Will shock replacement only require re-alignment?
 

OK, so I'm thinking of replacing both front and rear shocks on my 83SC, and maybe next year do the torsion bars/bushings. I don't want to do both at the same time for time and financial reasons. I was wondering if just replacing the front shock inserts and rear shocks would require a re-alignment or not? Obviously after the torsion bars I would do it.

The front shock replacement requires re-alignment, but in my case, the guy who did the alignment said that everything was "very close" and only needed very slight adjustment.

It can be done without disrupting the current alignment settings by leaving the upper strut mounts untouched, and simply removing the large nut in the center of the mount to remove the top of the insets from the the mount.


But what may necessitate an alignment regardless, is the fact that it will usually raise the ride height due to increased gas pressure in the new shocks/struts.

+ 1 on the post above.

I changed my front shocks a couple of years ago - replaced the 20 year old oil filled shocks with new gas inserts - and it didn't need a realignment. Also in Wayne's book it doesn't mention any need to realign when you change the shocks. I recently had my alignment checked and it is absolutely spot on, so I think you will be fine.

Just went through this.

I did re-check the alignment.

You may want to drive the car for a while, then re-check the ride height on all four corners,
and the alignment.

pm me for the ride height on our '86.

Good luck,

Gerry

I do not know the correct answer but I think if: 1-The ride height at EACH wheel is the same before and after the strut change; AND 2-You did not move the upper adjustment plate then you would be ok.

When I got my car it needed spring plate bushings and the ride height adjusted up. When talking to Steve Alarcon about it, we decided that based on my budget restraints it would be prudent to change the rear bushings, add new shocks to the rear, do an alignment and corner balance all at the same time. The front shocks could be changed later without incurring the cost of another alignment and corner balance if and when I decided they needed changing.
So far I've no complaints and most riders love the way the car rides.

When John Walker replaced the shocks on my '88 he highly recommended getting an alignment and when I took a drive a week afterwards to help the new shocks settle in and to get a feel for the car while the handling was not good, it was decidedly squirrely.

After the alignment the handling was perfect and the car was a joy to drive.

I don't know how old your shocks are but mine were original as far as I could tell and my ride hide raised significantly before settling down to a level a bit higher than before.

If your shocks are old, I would plan and budget for an alignment a couple of weeks after replacing them, then take the car for a drive after the shocks are replaced but before the alignment to feel the adverse effects on handling for yourself.