Stiff Struts and Shocks .... What does this mean

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Stiff Struts and Shocks .... What does this mean

Postby xnavyss » Wed Jul 23, 2014 3:06 pm

Just took car in to check front end and align and balance tires.

When I asked about the shocks and struts, was told they had been replaced but were stiff, but ok to drive with.

What exactly does that mean ? Stiff ? Will car ride smoother if I replace them ?

Thanks

Joe

Military Veteran and Proud Retired Navy Submarine Sailor.
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Car Information: 1984 Chrysler Lebaron, Mark Cross, 2.6

Re: Stiff Struts and Shocks .... What does this mean

Postby K-CAR_WAGON » Wed Jul 23, 2014 4:34 pm

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Last edited by K-CAR_WAGON on Sat Dec 20, 2014 5:27 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Stiff Struts and Shocks .... What does this mean

Postby xnavyss » Wed Jul 23, 2014 6:35 pm

Not sure I understand all of that. Thank You.

The car was recently purchased and I want to get it in as good of a condition as possible for a daily driver.

When I drive the car and go over a bump or over a rut in the road, I immediately feel a hard thump. It does not bounce up and down. Also, there is no excessive bounce when I push down on the car from outside.

It is hard to describe, but when I go over a bump, it does not feel the bump is being absorbed, it is not a smooth or perhaps an immediate soft response.

Thanks

Joe
Military Veteran and proud Retired Navy Submarine Sailor
xnavyss
 
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Joined: Mon Jun 23, 2014 7:39 pm
Car Information: 1984 Chrysler Lebaron, Mark Cross, 2.6

Re: Stiff Struts and Shocks .... What does this mean

Postby K-CAR_WAGON » Wed Jul 23, 2014 10:31 pm

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Last edited by K-CAR_WAGON on Sat Dec 20, 2014 5:27 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Stiff Struts and Shocks .... What does this mean

Postby 1987dodgearies » Tue Jul 29, 2014 12:39 am

It would seem that as long as it were an OEM replacement shocks or struts, the quality of the ride shouldn't be effected.

For example, I just replaced front struts on a car last week but intentionally installed performance strut. It definitely has a different "less soft" feel to it now. But the strut I selected, was not considered an after market "factory ride replacement". Most shocks from companies like KYB, Gabriel and many other after market companies are basically just like the OEM shocks and struts with no improvement.

If the previous owner replaced the OEM type shocks with a street performance shock, then it will be stiffer as it sacrifices smooth ride characteristics for faster corner handling, less body roll, etc.
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Re: Stiff Struts and Shocks .... What does this mean

Postby mkjohnson39 » Wed Jan 21, 2015 12:42 am

The new shocks and struts are gas filled. You can order the conventional shock, because my body man did. The struts were already installed and they are gas an a little rough. The 175/8o R13 tire, if that is what you have, also call for 37psi.
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