Smoothing my ride out

[Ricks98]

I have a 81 vette. I am definitely not an expert on shocks and suspension. My ride feels pretty harsh and would like to smooth it out. What are your thoughts on what type of shocks I should put on and should I do anything about the actual supension?
Any help is appreciated
Ricks81:confused

 

[Whiteshadow89158]

i would first look at the bushings and if neccesary replace all of them, i believe i saw a complete front too rear kit for around $350 on ecklers. I would grab a set of shocks from your local sears auto store or any major parts store otherwise you'll be paying an arm and leg for "performance" shocks.then i would check the sway bars out to see if there in usable condition and if not you could always get thicker ones for better performance. that would be my first few steps, 1.bushings 2.shocks 3.sway bars(if neccessary)

 

[Ricks98]

That's great advise.
Thanks

 

[Hib Halverson]

Is this car's suspension already modified? If so, post what mods have been done.

What kind of shocks are on the car?

What kind of tires are on the car?

 

[Ricks98]

Shocks are quite old and the tires are Eagle GT II and are new. Since I put on the tires the ride has greatly improved. From what I can tell the shocks aren't good as the back one may have a leak. Front and back Springs are original.
Thanks

 

[Hib Halverson]

Change the shocks but do not use anything intended for performance driving. I'd go with a premium replacement shock.

That said, with a stock suspension in good condition and new Goodyear Eagle GT IIs ( a good choice in this instance) your options, other than new shocks, are really limited. A chassis with early 60s technolgy just isn't capible of riding nicely...at least, not by the standard we use to define "nice ride" today.

 

[Ricks98]

Thanks. I think that will be the weekend project. I'll stop a local parts shop and pick the shocks up. I appreciate you taking the time
Rick