Best Suspension Replacement Options

[ledzilla]

Ok, so I've been doing some research on what's available for replacement shocks and springs, front and back, and I haven't found anything really definitive.

My front springs are the wrong springs, they make the front ride too high and aren't as stiff as they should be (had a local shop install them a few years back because the originals actually rusted through and snapped; I think they put in GM springs, thinking it's all the same thing). I'm assuming the KYB Gas-A-Just shocks are still the best option for shocks, since people still like them and I think I still see them for sale. I don't know what to put in the back for shocks, and I can't seem to find anything that looks appropriate to replace the air bags, which aren't looking so good these days.

So, do we have a definitive set of items we can get to replace the springs and shocks that keep us as close to if not better than OEM ride and handling? I'd like to keep this limited to parts that are still available and can be purchased new, which seems to exclude Eibach springs at this time, since it doesn't look like they currently offer them for the Marauder.

[MOTOWN]

How much are you looking to spend , there's QA1 , ride tech , Penske , etc

[Logizyme]

KYB police/marauder spec shocks all around
Factory springs
Cut factory springs 1/2 coil for 1/2 inch drop or 1 coil for 1 inch drop, if desired
Adjust air suspension sensor to match the drop to the front, if desired
Metco/Sparta/Heinous rear control arms (all of these get the same great reviews)
Metco/Sparta watts-link
Addco sway bars front and rear

(4.10's)

Any police-spec springs will closely match the stiffness of Marauders, trim to desired height.

[Lowndex]

You need advice from lifespeed (no offense to others). He has threads here on his shock, springs and suspension journey.

Lifespeed?

[ledzilla]

Ok, that's what I was figuring on the shocks, and I see front and rear KYBs can be had at Rock Auto. I currently have KYB's on the front, but they're old and have nearly 80K on them.

As far as rear control arms, I've been planning to get the Sparta Watt's link to match the Sparta control arms I haven't yet been able to install. My rear air suspension control is messed up, so I have a manual bypass switch for the ride height hidden in the glovebox. And I'm planning on getting the Addco sway bars.

But really, this post is more about trying to at least retain OEM fit and handling with whatever new parts can be had. Not the various upgrades.

Or, I suppose what can't hurt, is a good reference of what new parts concerning shocks and springs, front and rear, are available for retaining OEM fit and handling, and a comparable listing of reasonable upgrades might be available for those same parts. Let's just ignore sway bars and control arms for now, and also lowering. Average prices to expect for all parts concerned would be helpful, as it would be good to know what to expect to spend whether you want to go OEM or stiffer.

I had thought we woud have a sticky on this by now, but I don't see any good reference done up so far. Just a lot of chat and opinion about what people like.

[ledzilla]

In considering things with the KYB's, I see fronts available for $70.79 and rears available for $56.99, all on RockAuto.

[RubberCtyRauder]

Marauder rear air springs are still available but are in the $300 each range. Some have had luck with arnott or suncore rear air springs

[Logizyme]

So do you want to keep the rear air suspension (RAS) ?

Coilsprings.com and Eaton springs have had missed reviews here and on CVN.

Honestly what I would do is pick up some junkyard police springs.

[ledzilla]

Marauder rear air springs are still available but are in the $300 each range. Some have had luck with arnott or suncore rear air springs

Where are the OEM air bags found? Also, was thinking Arnott, and I see them available on RockAuto now for the Marauder. Just wasn't sure if their spring rate was close enough to OEM.


So do you want to keep the rear air suspension (RAS) ?

Coilsprings.com and Eaton springs have had missed reviews here and on CVN.

Honestly what I would do is pick up some junkyard police springs.

Yes, I wanted to keep the rear air suspension. Wasn't really sure if there was a sufficient advantage to doing the coil spring conversion. What do you mean by "missed reviews"?

[ledzilla]

I took a look at Coilsprings.com, and I realized that a few months ago I had made a quote request for front springs and they never responded.

[Lowndex]

Threads from lifespeed well worth reading:

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=84895&highlight=lifespeed

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=99313&highlight=lifespeed

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=99270&highlight=lifespeed

[Logizyme]

Sorry I meant "mixed reviews" not missed reviews.

A coil spring setup in the rear only has the advantages of being simple, cheap and reliable.

The air suspension is more comfortable, load leveling, and right for a Marauder, but it is also expensive, complex and noisy.

