Just a quick note about air shocks..... When I bought my 77 Mav it had air shocks. I am in the process of fixing the car up and noticed some things you might want to consider before putting air shocks on your car. 1. The upper body mount plate had about 7 different cracks in it, probably from the stress of the shocks not giving like normal shocks will. Took about an hour to weld it all back together. It didnt look like it was all that dangerous to drive but I am sure it didnt help the handling at all. 2. One of the shocks had hit a rear axle tube and pinched off the rear brake line to the drivers side rear wheel. This looked a little more dangerous, especially in slick conditions. IMO...dont run air shocks and if you do, check them often for problems. Get new springs instead, you will be happier in the long run. My .02
For years, I have spoken against using air-shocks on Mavericks, but people ignore me or argue with me, thinking I don't know what I'm talking about. Air-shocks are best suited for cars with full frame construction, not uni-body cars like Mavericks/Comets. Not only do they put excessive stress on the upper mounts, they also reduce the car's handling and breaking capabilities. I have gotten so sick of hearing people say: "I've had air-shocks for years and never had a problem", that I just quit commenting on them (until I saw this thread)--they can just learn the hard way. The upper mounts on our cars were NOT designed to carry the weight of the vehicle, but only to dampen suspension travel. The damage doesn't always happen right away, but over a period of time. If you DO have air-shocks on your Maverick right now, I strongly advise that you do not exceed the minimum air pressure, which is 20-25 PSI. I remember about 7 years ago when I first discovered this site, that a bunch of young kids wanted to put air-shocks on their Maverick and when I told them it was a bad idea, they argued with me and became downright beligerant, flaming me and everything. After awhile, I just stopped commenting. This site has grown so much since then and there are so many more knowledgable Maverick owners here now than there were back then...
well T.L. if those kids are still on here maybe one of them will buy my air shocks i took off mine lol
I took mine off my mustang in high school because they had shoved the shock thru the mount into the trunk...Havent used them since. (I wont say when that was...)
i agree, my brother put them on his monarch and after driving it i vowed never to put air shocks on any of my cars.. not only are they hard on the car it beats the hell out of the driver..
Wow! TL Im not going to be beligerent, and if you were here id shake your hand in thanks. I'm takin my air shocks out ASAP. Did not even occur to me. Fortunately havnt had a problem yet but I'm not takin chances with my Mav. Thanx, Thom:bananaman
