I want a softer ride

[Rapsco34]

I'm ready to buy my MM but I have a big problem concerning the ride. I have a 2000 Grand Marquis with the handling package and it's ride is about as firm as I want. TooManyFords expressed this concern in a thread. The dealer is checking to see what can be done to soften the ride. I think the problem is coming from the rear only. I checked the tire pressure on the one I test drove and it had 28 PSI all around , so tire pressure won't solve my problem.I have asked the dealer to check and see if the rear suspension parts(air bags- shocks) could be replaced with Grand Marquis parts. They are also going to check and see if any adjustments can be made to the air suspension to soften the ride.Thanks from anyone with any info or suggestions and please don't call me an "Old Fuddy Duddy". I love the car but I just don't think I can live with the ride , especially on a long trip on some of the bumpy interstates. Thanks again.

[RF Overlord]

Rap:

Sounds like the MM is not the right car for you...the GM, of course, has more of an "old fuddy-duddy" ride, but remember- the MM is SUPPOSED to be a high-performance car, with the commensurate ride and handling...if you make the ride equivalent to your GM, than most likely the handling will also suffer...so you'll just end up with the equivalent of a GM with a more powerful motor...why not save a very large chunk of that $27k you're going to spend on the MM, and use the rest to make your GM faster?...there are a lot of go-fast goodies for the SOHC motor out there...

[RCSignals]

Well, it may be a simple matter of just installing the soft GM rear shocks. Remember though that the Marauder suspension is tuned to be the way it is. You may greatly alter it's handling.

[GordonB]

Hey guys & gals,
Does Koni make adjustable shocks for the MM? Just a thought.
IMHO, the firmness of our MM ride comes from the shocks. If anyone makes externally adjustable shocks, that would be an effective way to have the best of both worlds -- soft for most of the time and firm when you want to dial them in.
I would try all of the major shock manufacturers and see what exists for our MM.

GordonB.

[SergntMac]

Originally posted by GordonB
Does Koni make adjustable shocks for the MM? IMHO, the firmness of our MM ride comes from the shocks. If anyone makes externally adjustable shocks, that would be an effective way to have the best of both worlds -- soft for most of the time and firm when you want to dial them in. I would try all of the major shock manufacturers and see what exists for our MM.

I see your point GordonB, but OTOH, I cannot agree with you.

Someday, I'll be shopping for replacement shocks and I will be expecting improvement over the OEM parts and performance stats. I will shop the brand name "racing" products such as Koni, Bilsteen and so on. I will expect any "soft" setting available from them to match my OEM spec, or better, with a clear promise to dial in much more severe options from their offering. This means I should expect stiffer ride, more precise control, and improved feedback from ground contact, all specs not favorable to the issue Raspco34 is disappointed with.

I believe that the customary expectation of consumers debating upgrades from the aftermarket, is that the product offers (and provides) "more of the same" over OEM specs, with the opportunity to "kick it up a notch" if desired. Need a hint?

I.E., if the OEM oil filter can catch 90 percent of the contaminants dangerous to my engine, I would expect a "high performance" oil filter to catch 110 percent of those contaminants, along with any STD's and late charges on my credit card payments, that may float in my direction. If you need further clarification, just whisper "K&N FIPK," or, "Mobile 1, 5W30" here, and hold on...Whoops, sorry guys, let's not start again, K?

None of the replies to either examination will allow you to back down from OEM performance, so, why would anyone expect such a back down on suspension?

We're into "stuff" here, like thicker sway bars, fortified poly-urethane/greasable suspension bushings, stouter springs, lower ride heights, stickier tires, and so on. One or two of us are designing improvments to upper and lower rear control arms and more greasy bushings to put more power to the ground. We argue over tire size, speed ratings, and whether a full slick, or, a drag radial, is the path to follow...Hell, even a few of us less educated argue over the validity of wheel diameters for 1/4 mile events!

My point is, is that by and large, the average owner at this site wants MORE of this stuff, not less. Who among us has the temperance, or, the real world experience for that matter, to speak in "lighten up" terms? IMHO...Right pew, wrong church, eh?

