Leaky air shocks

[41husk]

I have air shocks on the 73, and they are leaking somewere.  I have changed the lines, sprayed everything down with soapy water and can't find a leak.  I air them up and within 2 or 3 hours I am rubbing back rubber.  I am thinking it must be in the shock, but can't find bubbles when I spray it with soapy water.  I will probably swap out the shocks, but was wondering if possibly injecting fix O flat into the system and see if it seals.  Any thoughts or better ideas?

[plum500]

If you are leaning towards swapping the shocks anyway, I'd just go ahead and do it rather than mess around with old air shocks - that fix o flat stuff is only a temp fix anyway. I had the same problem - not quite that fast, but usually next day I was having to pump them up again. I had a leak at the T connector in my trunk, but even after fixing that, I still had issues with losing air. I figure the seal in the shocks must go eventually....  I now have a small pile of air shocks and stuff in the corner of my garage, and KYBs out back.

[41husk]

Tghanks I will check the T again, I have mine ran out to were the fuel filler is, under the licsense plate.

[Steve P.]

I hate air shocks. Not only due to leaking, but also it is impossible to make the car hook up. And a rocky ride..

I would buy wheels that will put your rear tires inside of the wheel wells where they belong and if you are still riding on 30 something rear springs it is way past time for a new set...

sorry to be so FROM THE HIP, but I reallllllllly hate air shocks.. 

[zerfetzen]

How are your leaf springs?

The reason I ask is that I was restoring (and driving) a 73 Cuda.  I put new air shocks on it (I'm done with those now, but anyway) and like you, would air them up and a few hours later they'd be back where I started.  I'd air them up at the gas station a block from my house before going to work, then air them up near work before driving home.  It was driving me nuts.

A couple weeks later, my friend and I replaced the original leaf springs with ESPO springs.  When we let the car back down, the rear was jacked in the air like it was reaching for the sky.  I let some air out, got back to a normal ride height, and it stayed that way.  I never had to put air in them again.  The moral of the story, the air shocks were the only thing supporting the rear.

[41husk]

Now there is a thought, i will check the springs.

[41husk]

I think that would help, what would a set of springs cost with shackles, ball park.

[zerfetzen]

Good question.  I'm having a hard time finding the prices from ESPO, but strongly recommend them.  From hanging out at Cuda-Challenger.com, I think it's safe to say that most members recommend ESPO.  I thought I spent about $500 in total, but that was a couple years ago.

I've found higher prices at Just Suspension.  For a 69 Charger (that was me pricing them for my car, I'm sure your 73's close), they have:

Leaf Springs for about $500 (I mean both LH and RH)
Shackles $220 for both
U-Bolts $100 for both

I think ESPO was cheaper too.

[41husk]

I hope so that sounds kinda steep.

[Daytona R/T SE]

Will these work

http://chucker54.stores.yahoo.net/extraheavyduty.html

[41husk]

ptice is more like it but It did not say it would fit a 73, only uo to 71???

[Steve P.]

I got my SS springs from Summit. They had the same parts for cheaper than the rest.

[Daytona R/T SE]

ptice is more like it but It did not say it would fit a 73, only uo to 71???

I have no Idea what the difference from 71/72 to 73 would be 


Twilt? Nacho? Chargerkid?

[Ghoste]

Aren't one of those years the beginning of the oval shaped front spring eye?
Eaton is a good place too.  I got a pair of springs from there a couple of years ago and I'm happy with them.

[zerfetzen]

I have an ESPO catalog, and prices for everything BUT springs.  They differentiate between 73 Charger and 72 Charger.  73 Charger U Bolts: $4 each.  Shackles: $23 each. Poly bushing set: $40.  I remember the springs were pretty reasonably priced too.

[41husk]

Thanks guys i will start calling around tommorow.

[41husk]

picking up a set tommorow from StLouis spring Co.  15 dollars higher per side than espo, but I can pick them up and save $50 s+H.  thanks for the help!

[Steve P.]

Hey Husk, Are they putting any more arch in them than stock?? SS?? HD?? Are your tires still going to rub??

Not being a jerk, just trying to save you money, time, work and tires...   

[41husk]

Yes they are stiffer than stock with a little more arch,  They make them there on site for your application.  some real nice guys as well!

[Steve P.]

Very good. Let us know how you like them..

[41husk]

Thanks, If I aint rubbin I'm lovin em!

[Steve P.]

Hahaha...   

[41husk]

Got the old ones off, I am sure they wern't gonna fall off

[41husk]

New springs are on and it sits nice, probably don't even need air shocks now.

[zerfetzen]

Thought so 

Glad to hear that worked out for ya.  Cheers.

[Steve P.]

Very good to hear. Now toss the air shocks and take it to the track. You will Chit when you see the difference in traction...   

[41husk]

I need to deep six the air shocks, terrible ride, any suggestions on a good sturdy stiff shock?

[zerfetzen]

I'm sure opinions vary, but I've always heard good things about the adjustable shocks from QA1, Koni, and Strange Engineering.

[41husk]

hanks, I will look into it!