The threaded shafts (particularly the lower) are a little short for the Alpine's mounting plate setup. I had to flatten the convex side of the rubber cushions to get them to compress enough so I could start a nut on the threaded shaft. Once this was done, this there was no problem. I used the "locator" washers from the old shocks (none were supplied with the new shocks). These have a lip that fits into the hole in the shock mount, and keeps the shaft from rubbing on the mount. Keep all the old shock parts so you can mix and match if necessary for a better fit.
I noticed the difference right away when I bounced the front end. It is hard to tell without a standard, but the same test with the old shocks produced a lot more bouncing. On the road I could really feel the difference. There was less tendancy to dive when I put on the brakes, and it felt very well controlled when I "slolomed" going down the road. Combined with a 7/8" swaybar the Sensitracks gave a very satisfying ride.
These shocks are built for full and mid sized Chrysler cars. One application was all Dodge Aspen and Plymouth Volare. Chrysler built a gazillion of these boats, so it's likely that these shocks will be available for quite some time. Many of the cars fitted with these shocks weighed 1000 to 1500 lbs more than the Alpine. That should count for something in added dampening. I am very satisfied with the ride, and were it not for the somewhat tight fit at full extension, I could recommend these shocks to early series Alpine owners without hesitation. Would I rather have Spax adjustables? Sure, but they cost 2-3 times what I paid for the Monroes. There are many Monroe numbers close to 5829 (5815, 5801, etc.) It could be that there is a better fitting shock out there. It would take a sympathetic and patient parts man with a good selection of shocks to help you check out the options. You would need to compare measurement at compression and extension, diameter and length of the mounting shafts, tube diameter, and general design. Once the application for the right shock is found, you could check out the avaliblility of other brands and models of shocks. Unfortunately, you're not likely to find competition shocks for a Plymouth Volare or Chrysler New Yorker, altho I believe they do run a lot of these pre-Iacoca models in Demolition Derby competition.
I will request information from the Monroe web page about shocks with a slightly longer extension (say 11.5 inches). Of course, the compressed length would probably have to increase by approxomately half the increase in the extended length (I figured that out all by myself).
I will update when I get more miles on these shocks and/or word from Monroe.
Rex