Clamshell Brakes and Shocks

We'll, I've spent some time going through my new '73 Custom Cruiser and I'm ready to start buying some replacement parts. Looking through Rockauto, there are just too many choices to consider and with a very wide range of prices too. So, I'm hoping to get some recommendations from the group as to the type of brake shoes, pads and shocks I should be getting. I'm keeping her all stock and want to make sure I get good quality parts without overspending.

Thanks,
Chris

 

I got my stuff at the local parts store. rotors were 45 or so a piece got best brake pads they had(I tow) the rear drums and shoes can be pricey tho.

Rotors and pads are a very wide use item(full size cars and 1/2 ton trucks all used em) but the rear brake drums and shoes are 71-76 wagon parts only I do belive

 

From memory, I believe that the rear shoes had riveted linings.

 

Buy Raybestos pads and shoes.
Use metallic pads for the front.
Bonded or riveted shoes don't matter...either is fine.

 

Thanks for the advice. I'll get to buying next week.

 

I got all my stuff ('71 pontiac) from Napa. Since it'll be my wife's daily driver I got the best stuff they had. I haven't had any complaints so far.

 

I bought Chevy S10 shocks, and springs for the front of mine, works like a charm, even when i cut the springs in half to get it stiff and low.. (before the air ride..)

 

nice ride quality?

 

What brand of shocks would give the best (softest) ride for these cars? My car has the optional heavy duty suspension (towing package) and I want to go with something more supple, as I will not be doing any towing, etc. I know I do not want to change out the springs, but would like a softer damped shock. The rear shocks on my car (air shocks) seemed to have seized up... the car will not give at all in the back. My '73 Pontiac has a very supple ride, but it still has the original AC Delco shocks on it. I don't think you can get those anymore for these cars?

Thanks!

 

I need new shocks for mine also in the front. mine are 3 yrs old and MIGHT have 10,000 mile on them. BUT the roads this winter/spring actually blew one out maybe both. I am going to check the 88 and up 2 wheel drive chevy truck shocks for length and see if they are similar, they have a huge piston rod and I am thinking they will make for better handling. They bolt in the same not sure on overall hight on the body and extended

 

Definitely look for US-made drums and rotors. I've had several Chinesium drums recently that were out of round right out of the box. It's a waste of money to buy new drums then have to pay to have them turned. You can likely find both bonded and riveted linings. I've had bonded linings come apart in the past, so I only get riveted if possible. As for shocks, I've had really good luck with Monroe gas shocks.

 

Actually I got my rear shoes from rock auto.( locally they were $50-70 IF they could get them) I got a closeout deal they were $8 and change, they did not charge me any extra shipping( I have bought other parts). They are wagner riveted top of the line shoes!

 

I just purchased some Monroe Sensa-tracs for the rear of my '72 Chevy. I have heard they offer about the softest/smoothest ride of any modern shock.

Now my question is how easy/difficult is it to change rear shocks on a clamshell wagon? Mine has factory air shocks that have seized up. The car will not press down at all in the back and I want them gone! I just purchased some Monroe Sensa-tracs and wanting to replace myself if not too big of a job. Anyone have step-by-step instructions? Has anyone on here changed them on their own? Any special tools needed? I bet my bolts are rusted. May be better off getting a shop to do it?

Thanks!