That'll be the real thing you need to decide. If your air suspension is not functioning properly its often a spendy fix, including air bags and the compressor typically to restore like-new performance. If that's something your willing to do then by all means it is what you should do, if its too much work or too much cost, and you'd rather not deal with the air suspension in the long term then a spring conversion might be a better fit.

Whatever you choose, KYB's all around are pretty much always loved.

I like used police springs because unless they are severely rusted there is no reason they won't last forever, also using a used spring you wont have to wait months for the spring to break-in and settle to its ride height like you would with a new spring. They are also very close to Marauder spec in regards to stiffness, and also very close to same height in the front, but the later 05+ rear police springs tend to run a good bit taller than the 03-04 police springs. Also they are all readily available in the junkyard for cheap.

The front springs can be cut, the rears cannot.

[Lowndex]

Sorry I meant "mixed reviews" not missed reviews.

A coil spring setup in the rear only has the advantages of being simple, cheap and reliable.

The air suspension is more comfortable, load leveling, and right for a Marauder, but it is also expensive, complex and noisy.

That'll be the real thing you need to decide. If your air suspension is not functioning properly its often a spendy fix, including air bags and the compressor typically to restore like-new performance. If that's something your willing to do then by all means it is what you should do, if its too much work or too much cost, and you'd rather not deal with the air suspension in the long term then a spring conversion might be a better fit.

Whatever you choose, KYB's all around are pretty much always loved.

I like used police springs because unless they are severely rusted there is no reason they won't last forever, also using a used spring you wont have to wait months for the spring to break-in and settle to its ride height like you would with a new spring. They are also very close to Marauder spec in regards to stiffness, and also very close to same height in the front, but the later 05+ rear police springs tend to run a good bit taller than the 03-04 police springs. Also they are all readily available in the junkyard for cheap.

The front springs can be cut, the rears cannot.

I personally would not know, but I believe lifespeed will share a good coil spring setup in the rear offers significant increases in performance handling over air bags. Of course, the bad with the good is a stiffer ride for daily driver use.

Another point for lifespeed to comment on is the use of Penske shocks (lifespeed has installed) over KYB (I have used and many other Marauder owners use). My understanding from his thread and pm messages he has sent me is the Penke shocks are far superior to KYB - a get what you pay for situation.

I will be installed wireless programmable shocks - JRide Smart Phone Adjustable Shock System (http://www.jrishocks.com/jri-shocks-smart-phone-adjustable-shocks/), which use JRI shocks (http://www.jrishocks.com/shop/street/pro-touring-shocks/). I will be able to change my suspension presets (http://www.jrishocks.com/shop/street/jride-smart-phone-adjustable-shock-system/) with the push of a button.

[RubberCtyRauder]

Tascaparts.com shows rear air springs under rear suspension category once you plug in year make model

[lifespeed]

I have a set of barely-used OEM air springs available for sale in one month's time. Only two years old, not 12 years.

Coil springs are linear rate, not rising rate like an air spring. If you're looking for the best handling coils are the way to go. Air suspension is really cool for the load leveling ability, however. I stuck with it for a long time, still have it right now. But I will go to coils with the 9" install.

The unfortunate reality is there are not good, reasonably priced (under $1K) shocks for our cars. Most use KYB as they are the best you can get for cheap. But you get what you pay for, and they are valved for soft springs.

The major problem with improving the handling on our cars is you need a higher spring rate. But you can't do that without increasing the shock damping, particularly rebound. So unless you're willing to go all-in on aftermarket adjustable racing shocks the improvements you can make are fairly limited. New springs and KYB's seem to be what most here go with. They are better than worn out junk.

[MOTOWN]

Reading thru this thread the amount of misinformation is unreal! Im not a fan of KYB , or Monroe as their quality has dwindled to nothing , however you don't have to spend over a 1K for excellent shocks, QA1 , and Ridetech are both under 1K , unless you get the tripple adjustable Ridetech remote reservoir shocks which is total overkill , and honestly no one is going to pay 3-4K for shocks for a 7K car!

[merc]

I just got my invoice for rebuilding my single adjustable rear shocks with less the 30,000 miles. 243.00 including shipping, labor and parts. QA-1 might not be for everyone's budget. I currently have a set of KYB shocks installed on the rear and so far very pleased with the cost to performance ratio.

