Shock Recommendations

[KammEagle]

Interested in people's thoughts regarding shocks.  I noticed that the rear air shocks seem to be popular but I don't know why.  Is that because these people are doing towing/hauling?  I'm not.  Here is what Rock Auto shows as options:

Original Ride
Front:
GABRIEL Part # 73571       Guardian Shock          $9.29
KYB Part # 343156                        GR2             $28.79
Rear:
KYB Part # 343149                        GR2             $21.79
ACDELCO Part # 520154                     GAS CHARGED ABSORBER       $27.99
ACDELCO Part # 56094        {#22065224}          $39.79

Economy 
Front:
MONROE Part #32216         Monro-Matic Plus Shock Absorber                    $13.78
Rear:
MONROE Part # 33049        Monro-Matic Plus Shock Absorber                    $25.89

Increased Handling/Performance 
Front:
KYB Part # KG4505                         Gas-A-Just Front           $38.79
Rear:
KYB Part # KG5522                         Gas-A-Just Rear           $36.79
 
Heavy Duty/Load Assist  
Rear:
MONROE Part # MA700                     Max-Air Shock Absorber (x2)      $58.99
MONROE Part # 58510        Sensa-Trac Load Adjusting Shock (x2)   $64.89

[IowaEagle]

I think the rear air shocks are popular is because they are used to help tired springs.  Probably not the best way to make up for saggy springs -- replacing the springs are the best method.

[HappyPappy]

Air shocks on the rear, I wouldn't recommend them. You transfer all of the weight to one point of the car, the weakest part. I had a friend who put them on his and weeks later they were through the rear floor, heavy duty would be as far as I would go.  Your choice.

[KammEagle]

I was kind of hoping some poeple would have some experience/opinions between brands (Monroe vs KYB vs ?) or even within a brand (KYB - GR2 vs Gas-Adjust).

[LaGuardia]

Installed KYB (no gas adjust) a couple of years ago, and despite really weak rear springs, never had any trouble. I would recommend them ad IMHO they're value for money.

[mick]

MAX-AIR FOR LIFE! (insert gang sign)

[xtcinoz]

When my 83 wagon need shocks I went with hvy duty in the front, was going to do the same in the rear when I found some Gabrial air shocks for $64.99 for the set. Almost half the price of a set of hvy duty. Saved some cash and corrected the rearend sag. I agree new springs is the best way to fix the sag, they are on my to do list. I also put a set of these air shocks on my 76 Chevy p.u. and they are holding up great. p.s. found them at J.C. Wity.

[doneagle]

          HI when i got my EAGLE it needed shocks and .I got Gabriel and that's what i have on the EAGLE right now and it rides good i hope this helps you  ........Don

[v0rt3x86]

Monroe shocks are junk.
KYB is the lowest-quality I'd go with on any car, let alone a car beat up like AMC's are.

KYB, Koni, Bilstein, Bilstein HD, etc.

Or, considering our suspension setup is... less than admirable, we could always go custom spring/damper setup

Seriously, tho, don't get Monroes.

[v0rt3x86]

I should add that Bilsteins are gonna be the highest quality.

[mick]

Monroe shocks are junk.
KYB is the lowest-quality I'd go with on any car, let alone a car beat up like AMC's are.

KYB, Koni, Bilstein, Bilstein HD, etc.

Or, considering our suspension setup is... less than admirable, we could always go custom spring/damper setup

Seriously, tho, don't get Monroes.

I absolutely love Monroe's on my car.  They have never given me any problems, and having drove Eagle's since 1992 I have had several with different makes of shocks on them, and have found the 'roe's to ride the best, last the longest, and be the best for the money.  But this my opinion, by the way what's the part #'s on the Bilsteins.

[doneagle]

                HI    This is what I do when I nead shocks ..I check the papers for sales and pick the best sale...Most of the time sears beats them all....sears has different  brands ...that's what goes on the outher cars Gabriel goes
    on the Eagles  It work's for me .........Don

[ISOAR]

I installed a set of air shocks on my "81 kammback in 1988 to help with tire clearance , and also keep my headlights from blinding everyone when carrying heavier loads. Those shocks are still working well today. I expected to have to change them by now, so a couple of years ago I purchased a replacement set. The replacement set is still waiting for the first set to wear out. [ note: car was not used every day, but was used frequently for hunting and fishing, on and off road, for many years while living in Colorado.]

[carnuck]

I pulled the rear airshocks out of my wagon when I did the axle and added a leaf. (they were leaking down overnight) I haven't put my new ones in yet as I need to weld on the shock mounts.

[Baskinator]

For any kind of towing or performance interests, I would recommend checking for rust around your rear leaf spring shackles. It is possible, and relatively common in areas that salt the roads, for these areas to rust and push the springs through the rear floor.

Since you're not doing any towing, you'd be best advised not to get coilover shocks like the ones Monroe sells. These will give a very rough ride in the rear without towing weight. On the other hand, they will help level out worn leaf springs.

The shocks meant for handling and performance, such as KYB Gas-a-just, will give a stiffer ride and better cornering. It will be a bumpier ride on rough roads.

Economy shocks will be cheaper of course, but they may not control bounce as well and potentially wear out faster.

Your best bet on shocks for ride quality and handling balance will be something in the OEM replacement category, such as KYB GR-2/Excel-G.

Anything further than this and you'll want to look into other suspension issues and upgrades to improve ride quality to your tastes.