air shocks--wow

[brent]

PO had air shocks. The light bulb don't typically go off over my head too often, but I realized I had vac lines off the shocks and an air nipple on my rear bumper.
Is this a dinosaur accessory or common?
What PSI should I be maintaining?
Should I keep 'em? No probs right now.
(My Golden Rule BEFORE FSJ: If aint broke, dont fix it.
My Golden rule AFTER FSJ: Fix it anyway.)
Thanks, Brent

[Subconscious]

I had a '73 Mustang that had airshocks in it when I bought it. I don't know about PSI, but I just pumped them up until I thought it looked like a good ride height. I'd replace 'em with some Ranchos or other good shocks if it was me.

[Bob Barry]

I got some from a parts-truck. They're not ideal, but they can help even a load.

[Stolen76]

I'm using monroe air shocks, work great when hauling heavy loads and towing. They're a bit stiff for driving around empty. I keep them at 40 psi and air them up when towing or loaded heavy. The max on the ones I have are 130 psi

[Rande]

They usually work great for helping to level loads. Just don't let them run empty. I had a set on an old Ford station wagon and there was sticker inside the glovebox door that included the warning about running them empty. When I would up a bunch of friends for a night cruising the strip, I would just pump them up to cure the sag, and deflate them some when everyone got home.

Another thing, I had trouble with the rubber bushings squashing due to the loads on them. I had to change them twice while I owned the car. I would think poly bushings would be in order here. Also, the shock mounts may need a bit of reinforcing if you carry heavy loads and level the truck with them. There were no poly bushings back when I owned that old wagon.

Come to think of it, I've got a set of brand new air shocks out in the garage........

[ June 13, 2003, 09:48 PM: Message edited by: Rande ]