[lifespeed]

Some people will drop $6K to $15K on an engine, but $700 - $800 per for a good shock is too much?

That is the cool thing about the car hobby, we can modify as we like. And for the record, I am looking forward to building a $12K plus engine one day. Just not today, the original engine seems to be working well.

[Lowndex]

Suspension is yo a car what speakers are to a audio system. Lifespeed is wise to invest where the rubber meets the road. I for one will be following his lead.

[ledzilla]

Reading thru this thread the amount of misinformation is unreal! Im not a fan of KYB , or Monroe as their quality has dwindled to nothing , however you don't have to spend over a 1K for excellent shocks, QA1 , and Ridetech are both under 1K , unless you get the tripple adjustable Ridetech remote reservoir shocks which is total overkill , and honestly no one is going to pay 3-4K for shocks for a 7K car!

I don't see any products from either of these two that are a direct fit for the Marauder. Am I missing something?

[ledzilla]

I just got my invoice for rebuilding my single adjustable rear shocks with less the 30,000 miles. 243.00 including shipping, labor and parts. QA-1 might not be for everyone's budget. I currently have a set of KYB shocks installed on the rear and so far very pleased with the cost to performance ratio.

I don't see that kind of cost being unreasonable. I can easily spend more than that just replacing pads and rotors for the front.

[RubberCtyRauder]

I don't see any products from either of these two that are a direct fit for the Marauder. Am I missing something?

http://naake.com/store/mercury-marauder

I'm sure Ridetech could come up with it, they offer a front airspring/shock combo fro 03 up CV

[ledzilla]

Some people will drop $6K to $15K on an engine, but $700 - $800 per for a good shock is too much?

That is the cool thing about the car hobby, we can modify as we like. And for the record, I am looking forward to building a $12K plus engine one day. Just not today, the original engine seems to be working well.

Some people just want what's close as possible to OEM for as least amount of cost as possible, and some people want to get the best they can for the car.

Me, I'm trying to find all possibilities so I know what's out there and available to get as close to OEM feel, if not better. It's just that right now, from what I've seen, posts are all over the place in regarding what we can do, and nothing seems clear. It would be nice to find what's out there for those on a budget, and what's out there for those that want more, and in both cases not turn the Marauder into a Grand Marquis.

[ledzilla]

Tascaparts.com shows rear air springs under rear suspension category once you plug in year make model

Thanks for the info. It's good to know where to find the right air springs when needed.


I have a set of barely-used OEM air springs available for sale in one month's time. Only two years old, not 12 years.

Coil springs are linear rate, not rising rate like an air spring. If you're looking for the best handling coils are the way to go. Air suspension is really cool for the load leveling ability, however. I stuck with it for a long time, still have it right now. But I will go to coils with the 9" install.

The unfortunate reality is there are not good, reasonably priced (under $1K) shocks for our cars. Most use KYB as they are the best you can get for cheap. But you get what you pay for, and they are valved for soft springs.

The major problem with improving the handling on our cars is you need a higher spring rate. But you can't do that without increasing the shock damping, particularly rebound. So unless you're willing to go all-in on aftermarket adjustable racing shocks the improvements you can make are fairly limited. New springs and KYB's seem to be what most here go with. They are better than worn out junk.

If I don't find myself purchasing air springs beforehand, I would be interested in purchasing yours. Mine are more than 13 years old right now and look like they're on borrowed time.

[ledzilla]

http://naake.com/store/mercury-marauder

I'm sure Ridetech could come up with it, they offer a front airspring/shock combo fro 03 up CV

This is something of what I was expecting to see. Maybe a bit more for the fronts than I thought, though. But this doesn't seem unreasonable to me. I would probably do both front and back, would make the most sense to me.

[Bad_S55]

Ridetech coilovers: http://www.ridetech.com/store/2003-up-ford-crown-victoria-front-coilovers-pair.html

Ridetech ShockWaves: http://www.ridetech.com/store/2003-up-ford-crown-victoria-front-shockwaves-pair.html

[RubberCtyRauder]

I really want to try them HQ shockwaves..i wonder what they are like. I have a cut coil now on factory springs. Have new eibachs in a box..but these intrique me big time.

[ledzilla]

Ridetech coilovers: http://www.ridetech.com/store/2003-up-ford-crown-victoria-front-coilovers-pair.html

Ridetech ShockWaves: http://www.ridetech.com/store/2003-up-ford-crown-victoria-front-shockwaves-pair.html

Do we know of anybody using any of these? I'd be down for the HQ coilovers if I knew the springs were stiff enough and not too tall.

