Suspension Help

[DocMayhem]

My Marauder has 115,000 and I am rebuilding the suspension. I have Addco bars front/rear, Metco arms/Watts link , Ford Upper/Lower front arms, and am going to replace the air bags with either Arnott or Suncore. I can't decide on front springs. Should I do Moog 80668's, coilsprings.com is being difficult and acting like they never made springs for a panther chassis, or should I just go with Ridetech's? This is my daily driver and would drop the coin on Ridetech's, but am worried they will get destroyed by the winter. I am kind of leaning towards Ridetechs at the moment, they are really only a few $100 more by the time you get pay for KYB's and springs.

Any input would be appreciated. Anybody else running Ridetech's?

[MOTOWN]

Im going with Ridetechs on my car very soon , only coilover i would consider.

[RubberCtyRauder]

I'm highly considering ride techs for very soon, but mine is not a daily driver. I'm debating on front coil spring rating to choose 650 lb or. 600 lb. they are constant rate not progressive like marauder factory coils at 330 lb progressive rate

[DocMayhem]

My others vehicles are a 98 Cobra mustang with H&R Race springs and a 2500 Dodge Ram diesel, so my concept of a stiff ride is different than some. Is the adjustable HQ Ridetech worth the extra $100? Do you know if they have a matching rear shock?

[RubberCtyRauder]

I am planning the hq so the rebound can be adjusted. The rear shock is not coil over . You have to measure the "stud to eye " length at ride height and they will match up a proper length shock

[DocMayhem]

I will call Ridetech tomorrow and see what they have to say. I think for me 600# springs are probably more than enough?

[RubberCtyRauder]

Post up what you find out, I and chief455 spoke to Ryan to get some insight. 812-481-4740. I know Roger has spoken to them as well, not sure his thougths on spring rating for front

[MOTOWN]

Post up what you find out, I and chief455 spoke to Ryan to get some insight. 812-481-4740. I know Roger has spoken to them as well, not sure his thougths on spring rating for front

650lb spring is standard , I'll probably go with 700lb springs with all of the extra weight in accessories i have.

[DocMayhem]

Spoke with Ryan, really nice guy. He says they have gotten a lot of calls about Mercury Marauders/Crown Victoria etc. recently. Everything sounded good, my only concern, he said it would mostly likely be a 1.5 to 2 inch drop in ride height. He also suggested the 650# spring. I really want to get these, but am concerned it will be too much drop. Our roads in the north east are awful. I don't drive this car in the snow, but it is my daily driver otherwise and my long road trip car.

[RubberCtyRauder]

2 " is a lot . I want an inch or 1.5

[DocMayhem]

I was thinking 1 inch maximum for me. I know ADTR.net is setting up his crown vic with the Ridetech coil overs. I may wait and see how that turns out.

[RubberCtyRauder]

Also if it is off if a crown Vic front height then it would be good for marauder since they are lower than CV

[DocMayhem]

I am still on the fence. Spoke with coilsprings.com again and according to Ford the Marauder front coil spring is 3W3Z-5310-AA, and coilsprings.com says that is a 305# per inch spring. The tag on my spring is 3W3D-5310-AA, my guess, Ford has changed part numbers, at some point. Out of curiosity a 2010 Crown Victoria Police Interceptor spring is part# 9W7Z-5310-A, and according to coilsprings.com is a 500# per inch spring. I worked at a Ford dealership in 2003 and vaguely remember reading through the Ford specifications, for the Marauder and I believe it claimed they used what were PI springs, at the time. I know in later years 2006/2007 ish Ford upped the PI rate and also the ride height, although Eaton Springs seems to not believe this.

I am looking to firm up the car and lower slightly, so I said a drop of 0.5 inch and hope this leaves me on the low side of stock, coilspring.com suggested approx. 427# per inch. Could probably go with a full inch drop, but am worried that may be too much. Kind of tempted to just say do 500# and lower it a 1 inch.

However, am still considering the Ridetech coilovers, but am concerned they will be too low, for my uses. I haven't heard back from ADTR.net yet. I have everything else for my suspension rebuild and this is the last piece, just can't decide.

Any thoughts?
Thanks again.

[RubberCtyRauder]

I thought marauder were 330 lb progressive rate springs, meaning gets stiffer as compressed. Ridtech are constant rate no matter compression

[babbage]

Ridetech system can be custom ordered for so you start with "stock" height, then you can still go up and down from there. Probably a $200 more for that?
You still have to supply the air, tank in trunk and compressor system if you want push button settings. Sure would be cool to tie in the rear bags with a setup like this. But after the front is raised up, the rear sensor should kick on the factory pump to maintain it's angle/height.

