Are My Shocks Bad?

[Michael C.]

I've installed rebuilt trailing arms on my 69. I'm wondering if I should replace the rear shocks. They're old Delco "Gas Cushioned." I read somewhere that shocks are bad if they don't extend back if manually compressed. Is that correct? I can compress mine with some force, but they don't extend back unless I pull on them. Requires some force to extend manually. Are mine bad? When everything was assembled the rear end didn't bounce when I pushed on it.
Thanks, Mike

[Michael G.]

Re: Are My Shocks Bad?

Gas charged shocks would rebound. By you description, Your shocks are functioning. No leaks?

[Michael C.]

[Duke W.]

Re: Are My Shocks Bad?

High pressure shocks, otherwise known a deCarbon type, like Bilsteins, will always expand to full length due to the high gas pressure if not otherwise constrained.

I have no idea what "gas cushioned" means, but it's likely just marketing nonsense.

If the shocks aren't leaking and the rear isn't bouncing all over then they are likely okay.

Duke

[Michael C.]

Re: Are My Shocks Bad?

Thanks for the replies. At this point, I'm ready to get this project done. The shocks are easy enough to replace later...if needed.