[Bad_S55]

I don't think anybody has those in a Crown Vic as of now. The F-series guys who swap in Crown Vic cradles are the only things I've seen them on.

[RubberCtyRauder]

Do we know of anybody using any of these? I'd be down for the HQ coilovers if I knew the springs were stiff enough and not too tall.

The coilovers are adjustable, but as mentioned, they really were not built to put on a crown vic in stock form. I'm pretty sure they were built for the hot rod crowd that uses CV front suspension in their hot rod buids, but it does not mean they can't be used, have to call and talk with tech I suppose and see what they say

[daddyusmaximus]

watch?v=krD4hdGvGHM

Now I'm dreaming up all kinds of ways to spend money...

[MOTOWN]

Your best bet is Ridetech , or QA1S which both make direct fit applications for the Marauder , I've talked to techs at both companies , im leaning towards the Ridetechs as they are a monotube shock which is better suited for performance than a twintube design which is what the QA1S are , and the ridetechs come with hypercoil springs a 650lb spring standard which is plenty for a Marauder , or you can go with a heavier rate spring depending on your engine combo / weight.

[ledzilla]

I don't see a rear option for the Ridetechs, though. Or am I just not seeing it? Otherwise it looks like the QA1 option for the rears would be the way to go, regardless of which was selected for the front.

As far as weight and such goes, right now the car is mostly stock with the exception of the rear gear, the tune, and a couple other minor things that don't affect the weight significantly. Down the road I'd like to drop in a built motor and add some forced induction, but that's nowhere on the horizon right now. The trunk is kept empty these days now that the car is no longer driven daily (don't keep my usual driving supplies in there anymore with the exception of jumper cables and the spare), so in reality the only weight variances are fuel and passengers.

In reading through one of lifespeed's posts, though, I'm now wondering if it would be best to just do the rear spring conversion to make it easier to upgrade the rear suspension overall instead of just replacing the aging air springs. Although I think most of the problems he had were due to the air springs he had at the time not being OEM spec.

[MOTOWN]

The rear QA1S are 03/04 Mustang shocks for a solid axle, you can get the same from Ridetech for the rear , and i wouldn't remove the airbags for coil springs , i would consider a coilover shock for the rear if the airbags had to go.

[lifespeed]

You can't fit a coilover in the rear outboard shock location. And I doubt the frame bracket is designed to carry the load anyway.

Read up on QA1 quality by folks who have used them on this forum. They are not anywhere near the quality of Penske or JRI. I have 3 years and 40K miles on my Penske dampers and they feel every bit as good as when they were new.

By definition Mustang shock valving is not correct for a Marauder.

The rear air springs have been decent, but aren't a perfect match to the 600 lb/in fronts in my case. I expect better results with coils in the rear and a non-binding torque arm setup. But the rear air springs can be used if desired.

[MOTOWN]

You can't fit a coilover in the rear outboard shock location. And I doubt the frame bracket is designed to carry the load anyway.

Read up on QA1 quality by folks who have used them on this forum. They are not anywhere near the quality of Penske or JRI. I have 3 years and 40K miles on my Penske dampers and they feel every bit as good as when they were new.

By definition Mustang shock valving is not correct for a Marauder.

The rear air springs have been decent, but aren't a perfect match to the 600 lb/in fronts in my case. I expect better results with coils in the rear and a non-binding torque arm setup. But the rear air springs can be used if desired.


Your fabing a,floater 9" rear , and now the shock location is a big deal? If i were going to loose the airbags the coilovers would use that realestate .

And i have QA1S on the rear of my Marauder , so no need to ask around i have real world experience with QA1S , do you?
As for comparing them to penske , or jri , they are are better shocks , but again how many people are going to pay 3 to 4K for shocks , im sure as hell not, and there isn't several thousand dollars difference in the shocks , i have no complaints with the QA1S , but I'll be going with Ridetechs on all four corners in the future.

[lifespeed]

Your fabing a,floater 9" rear , and now the shock location is a big deal? If i were going to loose the airbags the coilovers would use that realestate.

