Can anybody suggest the best way to raise up the rear on a 66 satellite. Do they have add a leaf kits for these cars. Thanks

 

Air Shocks !

 

NO! Shaaame!....Bad Don! Go lay by your dish!!!! Air shocks put the weight of the vehicle on the shock mount, a place that is not designed to support the vehicles weight. I'm not a pro on the 66's, but I'm sure someone will chime in on a good suggestion for what you want.

 

Replace the springs if they have sagged Or have them re arched at a spring shop

 

I have a '66 beldvedere which is the exact same vehicle, different trim level and I have the *** end raised a bit with leaf spring extension brackets on the rear. Does the job without strain on anything that shouldn't be strained. They were on the car when I bought it so I can't direct you where to get them, but I think they're fairly common.

 

I've had air shocks on both my Road Runners since buying them in 1976 and 1983 without any problems. Maybe if you have a rust bucket you might wish to stay away from them. I have also used coilover shocks in the past without problems. The last thing I would use is shakles as they look hidious and end up collasping your leaf springs.

 

As a guy who "lived through this era," I must disagree. Not only (if they are long enough) look silly, but the only thing that allows a leaf spring car to corner well is the stability of the spring eye bushings and the shackles. The longer you make 'em the less stable they are.

 

I'm not talking (and I don't think he is either) about putting rediculously long, ugly shackles on that will jack the car up 8 inches, I'm suggesting a suttle, small shackle like I have (see pic) that gives the *** end a bit of a boost. I don't remember 1966 Belvederes being high speed cornering machines no matter how low you have the rear end. And as far as air shocks being the solution, I've seen too many horror stories posted about shock towers cracking under the continuos load of the vehicle.....and they aren't all "rust buckets".

 

The very best methode is to replace or rearch the old springs.
It is also the most work and most money. That is why folks try everything else first. Some times you can get away with a taller tire on the back than on the front. Depends on how much it sags.
Just one old guys opinion.