Moreover, choosing "high performance" over OEM usually means that the Koni/Bilstein like manfacturers also expect that "more" IS the expectation of the consumer, and they want our bucks. They desing "more" and mostly provide that. Therefore, your suggestion, as good as it is, is not satisfactory relief for the chief complaint Raspco34 expresses here.

I have never disagreed with RF Overlord's opinion, just no sense in that. I tried saying as much as he has here, in other words, and in another thread. I got flamed real bad. (Bravo, RF!) Maybe I lost my "PC correct" disposition, who knows.

But, I note that RF earns an echo from RC Signals, and I've learned that when these two members chime in on opinion, that's the final word, the end-all and correct response.

Sadly, I will never meet the PC requirements for this board, because when someone needs to be told to blow out their azz, I'm the guy most likely to step up and say so, and in plain terms too. I mean nothing personal, mind you, I just don't have their PC style.

The direction and purpose of this Marauder automobile is specific in it's design. This is not an automobile for everyone. You got to really want to own a Marauder. Expectations of "my beloved Gran Marc, but kicking now," and, "The PI I've always dreamed of driving" is not the correct vision of a Mercury Marauder. If you're filling gaps in your automotive disappointments, you're not going to fill them here. However, if you love the Impala SS and Buick GN (as they were delivered to us), you're among family.

Any "mods" or replacements parts spoken of here are desires that begin with OEM specs, and seek to improve upon them. Softening the ride as Raspco34 desires, is his choice and I agree that he should pursue the custom car he wants to drive. Asking us here how to de-tune anything, is an exercise in frustration for us. Few of us here are concerned with going slower, or riding softer.

IMHO, the tail wants to wag the dog, and I cannot see the outcome being satisfactory to Raspco34's, or, TMFs posts on this issue.

Right pew, wrong church...IMHO.

[TheDealer]

I agree that it's a performance car and has the ride of one. To change that would require a vast amount of parts. The shocks only control rebound not overall ride. You would get more by changing the springs, and sway bars. The steering rack is also different. I would say if you don't like the ride, trade the car. Just my .02 Ray

[chapel1]

Rapsco34 I agree with Dealer and Mac.I would not like to be the guy who finds out that the Marauder he's driving doe'nt have a Marauder suspension.
I appreciate the ablity of the Marauder to hold the the road or to hold the exit ramp at a higher speed than a Grand Marquise.
To alter a part of the car to less than OEM standards would be dangerous IMHO..

[chapel1]

Would'nt a Black LSE G/M or C/V be alot cheaper?You could use the money you save to put a blower on it?

[Bigdogjim]

Well Rapsco34: These guys pretty much summed it up. Read Rf's and RC'c post real well. Mac also make a huge point! We are all trying to go the other way with the car. The Dealer also states that more than just the shocks need to be changed!

You send me a PM that I really did not understand at first. No one here is putting you or any one else down. Why buy a "high-preformance" car and try to de-tune it so to speak?

We very simply do not understand why any one would spend that knid of money and be un-happy with the ride?

The factory build the Marauder for a very special market. 2% to be sure. you are any one else is welcome to do what you want with the car but, you alsoneed to understand your mods from our viewpoint.

We can all co-exist on the board. No doubt. However when you ask preformance minded people how to get a "softer ride" from a car built for the exact opposite. What do think we would say?
Well you asked we answered.

Hope now you understand where we come from.
As for me....well I really wish I could answer your question.

RF said it the best buy a Grand M. and spend on the engine!

[jgc61sr2002]

Rapsco34 - I had the same vehicle a 2000 GM with the handling package. The ride of the MM is only slightly more firm than the GM. I too was concerned about the ride. When I test drove the Marauder I couldn't get the smile off my face. Got use to the ride immeadiately and love it. Try it you'll like it.:D

[merc406]

Check your tire pressure, you may have room to let a pound or two out. Next time you need tires ask for a better riding tire.