1.5" lower or 1.5" higher than install height would likely be possible in the front, with a 3 position flip switch.

[RubberCtyRauder]

They have a coil over front system as well..that is what I am looking at. not the air one

[Lowndex]

Get high quality coilovers for the front (get what you pay for). You will love the handling improvement. Contact Lifespeed - he is one of the most knowledgeable members for Marauder suspension issues.

And find a shop near you that does corner balancing. It is significantly improves the driving experience.

[Lowndex]

Im going with Ridetechs on my car very soon , only coilover i would consider.

Please share the p/n - which one fits our 2003-2004 Marauder.
http://www.ridetech.com/store/coil-overs/

[RubberCtyRauder]

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

[Lowndex]

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

Thank you.

[babbage]

oh I thought you guys were looking at the air ride set up - my bad

[Lowndex]

oh I thought you guys were looking at the air ride set up - my bad

I need the mounting plate to enable the JRi coilovers bolt in place. Else, pay JRi monies to build me a custom mount = longer wait and more $.

[vicateurlilss]

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160506/bfa2656bcf5022b00bb1c4685c2af0 c0.jpg
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160506/ec84d93fd319fd05beb27d061730b9 f7.jpg

Having done this multiple times.. It is an amazing setup. The supplied 650lb springs once the shocks are adjusted right ride very nice..

Then it makes you want the rear to be ADJUSTABLE...

Which has also already been done.. Multiple times..


Sent from...... The dyno making music..

[MOTOWN]

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160506/bfa2656bcf5022b00bb1c4685c2af0 c0.jpg
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160506/ec84d93fd319fd05beb27d061730b9 f7.jpg

Having done this multiple times.. It is an amazing setup. The supplied 650lb springs once the shocks are adjusted right ride very nice..

Then it makes you want the rear to be ADJUSTABLE...

Which has also already been done.. Multiple times..


Sent from...... The dyno making music..

Ohhhhhhh me likey! Me wants! :bows:

[vicateurlilss]

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160506/6cbf9a3ed91fdc9b94b347b78511c9 f7.jpg http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160506/212f3ef2d50171d4248bc687c3da60 44.jpghttp://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160506/bd1bdf07756ce1286fd13c76c4c03d d8.jpg

Here is the rear adjustable setup installed...

Upr s197 adjustables.. Use 200lb springs & up..

Also since we are on the subject of suspension.. S197 adjustable rear shocks can be used, hell even standard shocks with a spacer at the axle side mount.. Ford #ash411 on what are on the car pictured

As well as spherical upper trailing arms & spherical watts link arms.. Can be seen in the photos...


Sent from...... The dyno making music..

[daddyusmaximus]

This is making me really want the ridetech setup, at least in the front. Not sure I want to give up the self leveling air bags out back. Where did the rear setup come from? Is this ridetech as well? Not seeing a rear set available on their website.

[lifespeed]

Here is the rear adjustable setup installed...

Part number and manufacturer of the rear adjustable setup? Is the threaded piece hollow? Kind of looks like it is aluminum slipped over a steel tube welded to the axle.

Would you describe the adjustable spring setup in more detail please?

[vicateurlilss]

http://m.uprproducts.com/mustang-adjustable-rear-spring-mount-05.html

It is a steel solid threaded rod, that gets welded into the inside of the stock axle side of the spring perch.. Then the collar is alum and then you run a 10" spring in the 200lb + range and have the ability to get ride height stock to 2.75"-3" drop.. And more drop can be had with a shorter spring.

Have installed in in MANY mustangs and now, quite a few whale chassis vehicles.. Including a customers coyote swapped marauder..




Sent from...... The dyno making music..

[ginger]

Love this thread! Can't wait to spend $2k on coilovers F/R on my project Vic. Most likely going to leave my Marauder stock, if not just slightly lower with springs only.

Sent from my VS985 4G using Tapatalk

[lifespeed]

It is a steel solid threaded rod, that gets welded into the inside of the stock axle side of the spring perch..

