1955 ford thunderbird automatic( shocks )-smooth ride?

[Clous]

Hello. Any suggestion what kind of shock are good for this type of car? I got this car in June the old tires where from 1994! Is there a way to check how old the shock are? Got new radial tires and it made the ride better. I just want a little more smoother ride. The shock look new, but I just done know how to check them. Just wondering before I go and buy new shocks or I’m I missing something else to improve the ride. Thank you.

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[CSPIDY]

If you push down on the car it should only come back up and not rebound back in a downward direction.
You can always pull the shocks and pull and push on them.
There should be resistance when you pull and push.
CASCO offers a gas shock that is supposed to improve the ride.

 

[Clous]

Thank you for the tip. I appreciate it.

 

[MONGOOSE1953]

I recently upgraded my 56 with coker radial whits and Monroe gas shocks. It made a huge difference. I then added a rear anti-sway bar in addition to the front bar. Again, another major improvement.
My next fix will be new rear leaf springs to combat the body sag and right rear drop on acceleration.

 

[JRH]

I just ordered new springs from General Spring (much more reasonable) 1955 apparently OEM my car has 4 leafs the new ones have 5 there salty on the shackles (49.00) ordered from CASCO 11.85 each . 56 and 57's are different. First up rewire front to back existing wires stiff and brittle.

 

[55blacktie]

These cars don't float down the road like an old Cadillac or Lincoln. They have never been known for their cushy ride. Warn shocks won't make the ride more harsh, unless they bottom out. Instead, your car will bounce. Shocks control spring rebound.

 

[Ward 57]

Yah, I can feel the road in my rear end. I did have my springs re-done 35yrs ago and they said they added an additional leaf. Ride Hight is right on and is smother than my tuck going over rail road tracks.

 

[MONGOOSE1953]

My 56 had similar issues. original springs and hydraulic shocks. Changed to coker radials, new rear springs and sway bar, new gas-filled shocks, and new front bushings. They made a huge difference in ride quality, sway tendencies and general driveability.