Yes, shock placement is a big deal. The engineers at Ford had it right locating the shocks as close as possible to the wheels for maximum control. As to comparing different shocks, one need look no further than their internal design and what is used at the track. This is one of those many cases where something that works on the track also works well on the street. Kind of like an engine that works well at the dragstrip.

As to how much to spend on our cars, we all weigh those decisions. I've got a feeling you have a lot more than $3K - $4K in aftermarket parts on your ride. If it were a question of the cheapest way to keep the car rolling down the road we wouldn't be here.

[ledzilla]

Looking at the photos for the Ridetech front coilover assemblies, would I be correct in seeing that they have a collar for adjusting ride height?

Also, in the same vein as all of this, what options are there for rears in the comparable realm to the Naake/QA1 shocks?

[MOTOWN]

Looking at the photos for the Ridetech front coilover assemblies, would I be correct in seeing that they have a collar for adjusting ride height?

Also, in the same vein as all of this, what options are there for rears in the comparable realm to the Naake/QA1 shocks?

Yes any coilover shock adjust by moving the colar up or down , again you can go QA1S , or Ridetech , QA1S are a twintube design , and Ridetech are a monotube design.

[MOTOWN]

Yes, shock placement is a big deal. The engineers at Ford had it right locating the shocks as close as possible to the wheels for maximum control. As to comparing different shocks, one need look no further than their internal design and what is used at the track. This is one of those many cases where something that works on the track also works well on the street. Kind of like an engine that works well at the dragstrip.

As to how much to spend on our cars, we all weigh those decisions. I've got a feeling you have a lot more than $3K - $4K in aftermarket parts on your ride. If it were a question of the cheapest way to keep the car rolling down the road we wouldn't be here.

I totally disagree with you on a shock that performs well at the track will preform well on the streets , nothing could be farther from the truth , track conditions will vary from track to track.

As far as shock location i wouldn't hesitate to locate the coilovers inboard of the frame rails, with the correct spring rate you would not be able to tell the difference.

[lifespeed]

As far as shock location i wouldn't hesitate to locate the coilovers inboard of the frame rails, with the correct spring rate you would not be able to tell the difference.

Geometry proves the motion ratio shock/wheel is less when you move the shock inboard. This isn't a matter of opinion, just math.

[lifespeed]

I totally disagree with you on a shock that performs well at the track will preform well on the streets , nothing could be farther from the truth , track conditions will vary from track to track.

The shock design (linear piston, shim stack with preload, bleed adjuster, monotube with high pressure gas piston) works well on the track or the street. The shim stack and bleed adjustment are set to match the overall car configuration and intended use, in our case for street driving.

[MOTOWN]

Geometry proves the motion ratio shock/wheel is less when you move the shock inboard. This isn't a matter of opinion, just math.

Yes , but its so minimal you would not tell the difference unless someone told you.

[ledzilla]

Yes any coilover shock adjust by moving the collar up or down , again you can go QA1S , or Ridetech , QA1S are a twintube design , and Ridetech are a monotube design.

Thank you. But I'm still wondering about other options for the rear that are comparable to the QA1 product. I didn't see an appropriate direct-fit application from Ridetech, so it would be good to know some more alternatives.

I've seen Penske and JRI mentioned as having products for the Marauder, but no mention of where to obtain them. Just trying to see all available options in order to make a decision.

[lifespeed]

I've seen Penske and JRI mentioned as having products for the Marauder, but no mention of where to obtain them. Just trying to see all available options in order to make a decision.

Contact Anze Suspension for Penske, or JRI directly to locate a builder. These are made to order. I can provide shock dyno plots that are a good baseline for our cars.

Custom shocks aren't off the shelf, welcome to the world of hot rodding a rare car.

[ledzilla]

Cool, thank you. But besides your dimestore shocks that are meant more for a Grand Marquis or a Crown Vic, are there any off-the-shelf rear options besides the Naake/QA1 offering? Because what Motown posted for Ridetech and QA1, that's what's in my price range. Well, at least somewhere close to my price range. It would have been nice if Ridetech also offered rear shocks, make a nice rounded set.

I guess this is the problem when trying to find what you need, and looking for the best you can afford when stuck on something of a budget.

[lifespeed]

Cool, thank you. But besides your dimestore shocks that are meant more for a Grand Marquis or a Crown Vic, are there any off-the-shelf rear options besides the Naake/QA1 offering? Because what Motown posted for Ridetech and QA1, that's what's in my price range. Well, at least somewhere close to my price range. It would have been nice if Ridetech also offered rear shocks, make a nice rounded set.

