Rear Shocks, 94 with solenoids

Spree

Spree

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I'm confused!!! I need to replace the rear shocks on my 94 Mark VIII (It has the solenoids), as it rides rough in the back end and I replaced everything else (stock shocks with 192k on them). I wanted to go cheap! If I go with 97 Thunderbird base shocks, will they hook up to the stock factory upper shock mounts that I just bought ($90)? And I just remove the solenoids?.....It's gotta be the shocks, right? Everything else looks good, no play or worn parts in the back. When I was replacing the upper shock mounts I noticed that the back right shock didn't respond like a shock should! and that is the side where I am getting the most (thump).
Drivers side shock went up and down OK (no noise from that side) but pass side was hard to pull up when hooking up the new shock mounts, had to force it up. I know that 192k is too much for a shock, but wanted to know what the cheapest way to replace them were? I'm just trying to get a smother ride! My POS Blazer rides smoother!
 
Yes they will install with the mounts you bought and yes, just remove the unneeded solenoids.
 
Just get a set of Monroe shocks and unplug the solenoids and pitch them in the trash. That's what is on my car, they were cheap and work great.
 
DieselDan said:
Just get a set of Monroe shocks and unplug the solenoids and pitch them in the trash. That's what is on my car, they were cheap and work great.
Click to expand...

Been rolling on my sensatracs for two years now. That damn clunking sound before the swap was enough to drive someone crazy. I bought mine for a 95 Thunderbird.
 
Are you guy's using the stock mounts with the monroe or cobra or did you come up with something else that are quieter and longer lasting? I don't really like the stock mounts and was wondering if there was something else.
 
Spree said:
Are you guy's using the stock mounts with the monroe or cobra or did you come up with something else that are quieter and longer lasting? I don't really like the stock mounts and was wondering if there was something else.
Click to expand...

PM 98lincmk7lsc. He sells custom mounts superior in design.

JaysMounts.jpg
 
87TTOPGT420 said:
Go cobra coupe bilstiens and don't look back just installed my set and absolutely love it
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+1

Spree said:
Are you guy's using the stock mounts with the monroe or cobra or did you come up with something else that are quieter and longer lasting? I don't really like the stock mounts and was wondering if there was something else.
Click to expand...

i used the stock mounts, burned off the rubber, and just cut on the metal mount until it was flat and bolted it back in.
 
I also use the above shown mounts with the Sensatracs. Bought mine for $50 from Jamie but they are identical, except mine were black. I used the bushings that came with the shocks. I have been on them for over two years now and I could probably use some better bushings. I hear a creaking sound sometimes but anything is better than that damn clunking....
 
NoLimit95 said:
I also use the above shown mounts with the Sensatracs. Bought mine for $50 from Jamie but they are identical, except mine were black. I used the bushings that came with the shocks. I have been on them for over two years now and I could probably use some better bushings. I hear a creaking sound sometimes but anything is better than that damn clunking....
Click to expand...

They are similar, but not the same...

There's a reason why yours are painted black...mine aren't painted, because they'll never rust. ;)

NoLimit95 said:
Will these stop the creaking sound I hear from back there? I know it's the rear shock bushings doing it. If they'll stop it, I'll gettem right now.
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Just so you know, the O.D. of the nipple on those E.S. bushings are .875" and the center hole I.D. of your mounts are most likely .790".

In order to use those bushings with your mounts, you'll either need the center holes drilled larger or the nipples shaved smaller to fit.

Along with those, you'll also need a couple washers to go on either side of the bushings to keep them in check. I might have some extra washers, but I'm not sure.
 
98lincmk7lsc said:
They are similar, but not the same...

There's a reason why yours are painted black...mine aren't painted, because they'll never rust. ;)



Just so you know, the O.D. of the nipple on those E.S. bushings are .875" and the center hole I.D. of your mounts are most likely .790".

In order to use those bushings with your mounts, you'll either need the center holes drilled larger or the nipples shaved smaller to fit.

Along with those, you'll also need a couple washers to go on either side of the bushings to keep them in check. I might have some extra washers, but I'm not sure.
Click to expand...

When they were sold to me, they were said to be stainless and painted black to not be so conspicuous but idk. Either way, they have been in now for over two years and no rust but I also don't live in a rust area.

If they do need to be drilled, I have means to a press that can get them to the right diameter needed. It could have just been the washers missing all this time. All I know is that they make a creaking sound, with slow movement. I know the mounts are up there good because they came with washers, lock washers and locking nuts. I have checked them and everything is still tight. Just figured the bushing Monroe gave me sucked.

Does E.S. make a bushing for the .790" hole? If so, I'll just make it all easy and buy that size. If not, it's not a problem to drill. I'm also going to be getting Koni adjustables and putting the Sensatracs back for some other day.
 
Wanted to put new shocks on this weekend!! Had my mind set on the Monroe sensatracs but they were an order item, so I went to 4 different places and all I could find were...(Gabriel Guardian - Rear For your 1995 Ford Thunderbird 4.6L SFI 8cyl). Thought I would give them a try! For $20 I thought what the hell.
I'm currently using (new factory mounts) that I just bought a couple day's ago.
Took it for a ride and the difference is AMAZING! WOW! I don't know what else to say....
I should have done this long ago! I don't like the factory mounts and will look for... or make something else.
I think I will work on making my own and let you guy's know what I come up with (pic's included).
Right now I have no, thump's, knock's, squeaks, rattle's or a rough ride anymore for the 1st time
I think this now ride's better them my 04 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited!
I have 2 cars, 2 suv's, and a bike...me and my son fight over who get's to drive the Mark VIII....lol
So far he's winning!
 
Spree said:
Wanted to put new shocks on this weekend!! Had my mind set on the Monroe sensatracs but they were an order item, so I went to 4 different places and all I could find were...(Gabriel Guardian - Rear For your 1995 Ford Thunderbird 4.6L SFI 8cyl). Thought I would give them a try! For $20 I thought what the hell.
I'm currently using (new factory mounts) that I just bought a couple day's ago.
Took it for a ride and the difference is AMAZING! WOW! I don't know what else to say....
I should have done this long ago! I don't like the factory mounts and will look for... or make something else.
I think I will work on making my own and let you guy's know what I come up with (pic's included).
Right now I have no, thump's, knock's, squeaks, rattle's or a rough ride anymore for the 1st time
I think this now ride's better them my 04 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited!
I have 2 cars, 2 suv's, and a bike...me and my son fight over who get's to drive the Mark VIII....lol
So far he's winning!
Click to expand...

There is nothing like getting rid of the clunking sound in the back. Believe me, I know. It used to drive me insane. It was like a constant clunking sound and irritating. When I put the new mounts and Monroes in, it was like a different car. Now with two new air shocks in the front, I'm feeling that same experience again except better. Now I know what they felt like when they were new off the lot.
 
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