'57 Chevy Front ShockWave tune up spec's

[Chevy57Ray]

Hi, I run front SKW1019 on my '57 Chevy since a wild and I was just wondering why the valving adjustment on my car need to be set at 3 in order to get a nice ride? At first, I tried the initail setup at 9 then going down to 3 the really like the ride. A friend ride his '55 right on setup at 9 & is more smoother then mine at similar kind of setup, engine etc. I got 2" drop spindle and addup 1" spacer under the bottom attachment of the ShockWaves to prevent bottoming the shock. I got 7/8" sway bar on stock arms.The car ride at 4" clearance at central front crossmember. Front tires 215/65R15 & rear 235/70R15 on stock 5 leafs springs lowered by 3", and a rake of near 2". Does big tires are too smooth that make the car bouncing or would I get a better ride on 17" low profile tires? I enjoy the ride but just need to know.

[amber@ridetech.com]

Can I ask why you didn't like it at 9? Too stiff?

[darren@ridetech.com]

You should have about 5" of travel. At what point of that travel are you driving it at? How much pressure? Wheel size and tire profile can greatly influence the ride quality. A heavy wheel will ride worse, as will a low profile tire.

[Chevy57Ray]

I am riding at 70 PSI & travel is about 3 1/2" / 1 1/2" , All Billets Aluminum Wheels 15 X 8, Standard Front tire height 215-65R15 25 1/2" diameter is not low profile inflat at 32PSI, If softer the car bounce more... I wounder the rear end as standard shock 5 leafs lowered, with 235-70R15 tires. At 9 on the shockwaves, the car ride like a race car, very stiff and cornering very very good except the rear end shear out... All crack hums etc. are in the steering with vibration of the car. At 12, no more front suspension... almost hard rock.

[darren@ridetech.com]

I have a 70 chevelle with a big block in it and I run around 6 clicks in the front and 3 in the rear for the best ride quality. About 3" from compressed and 2" from topped out. Maybe try a tick less pressure and a little more valving.