shocks and ride height

51merc

51merc

Junior Member
probably 7-8 years ago, i lowered the merc by using dropped uprights and lowering rear leaf springs, both of which were to give about 3 inches lowering. with that front dropped upright setup, i was able to use the same height coil spring, which i also replaced. now several years later, it appears that the front has RAISED itself back up, higher than the rear. i have a picture, i believe shortly after this mod, that shows her setting nice and level, now the front is a little bit higher, and i want it back level. i also replaced the shocks all around, with stock size shocks, (Monroe i think, that's my preferred brand), and they identify fronts and rears for the merc. any ideas on maybe why, or does anyone make an air shock for the front? or maybe i need a different size shock up front. i have the specs on the shock, compressed 8.5",extended 13.44". i'm gonna drop the shocks from the bottom, see what that does to the ride height (no travel, just looking). looking for something quick, cruisin' the coast next week.
thanks in advance.
 
I suspect the lowered rear springs have begun to sag and this will allow the front to raise up a little. Put some air shocks on the rear and raise the back a little until it is level.
 
Are you sure the new front shocks are not bottoming out? Dropping the shocks from the bottom will tell you if they were. Some gas charged shocks will provide a slight lift. Maybe 1/2" to 3/4" at the most. I think TJ's scenario is what is happening though.
 
didn't read TJ's post until now, but, yep got some air shocks coming. Monroe cross referenced them to a MA820. we'll see.

after reading and pondering, it appears that is mere physics that has caused the issue. over the time since installation, the rear springs would've and did, settle a bit and with the relocation of some weight from front to rear, it only compounded the problem. in addition to moving the battery to the trunk, the engine has had the stock cast iron heads and intake replaced with lighter aluminum offy's. and although none of them individually is that much, added up, it makes a difference.
gonna try some air shocks in the rear and see what that does, i think this'll do the trick..
thanks for all the replies.
 
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