I guess this is the problem when trying to find what you need, and looking for the best you can afford when stuck on something of a budget.

So now you understand the price vs performance problem. Camaro and Mustang owners can buy a happy compromise with shocks that are already tuned for their cars to match various spring rates from middle-of-the-road manufacturers like Bilstein and Koni. This is acceptable for many, and possibly the route I would have taken were it available. Although having used Penske I can see how they can let you arrive at exactly the desired setup.

No, you don't have reasonably-priced options if you're looking for the best performance. Good shocks are monotube high pressure gas with valving set by changing pistons and shim stacks, with smaller adjustments made by the compression/rebound bleed screws. Look at page 15 in the manual (http://www.penskeshocks.com/assets/TECH%20MANUAL%20(PS-7500-DA)%2008-10.pdf).

I know we all have to live within our car budgets, but the info is good to have. Whether you can justify the price is only something you can answer. They do work very well, probably the best on the market. Actually, JRI is probably the best (http://www.jrishocks.com/) as the Penske engineers formed that company and continue to make improvements. They have improved on the design by allowing shim stack preload to be adjustable (without rebuilding and re-shimming) as well as bleed. Amazing stuff.

[ChiTownMaraud3r]

I feel the front of my car bounces a bit ugly when hitting dips in the road, feels uncomfortable at times. I attribute to old, tired shocks with the 1 coil cut not helping. Without starting a whole new thread, or taking over this one..

Best recommendation(for spring rate) on a front shock/strut replacement for factory MM coil with 1 coil cut?

[lifespeed]

I feel the front of my car bounces a bit ugly when hitting dips in the road, feels uncomfortable at times. I attribute to old, tired shocks with the 1 coil cut not helping. Without starting a whole new thread, or taking over this one..

Best recommendation(for spring rate) on a front shock/strut replacement for factory MM coil with 1 coil cut?

Within the constraints of of the "stiff" KYB shocks, no more than the stock 330lbs/inch. If you don't increase the shock rebound damping, you can't increase the spring rate without wrecking the ride (and handling). As you know, cutting a coil increases the spring rate. You can have custom coil springs made for $200 with your specified installed height and rate.

[ledzilla]

This begs the question, what's the spring rate for the rear air bags? Also, what's the stock ride height in front?

[daddyusmaximus]

Good discussion. Learning some about performance suspension mods.


http://naake.com/store/mercury-marauder

I'm sure Ridetech could come up with it, they offer a front airspring/shock combo fro 03 up CV

Anyone run these QA1s? The website lists spring rates available as 350 lbs. - 650 lbs. It also states that most applications utilize the 450 lbs. rate springs. Is this a good rate for street performance? Will it match up well with the rear air suspension? I have noticed that the stock MM has a good bit of nose dive under hard braking. I understand this is a heavy car, but once the breaks are upgraded this will get worse. I will want better brakes, that's a given, but I don't want to overdo the spring rates and completely kill the ride quality. I don't mind, and expect, a bit of increase in stiffness. I am looking to improve the sporty handling. In doing so, I don't want to destroy the good balance between ride and handling that I love about the car.

[ctrlraven]

Digging the front Ridetech setup.

FYI KYB has a $40 mail-in rebate when you buy Four struts/shocks.
http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=100748

[daddyusmaximus]

Digging the front Ridetech setup.

FYI KYB has a $40 mail-in rebate when you buy Four struts/shocks.
http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=100748
What do you have in the rear, the KYBs?

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

[ctrlraven]

What do you have in the rear, the KYBs?

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk
I have Motorcraft struts and shocks currently.

I'm interested in that front Ridetech setup but out of my price range and I need to rebuild my front suspension completely so for me I'll just be going with KYB all around. My MM has around 250k miles on it so high dollar suspension setup isn't logically smart due to the value of the car.

[ledzilla]

The Ridetech options for the front are quite attractive, and I'm leaning towards them. At least for now and then going for a higher end solution down the road. Not worried about the value of the car, just the enjoyability of it.

Just don't know what to do about the rears, though. Might just have to go with KYB's until I have the cash for a high end solution, maybe done with the fronts. Do a coil conversion with appropriate custom shocks.

[daddyusmaximus]

I have Motorcraft struts and shocks currently.

