Need Advice on Marauder Handling and Starting. ... PLEASE

[Professor]

My trusty silver bullet is about to turn 90K miles. She's still my daily driver, and frankly, I'd like to keep her doing daily driving duties for the next 6 years or so (that would put her up around 150K). I've loved this car, but there are three things I want to address to keep my enjoyment up.
First is the soft brake pedal and I think I have the solution for that. I will take to Ford and get the fluid flushed and a full system bleed with IDS. She already has new pads and rotors.

Second is that the starter runs a little longer before she cranks up (and occasionally even dies before fully started). My suspicion is that she's due for plugs (still has the originals). Could be a fuel pump issue too, but not sure. Thoughts?

Third is that the handling seems to get sloppier with age. She has new tires all around, but nose dives and floats around like a boat. The steering is vague on center as well. I have a few possible solutions and wondered what suggestions you guys might have:

1) Replace the front shocks? Probably due.

2) Change the rear control arms to ADDCO.?

3) Replace the front and/or rear sway bars with something stiffer?

4) Put a full front suspension bushing kit (e.g., Energy Suspension)?

I'd appreciate any thoughts-experiences with these issues. I'd like to get another decade of enjoyment from the Merc if possible. Other suggestions are welcome too.



I suspect that my front shocks could be the culprit, but I think there could be others. In addition to the

[RF Overlord]

2) Change the rear control arms to ADDCO.?I don't think Addco makes control arms.

[Professor]

I don't think Addco makes control arms.

Sorry ... meant Metco.

[sam]

-Start with a fuel filter,spark plugs, and maf cleaning.
-Replace front shocks
-Check and or replace front ball joints
-Buy a set of Sparta Performance rear control arms
- Then do Addco front and rear sway bars.

[blairsmark8]

out a "pedal assembly" replacement for your "soft pedal" problem, Shocks wouldn't be a bad idea, I went with KYB and they stiffened the corners up nicely. I noticed the longer spin time last year, maybe before and put OE plugs in it (then coils too)...didn't change spin time any?....so I live with it, a nice "Red Top" battery wouldn't hurt. You can throw parts at the front end if you plan on "Road Racing" competition?....I figure you get what you get when you corner hard in a 5000 pound automobile! Good luck with the rest....mine turned 122K last LOF! b.

[lifespeed]

My trusty silver bullet is about to turn 90K miles . . .
1) Replace the front shocks? Probably due.
2) Change the rear control arms to ADDCO.?
3) Replace the front and/or rear sway bars with something stiffer?
4) Put a full front suspension bushing kit (e.g., Energy Suspension)?


All the above and more (except I would use Ford parts, not Energy in the front). At 90K miles the front suspension is well past it's prime, as you have noticed. Front and rear control arms, inner and outer tie rods, sway bar links, steering rack boots, shocks, aftermarket sway bars.

Contrary to popular belief, these cars can actually handle very well. But not with 90K mile suspension. I rebuilt mine at 96K miles and should have done it sooner. It handles and rides better than new.

Edit: definitely do the spark plugs too. If you have rough running or occasional misfire replace the ignition coils as well. The original coils have not held up for many Marauder owners.

[1stMerc]

All of the above.
Oe plugs are originally supposed to be good for a 100,000 miles on a stock motor. Good if you can get it, change coils as well. Also getting close to time for the coolant flush if you haven't already done it.

[1Marauder]

WHAT plugs? What coils?

What about age vs miles? Wouldnt ANY 11 year old car need these--even if only 20,000 miles?

[lifespeed]

WHAT plugs? What coils?

What about age vs miles? Wouldnt ANY 11 year old car need these--even if only 20,000 miles?

Spark plugs and ignition coils.

Most of the suspension components wear more by mileage than age, with some exceptions. Rubber bushings can weather, but not usually too bad in California.

Shocks might fail with age as well as mileage.

[Brad33]

[QUOTEFirst is the soft brake pedal and I think I have the solution for that. I will take to Ford and get the fluid flushed and a full system bleed with IDS. She already has new pads and rotors.
[/QUOTE]

In addition to this, add SS brake lines from TCE:
http://www.tceperformanceproducts.com/marauder/kits-17/

That will fix the soft pedal.

Good luck, a lot of this stuff is on my list.

[fordmike65]

[QUOTEFirst is the soft brake pedal and I think I have the solution for that. I will take to Ford and get the fluid flushed and a full system bleed with IDS. She already has new pads and rotors.


In addition to this, add SS brake lines from TCE:
http://www.tceperformanceproducts.com/marauder/kits-17/

That will fix the soft pedal.

Good luck, a lot of this stuff is on my list.[/QUOTE]

x2. Worked for me. Best brake pedal in town:beer:

[slickster]

Ss lines will help alot!!!!!.

[1Marauder]

Which plugs... And which wires/coils are recommended? And are these age vs miliage also.

[babbage]

Which plugs... And which wires/coils are recommended? And are these age vs miliage also.

COPS (coil on plug) are expensive - use OEM/Motorcraft - do these last they may be fine.

For plugs you could just run the OEM ones.

Fuel Filter should be on your list. You can clean the tbody, IAC etc with seafoam spray. Transmission flush and fill should be on your to-do list as well. Do this at a Ford dealer and use Mercon V - nothing else.

Recently replaced my whole front end with Moog + shocks and it rides like a brand new car.

[Professor]

Thanks for all the replies. I guess I will be doing a freshening of my baby. Ten years old and more smiles per mile to go.