Suggestions struts wheel tire size

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Irishspring46

Greasemonkey
Sep 14, 2022
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1985 mc SS - I think I’m going with UMI 2” drop springs. Does anyone have suggestions on good struts to use with the drop springs? Mine are super worn and might as well replace them. Also another question, are you supposed to use a different shock if you lower the car?. And another question/opinion needed, I’m dropping my car 2” and I wanted to put 18s with low profile tires do you guys think I’d run into any clearance issues?
 

xcookpac

Master Mechanic
Mar 15, 2012
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I looked up Monroe 32132 shocks (front shocks for gbodies and prior models). See pic below.
Pic shows extended and compressed length for these shocks.
Ext. length: 339mm "a"
Comp. length: 220mm "b"
Working range (stock)= "a-b"=119mm
119mm x 1inch/25.4mm=4.68 inches

If it was me I would look for a shock that is about 2 inches shorter in compressed length and extended length.
 

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xcookpac

Master Mechanic
Mar 15, 2012
260
320
63
After you lower your gbody, your alignment will likely be affected. My best guess is that the
lowering will create negative camber. My understanding is that gbody specs are 0 to 1
degree (positive camber). Many folks like one degree of negative camber on gbodies.

PS I am about to tackle my own alignment in the near future. My intention is to shoot
for one degree negative camber.

PPS I am attaching alignment spec sheet for 1978-1986 El Camino with power steering.
 

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Supercharged111

Comic Book Super Hero
Oct 25, 2019
4,908
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Colorado Springs, CO
I looked up Monroe 32132 shocks (front shocks for gbodies and prior models). See pic below.
Pic shows extended and compressed length for these shocks.
Ext. length: 339mm "a"
Comp. length: 220mm "b"
Working range (stock)= "a-b"=119mm
119mm x 1inch/25.4mm=4.68 inches

If it was me I would look for a shock that is about 2 inches shorter in compressed length and extended length.

If the car drops 2", you're after a shock that's about 1" shorter as the shock is farther inboard than the wheel so won't travel as far. What is UMI recommending for a shock? And YES to negative camber.
 
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Irishspring46

Greasemonkey
Sep 14, 2022
105
33
28
If the car drops 2", you're after a shock that's about 1" shorter as the shock is farther inboard than the wheel so won't travel as far. What is UMI recommending for a shock? And YES to negative camber.

I’m assuming if they are selling this as a kit the shocks are the correct size
 

Irishspring46

Greasemonkey
Sep 14, 2022
105
33
28
After you lower your gbody, your alignment will likely be affected. My best guess is that the
lowering will create negative camber. My understanding is that gbody specs are 0 to 1
degree (positive camber). Many folks like one degree of negative camber on gbodies.

PS I am about to tackle my own alignment in the near future. My intention is to shoot
for one degree negative camber.

PPS I am attaching alignment spec sheet for 1978-1986 El Camino with power steering.

I’m assuming these are the correct shocks if they are selling them as a pair right?
 
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