Hi,

looking for some advice. I have an all original 85 GT 5 speed. The only non original thing are the rear air shocks. The car had a trailer hitch when I bought it. The original owner pulled a seadoo I believe.

I would like to improve the cars ride quality back to as close to original feel as possible. I want to replace the rear shocks, springs and struts. What would be the best products for this to restore it back to an original ride feel.

It takes the bumps a bit hard. I have a bunch of equipment that I will be installing in the spring.

Here's what I've got:

sub-frame connectors
front and rear sway bars (bigger than stock)
poly transmission mount
rear control arms (upper and lower)
poly control arm bushings (front and rear)
poly spring caps

I do not want to lower the car at all and want to retain as much of the original look as possible.

Any suggestions for a good set of rear shocks, springs and struts?

Any other suggestions of suspension upgrades that would help it's handling but allow it to smooth out the bumps would be great.

Thanks guys!

 

If your wanting to keep the stock ride quality, just dump the air shocks and throw in some stock replacement shocks. This is assuming the PO didn't swap out to stiffer springs for the rear. Think of it this way, springs control how the car sits (ride height). Shocks control how the car rides.

 

Poly bushings aren't going to help ride feel as they deflect less than rubber. They will tighten things up which will help handling but comfort not so much. Subframe connectors will also tighten things up by taking flex out of the chassis. Good quality shocks and struts and oem springs are best for ride comfort.
Tires are a main factor as well. More sidewall means more cushion. If you are still running the stock 10 hole wheels the tire size should be 225/60/15. Some people run smaller tires and run the pressure at the tire max.

 

strange 10 way adjustables = allows you to set ride quality