I'm interested in that front Ridetech setup but out of my price range and I need to rebuild my front suspension completely so for me I'll just be going with KYB all around. My MM has around 250k miles on it so high dollar suspension setup isn't logically smart due to the value of the car.

I miss understood. When you said you were digging it, I thought you were saying you had it, and it worked well.

As far as value of the car, I never buy a car based on value. I buy based on do I want it or not. Once I get a vehicle, I tend to hold on to it. With 250K on your car, you (or somebody) must have valued it enough to keep it running. If a vehicle isn't rusting apart, everything can be rebuilt, or replaced. Then again, my Marauder is my daily driver, and only car. I noticed in your sig, you have 4 other rides. If I was rich enough to own 5 cars, I'd be rich enough to hot rod one.



The Ridetech options for the front are quite attractive, and I'm leaning towards them. At least for now and then going for a higher end solution down the road. Not worried about the value of the car, just the enjoyability of it.

Just don't know what to do about the rears, though. Might just have to go with KYB's until I have the cash for a high end solution, maybe done with the fronts. Do a coil conversion with appropriate custom shocks.


Me too. The value of a car (to me) is in how much I like it, not what it's worth if I sell it. I have a $6800 car, but I'm currently in the middle of a $3000 stereo build. Then will come wheels and tires, then suspension and brakes, then maybe some performance mods to the engine. I'll never get my money back out of the car, but I'm gonna have fun driving it.

[ctrlraven]

I miss understood. When you said you were digging it, I thought you were saying you had it, and it worked well.

As far as value of the car, I never buy a car based on value. I buy based on do I want it or not. Once I get a vehicle, I tend to hold on to it. With 250K on your car, you (or somebody) must have valued it enough to keep it running. If a vehicle isn't rusting apart, everything can be rebuilt, or replaced. Then again, my Marauder is my daily driver, and only car. I noticed in your sig, you have 4 other rides. If I was rich enough to own 5 cars, I'd be rich enough to hot rod one.

Me too. The value of a car (to me) is in how much I like it, not what it's worth if I sell it. I have a $6800 car, but I'm currently in the middle of a $3000 stereo build. Then will come wheels and tires, then suspension and brakes, then maybe some performance mods to the engine. I'll never get my money back out of the car, but I'm gonna have fun driving it.
I mean the value as in if it was involved in an accident, that much mileage hurts the already low value of the car. $2,000+ in suspension parts in a $6,000 valued vehicle is questionable to do at least in my case due to the traffic I deal with on my commute and daily accidents I see. I already lost one modified vehicle from a drunk hitting it but it did lead me to buying my MM in the first place. I like how my MM rides even with stock parts, well not currently cause stuff needs to be replaced.

I don't look at my vehicles as just means of transportation, I look at them as investments that I want to keep and enjoy for a long time. I bought a built motor for the MM and sadly it has been sitting in another MM owner's garage for the past two years cause every time I get the money for the swap something comes up. I'm by no means rich, I just work as much as I can and sacrifice my needs/wants to get ahead. G/f drives Fusion and the rest were all used except for the F350 which I bought new when I worked for Ford.

[daddyusmaximus]

While I love that the Marauder is such a well made car, I also love how there are many Crown Vics, and MGMs out there that are the same platform. The collector value may not be the same, but if something happened to my car, I could use the parts to rebuild it starting with another that is very close to it. I've never been one to look at a vehicle as an investment. To me they are all just a vehicle, so buy/build the one you want and enjoy. Cost is always a factor with me as I did not choose a job field that led to me making very much. (Army 28 years) Cost to me is just a matter of "can I swing it", more than "is it worth it". I see what you mean though. I was into 4x4 trucks for the last 20 years. I even crashed a $25K truck (in parts) only to have the insurance company give me <$10K for it. I miss off roading, but haven't had a fast car in 20 years, so this Marauder has got me wound up wanting to make it better. I "sacrifice my needs/wants" too sometimes to pay bills, but "to get ahead" is never a factor. I'll never get ahead, but I want to enjoy what I have.

[ChiTownMaraud3r]

Within the constraints of of the "stiff" KYB shocks, no more than the stock 330lbs/inch. If you don't increase the shock rebound damping, you can't increase the spring rate without wrecking the ride (and handling). As you know, cutting a coil increases the spring rate. You can have custom coil springs made for $200 with your specified installed height and rate.
Thank you good sir.

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