable version, part number 22179845.

 

thanks for the research and info. I'm always looking for alternative parts for our toys.

 

Do we know if these shocks will fit? Curious if anyone took the plunge based off of RMiller’s info.

 

Galaxy is a much heavier car, I would think the compression and rebound shock valving would be different.

 

According to KYB, they sell the same part number for the Maverick and the Galaxie rear shocks. That tells me they will physically interchange.

 

The Ridetech looks to be adjustable on the rebound.

 

Looking for what type of rear shocks I should use for a 1970 6cyl grabber. I was thinking of some type of adjustable shock because I want the rear end to be slightly higher than level. It sags a little now. Any ideas would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

I think rear springs may be your sagging issue, esp., if you the car has original 50 yr old springs along w/ new shocks.

 

Bumble 1970 welcome to the site from northeast Ohio!

To expand on what Everett wrote, shocks other than air shocks have zero effect on ride height. Your problem may be sagging springs. Or perhaps you are just not satisfied with the ride height of the rear of your car.

The only way to ensure the ride height you want is to have an expert spring shop fabricate and install a set of springs that meet your requirements. Otherwise you can roll the dice and order a set of stock 3 leaf replacement springs in hopes of correcting what may be a sagging spring situation.

Air shocks or helper springs are also an option but beware; overloaded air shocks on our cars can send the upper mounting points through your trunk floor.

Good luck with your project!

 

...

no air shocks...

Frank

 

Thanks everyone. Good point about the shocks not really affecting ride height. Was thinking of possible spring helpers as I don’t want to replace the existing springs since 98% of the car is original. Thanks again everyone!

 

As long as you don't go crazy with pressure, air shocks are OK. Inst them on my Comet in '14, no issue.

 

Doesn't cost much to get the leaf springs re-arched.

 

Good point. thank!

 

Just remembered. I don't know if they still sell them, but a friend of mine back in the '70s had a '72 Grabber that he put some kind of air bags in the rear. They mounted on the rear end above the springs and the top bolted to the subframe so nothing to damage the trunk floor.
Re-arching the springs is still probably the best way to go.