Come to think of it you may have nothing to loose to try the spring pads as they are likely much cheaper than shocks and could resolve the issue but I doubt it would help much but may be worth a try. If you do not like the results you may be able to return them if you get them from the same place you are going to get the shocks from, as an exchange. would not hurt to give it a try! good luck

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Currently
1991 Mazda Miata 174000
1991 Subaru 189,000 Winter beater

got rid of:
1984 VW Vanagon 195,000
1976 350SE Euro 185,000 KM
1973 280SE 4.5 (boy do I regret that)
1980 280SE European W126 4 speed manual (miss it)
1989 BMW 735iL 119000 (good riddance)