Solid steel? Those things must weigh 25 lbs each! I'm planning to do something similar, but not with solid steel. ;)

[MOTOWN]

http://m.uprproducts.com/mustang-adjustable-rear-spring-mount-05.html

It is a steel solid threaded rod, that gets welded into the inside of the stock axle side of the spring perch.. Then the collar is alum and then you run a 10" spring in the 200lb + range and have the ability to get ride height stock to 2.75"-3" drop.. And more drop can be had with a shorter spring.

Have installed in in MANY mustangs and now, quite a few whale chassis vehicles.. Including a customers coyote swapped marauder..




Sent from...... The dyno making music..

I would love to see another Coyote Marauder!

[daddyusmaximus]

http://m.uprproducts.com/mustang-adjustable-rear-spring-mount-05.html

It is a steel solid threaded rod, that gets welded into the inside of the stock axle side of the spring perch.. Then the collar is alum and then you run a 10" spring in the 200lb + range and have the ability to get ride height stock to 2.75"-3" drop.. And more drop can be had with a shorter spring.

Have installed in in MANY mustangs and now, quite a few whale chassis vehicles.. Including a customers coyote swapped marauder..




Sent from...... The dyno making music..

Looks interesting. Is there somewhere we can get more detail on this modification? Any info out there on a Marauder (or other Panther platform car) with this mod? Don't really want to loose my RAS but if I can still have adjustable ride height, and gain better handling....

[vicateurlilss]

More detail? Like what?


Sent from...... The dyno making music..

[lifespeed]

More detail? Like what?

How much do those ingots of solid steel weigh?

[vicateurlilss]

Never took the time to weigh them... If weight is an issue, steeda makes a bolt in alum setup that is similar.. Less adjustment, and in typical steeda fashion cost more.


Sent from...... The dyno making music..

[vicateurlilss]

My current project.. Project, once customer cars get out.. Once I get a lift open, I'm going to install a circle track style weight jacks on my personal car.. That can be adjusted from inside the trunk..


Sent from...... The dyno making music..

[lifespeed]

My current project.. Project, once customer cars get out.. Once I get a lift open, I'm going to install a circle track style weight jacks on my personal car.. That can be adjusted from inside the trunk..

Personally, I think the weight jacks on the axle end of the spring are much more practical than punching holes in the trunk. There are plenty of stock car parts out there that will put holes in your car..

Your first idea is better IMHO, but we're all entitled to our car preferences.

[justbob]

How much do those ingots of solid steel weigh?


If weight is concerned, your driving the wrong car. [emoji6]


Sent from my iThrone using Tapatalk

[lifespeed]

If weight is concerned, your driving the wrong car. [emoji6]

I'm driving exactly the kind of car I want. Why else would anybody stick it out through the old hot rod car repair expense/upgrade blues?

My brother sold his Marauder and bought a Cadillac CTS Vsport. It saved him a lot of time and trouble.

[MOTOWN]

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160506/6cbf9a3ed91fdc9b94b347b78511c9 f7.jpg http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160506/212f3ef2d50171d4248bc687c3da60 44.jpghttp://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160506/bd1bdf07756ce1286fd13c76c4c03d d8.jpg

Here is the rear adjustable setup installed...

Upr s197 adjustables.. Use 200lb springs & up..

Also since we are on the subject of suspension.. S197 adjustable rear shocks can be used, hell even standard shocks with a spacer at the axle side mount.. Ford #ash411 on what are on the car pictured

As well as spherical upper trailing arms & spherical watts link arms.. Can be seen in the photos...


Sent from...... The dyno making music..


Not feeling this rear suspension setup at all , single adjustable coilover shocks in place of the coil springs would have been a better option.

[vicateurlilss]

That was already tried, tire clearance was an issue..

Which brought me up to this setup




Sent from...... The dyno making music..

[MOTOWN]

That was already tried, tire clearance was an issue..

Which brought me up to this setup




Sent from...... The dyno making music..


Which is why I stated placing the coilovers where the airbags went.

[lifespeed]

Which is why I stated placing the coilovers where the airbags went.

We talked about this before, moving the shocks inboard like the old cars is a trade-off in wheel control. It was considered a chassis improvement for 2003. I'm not going to undo it.

[MOTOWN]

We talked about this before, moving the shocks inboard like the old cars is a trade-off in wheel control. It was considered a chassis improvement for 2003. I'm not going to undo it.

Taking about something , and having real life experience with it are two entirely different things , I've done this countless times , and you cannot tell any difference whatsoever, your basing your response on a theory instead of real world experience.

