Ford Mustang Forum banner

air shocks ok? psi?

2088 Views 6 Replies 4 Participants Last post by  Joes72/65
Hi,

A while back I posted a photo of tubing I found under the rear valance. You guys correctly identified it belonging to air shocks...which it turns out a PO installed on my 65 coupe.

two questions...

1) Are air shocks ok / safe?
2) If so, what PSI should they be pumped to.

Thanks.
Status
Not open for further replies.
1 - 7 of 7 Posts
No air shocks should never be used on a unibody car.Reason being the upper shock mount is sheet metal not ment to hold weight which air shocks make it do_Over time they will punch through the floor.I would replace them with normal shocks asap and it probably needs rear leaf springs.
No air shocks should never be used on a unibody car.Reason being the upper shock mount is sheet metal not ment to hold weight which air shocks make it do_Over time they will punch through the floor.I would replace them with normal shocks asap and it probably needs rear leaf springs.
Hello. :) Absolutely correct. Don't use the air shocks. :)
See less See more
Most use air shocks to raise up sagging rear leafs because its cheap and easy to do.But the only cheap safe way is get a load leveler aka add a leaf for both sides from any auto parts store,Or take your leafs to a spring company and have them rearched or just replaced.Air shocks where made for a truck when towing a heavy trailer they are used to level out the truck to make driving it easier and safer.
See less See more
Cool. thanks for the heads-up.

Question, tho... how do you know / test that the leaf springs are good? Right now the air shocks have very little air in them (14psi) and the leafs look normal. Is it one of those things where I have to replace the shocks first to see if the leafs are good?

FYI, Only the rears are airs.
See less See more
If your wheels don't rub over bumps with the air shocks almost empty or don't rub after you change shocks i wouldn't worry about the springs then.Some did use the air shocks to jack the back up and put big wide rear wheels in the back for that 70s look.
The previous owner put air shocks, 8" shackles, helper springs, and giant tires that still rubbed going over bumps on my '65. I replaced the shackles, went to sane-size tires, and took the air out of the shocks. The car now has normal height and ride qualities. I have been debating whether to replace the shocks or leave them alone with no air in them. It's been fine for several years as is.
See less See more
1 - 7 of 7 Posts
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top