Hi Frank!
I can honestly say that I have had some experience changing out the shocks in my '71Z as I am currently on my 4th set.
Here's a quick rundown on what I had bought for the car, mileage driven and how well each set of shocks had performed:
June 1975 40K miles
Replaced the original shock cartridges with new Mullholland cartridges purchased from Bob Sharp as the Z was getting a bit "bouncy".
Sept. 1993 92K miles
Replaced the rear Mullholland cartridges with 2 Monroe cartridges as rear seemed to be getting soft and "bouncy".
June 2003 115K miles
As part of the major restoration, I bought a set of 4 Tokico strut cartridges and springs as well as new front and rear sway bars from MSA to improve the handling of the car. This also lowered the car about 1-1/2 inches. I've been most happy with this last set of shocks, although the ride is a bit stiffer and the lower springs gave me a bit of negative camber, but the handling was vastly improved. You experienced this at the Glen so you can judge for yourself. The car now has 202K miles on the odometer and still rides great.
One point I would make regarding the installation is I am very leery about compressing springs even though I do own and have used spring compressors in the past. I was actually able to avoid having to compress the springs by properly supporting the car chassis and using my hydraulic jack to slowly lower the control arms and the disconnected strut assemblies. The rear axles and brake lines must be disconnected at each rear wheel in order to lower the arms sufficiently to allow you to clear the spring from the wheel wells. The front is a bit easier as you would remove the tie rod and brake lines as I recall.
You may need help in having someone to help you align the strut shaft in the strut tower holes while you raise the control arms with their new strut cartridges into place so you can fasten the shaft nuts in place. I also placed some rolled up electrical tape on the polished strut shafts at the top of the cartridges to keep the shafts from sliding down into the cartridges while trying to raise them in place. I guess it worked.
Good Luck!
