56 merc rough ride

Abchoppers

Abchoppers

Member
Hi all, I have a 56 merc, all stock with about 62,000 miles. It seems to ride rough, like I feel every bump. Tires are fairly new radials. I’m thinking of changing out the front strut shocks and rear shocks. Rear is easy, front I’m not so sure, looks complicated. Do you guys think this will make a better ride? Other options?
Thank you in advance
 
Front isn’t complicated, and it’s just a shock, not a coil/strut like some modern cars. Bad shocks are what I’d call a “bouncy” ride. Car lowered? Springs sagging? Bottoming out? A little more description of the ride and when you notice it would help.

Pretty car.
 
Is the MERC an everyday driver or do you haul shine on the weekends?

If the springs are OK (determined by vehicle trim height) -

Classic Cars

Classic cars were designed with hydraulic shocks, so it’s essential to stick with this type of shock absorber when restoring or upgrading your vehicle. Gas shock absorbers may provide a stiffer ride, but they can also cause damage to the vehicle’s suspension system.
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SOURCE - https://motorxcentric.com/gas-or-oil-shock-absorbers/
 
miker98038 said:
Front isn’t complicated, and it’s just a shock, not a coil/strut like some modern cars. Bad shocks are what I’d call a “bouncy” ride. Car lowered? Springs sagging? Bottoming out? A little more description of the ride and when you notice it would help.

Pretty car.
Click to expand...

Thank you, the car is not lowered or bottoming out. It’s like I can feel every bump in the road, like a stiff ride I would say. When I push down on the front end it doesn’t bounce a lot up and down. I notice on bad parts of the road, which in NY is everywhere lol. Good to know front end is not complicated. I’ve done struts before but these looked different, like you described. Thanks again
 
Paul has a point on air pressure. At least a couple of my cars on radials make a difference between 28 psi and 30. I run them low around town for short distances at moderate speeds. But if I’m running 20 miles or more on the freeway they go back up to 30 psi.
 
The suspension (and a lot of other things) on the Merc are pretty much the same as the Ford. The HRR’s videos are well worth watching if you’re new to these old models, and entertaining even if you’ve been around them.
 
miker98038 said:
Paul has a point on air pressure. At least a couple of my cars on radials make a difference between 28 psi and 30. I run them low around town for short distances at moderate speeds. But if I’m running 20 miles or more on the freeway they go back up to 30 psi.
Click to expand...

I think I’m going to play with different air pressures and see if it changes anything. If not I’ll start by changing rear shocks, won’t hurt as they look pretty old.
Thanks
 
If not I’ll start by changing rear shocks, won’t hurt as they look pretty old.
Click to expand...

They may be original to the car or a cheap set out of a tire store many years ago.

Rule of thumb on an older car, oil filled shocks will give a better ride that gas filled shocks.
 
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