shock absorbers
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shock absorbers



Since 1975, the "world" of shock absorbers has changed.  Typically, the original Chrysler shocks were made by Monroe (hence the "MAECO" stamping, for Monroe Auto Equipment COmpany instead of the prior "Monroe" stamping).  Due to the configuration of the tube that the front shocks have to operate through, many later Chrysler supplied replacement shocks have a bulge on the bottom, but the rear shocks of the HD variety usually had larger piston diameters.
 
Now, when you read a shock catalog, they don't mention piston diameters (and the related "control" comment) any more.  Now it's "New Car Ride" that's talked about.
 
In the "old days" of when those earlier shocks were around, the front pistons were all 1" diameter, but the valving made them standard or "High Control" (HD).  The production standard rear shocks were similarly 1" diameter pistons with the HD and Police shocks using the larger 1 3/8" pistons and "High Control" valving.  In the earlier 1970s, the production "standard" shocks were basically equivalent to the Monro-Matics and the HD shocks were equivalent to the Super 500s, both Monroes.  In the late 1960s, Monroe introduced a less expensive shock to compete with the other aftermarket shocks from chain stores that was called "Gripper".
 
Currently, the old Monroe names typically have gone away, except probably for the base Monro-Matic.  SensaTrac is what I'd call a "band aid fix" for a smooth boulevard ride with control in rougher situations, which the valving ought to do anyway, without the bleed-off grooves in the piston's cylinder in the "comfort range".  Then there's their velocity valving situation shocks (Gabriel has a version too).  Sounds good in theory, but they don't seem to work in practice, as it all depends on where their comfort calibration ends and the control calibration kicks in. 
 
After the Super 500s were discontinued, their apparent replacement was the Monroe Radial Matics.  Tuned for radial tires, they claimed.  I put some on the front of my '67 Chrysler with the old rayon-belted BFG Advantage T/As and they didn't ride as good as the old Chrysler HD shocks.  I since found some NOS Chrysler performance shocks at Mopar Nats several years ago, checkered flag logos and all.
 
I haven't used any of the KYBs, but I've heard other Chrysler owners talk about how they made their full size Chryslers handle and ride much better.  Shop around for the best price.  I've used TireRack for the Konis I have bought and they might have KYBs too, but there are other online auto parts vendors that have them too.  I doubt you'll find any place locally that has them in stock, though, due to the age of the vehicle.
 
From my experience in the '60s and '70s, adding a set of quality heavy duty shocks to a Chrysler will enhance ride and handling.
 
When I bought shocks for my '80 Chrysler, I got the fronts from the Mopar replacement parts bins, via a local dealershiop.  As the car already had Monroe air shocks on the back, I got those from a Monroe vendor.  That OEM Chrysler spec valving is pretty neat, especially when  you run through dips or a little change of elevation a little too fast and discover that neither did it bottom out, but it doesn't float on the rebound either.
 
I might lean more toward a Mopar replacement shock, even if it is a repackaged Monroe, but it could also have a Chrysler-spec valving calibration that might be a little better than what Monroe uses too.  Other than that, a moderate pressure gas shock (i.e., KYB) might be a good choice.  I don't believe that KONIs are still available for those cars, though.
 
Just some thoughts,
W Bell


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