[vicateurlilss]

Which is why I stated placing the coilovers where the airbags went.



Ohh mis-read what you wrote.. Sorry..

Tried on the outboard setup and yes tire clearance was an issue..

Yes an inboard coilover would be a better option, but customers don't wanna pay for welding in custom mounts.. And the upr kit I had laying around the shop..

For those that don't want the adjustable ride height, 2.5" coilover spring can be swapped into the factory location as well.. Gt500 rear 13-14 takeoff springs have been used as well.. As a rear lowering spring.

[daddyusmaximus]

Gt500 rear 13-14 takeoff springs have been used as well.. As a rear lowering spring.

These work in a Marauder? I was thinking that the Mustang was quite a bit lighter than the Marauder. How much lower does it drop the rear?

[lifespeed]

Taking about something , and having real life experience with it are two entirely different things , I've done this countless times , and you cannot tell any difference whatsoever, your basing your response on a theory instead of real world experience.

All my Marauder suspension experience "theory" is backed up by experiment and results.

The inboard shock experiment is not one I care to try, this has been done before. I don't feel a need to re-invent the wheel. Go ahead and set your car up that way, we can compare lap times or skid pad numbers. Take a look at your typical race car suspension (road or circle, not drag), what do you see?

Edit: Here's an example of a good coilover rear installed in an old mustang. Doesn't look shiny or expensive at all, just some hard work and welding. Good motion ratio on the spring and shock, right at the wheel.

The Marauder frame isn't as cooperative with the coilover rear, but you do get the best motion ratio on the shock, and somewhat less at the spring.
https://s14-eu5.ixquick.com/cgi-bin/serveimage?url=http:%2F%2Fimag e.mustang50magazine.com%2Ff%2F featuredvehicles%2Fm5lp_0505_g riggs_racings_old_blue_road_ra cing_mustang%2F31812531%2Fm5lp _0505_07_%2Bgriggs_road_racing _mustang%2Brear_suspension.jpg&sp=61f35af1662ac0437c8e8a3dcc6 310f9

[MEDCSean]

These work in a Marauder? I was thinking that the Mustang was quite a bit lighter than the Marauder. How much lower does it drop the rear?

While th mustang GT500 is slightly lighter, they run a stiffer spring.. That when ran in a panther firms up the ride, but not to the point of "road race car".. Then when combined with a good pair of rear shocks. The ride is stiffer but much more fun when driven in the canyons..

Finally got my name approved.. I'd be "Vicateurlilss" which was from tapatalk..

I made a suspension info thread on CVN as someone mentioned the gt500 spring but mentioned the wrong years..

Many mustang parts can be used on the Panther chassis or slightly modded to work on the Panther chassis.

Like the current lower control arms on my car..

See attachment.. Those are BMR spherical / urethane double adjustable lower trailing arms modded to fit a Panther..

[MEDCSean]

All my Marauder suspension experience "theory" is backed up by experiment and results.

The inboard shock experiment is not one I care to try, this has been done before. I don't feel a need to re-invent the wheel. Go ahead and set your car up that way, we can compare lap times or skid pad numbers. Take a look at your typical race car suspension (road or circle, not drag), what do you see?

Edit: Here's an example of a good coilover rear installed in an old mustang. Doesn't look shiny or expensive at all, just some hard work and welding. Good motion ratio on the spring and shock, right at the wheel.

The Marauder frame isn't as cooperative with the coilover rear, but you do get the best motion ratio on the shock, and somewhat less at the spring.
https://s14-eu5.ixquick.com/cgi-bin/serveimage?url=http:%2F%2Fimag e.mustang50magazine.com%2Ff%2F featuredvehicles%2Fm5lp_0505_g riggs_racings_old_blue_road_ra cing_mustang%2F31812531%2Fm5lp _0505_07_%2Bgriggs_road_racing _mustang%2Brear_suspension.jpg&sp=61f35af1662ac0437c8e8a3dcc6 310f9


Griggs racing... 😍

[vicateurlilss]

This is making me really want the ridetech setup, at least in the front. Not sure I want to give up the self leveling air bags out back. Where did the rear setup come from? Is this ridetech as well? Not seeing a rear set available on their website.


The ridetech fronts and a stock marauder rear bag setup.. Was run on a customers car while it was still a daily.

Now it's not a daily and he went with the upr rear setup, for the increase in rear spring rate..

As for the ridetech a daily duty, it does firm up the ride.. But not harsh.