How do you get a Suspension to hook, when the track surface is marginal at best

If you are going to stick with SS springs it's time to replace them. Mine got old and started sagging, 60 ft went away and then couldn't make it hook on poor tracks.

Brand new SS springs from summit fixed it. $128 each I believe. I don't run a snubber but add clamps in front section and remove clamps in rear section. Has been best of 1.54 60 foot.