Notes on the HAL Rear Shock Install on 1999 Cobra
There has been a lot of discussion on the message boards about which shocks will fit on a 1999 Cobra rear suspension. Those shocks were installed in late 1999 and are an adaptation of HAL's model DR 5855B-1 shock to the 1999 Cobra using IPS's brackets. Since then, we have found that the standard HAL replacement 12 position adjustable shock for the GT and 96-98 Cobras will fit the 1999 Cobra, with a few of modifications.
The valving on the direct replacement adjustable shock is identical to the valving on the shocks I have on my car, so the performance should be very similar, which is good.
The HAL Part Number for the 12 position adjustable direct replacement rear shocks is MU7855P-1. Price is about $150 each plus shipping, subject to change by HAL Shocks.
You must tell HAL when ordering the shock that it is to be used on a 1999 Cobra. That way, HAL can supply your shocks with the correct 9/16" ID lower mount bushing to clear the Cobra's 14mm lower mount bolt. (The standard lower bushing size is too small, at 1/2".)
The shocks must be installed using four 9/16" SAE flat washers between the shock and the lower control arm. Either the washers or an equivalent spacer may also be supplied by HAL with these shocks for a small additional charge. These are necessary to move HAL's fatter-than-stock shock body out away from the lower control arm enough to avoid any interference. If the shock is spaced out too far, however, it will hit the toe rod.
My shocks are different than the ones you will buy but the picture above shows where the washers go. Note that the washers above are larger than you need. I only had 5/8" standard size washers to use to check the clearance with. You will need four 9/16" SAE washers which are thinner and smaller in diameter than those pictured. Also, the bolt is a dummy just to hold the washers in place, not the 14mm bolt that is used for the lower mount.
The 1999 Cobra comes from the factory with a single hardened metal washer installed between the lower control arm and the shock. The washer is glued to the lower control arm. When changing the shock absorbers, be careful to re-use the washer in its original location. Add the four SAE washers to this washer.
Set your new shocks on 3 or 4 on the street for a good ride and to 9 to 12 on the strip. These high strip settings are necessary to minimize wheelhop, but are too stiff for driving around town. I can't stand anything stiffer than a setting of 5 on the street myself.
The Hal adjustable shocks are less expensive than anything else out there, and have worked great for me for many months now.
If you have any questions about the shocks or the installation, contact Mr. Curtis Perry at HAL in Florida after 9am EST at 561-221-0164, or email him at cperry@evcom.net. Tell him I sent you. Also, note that the information provided here is based on my own experience and testing, and HAL may make changes that I am unaware of and that I may be late in updating this site at times.