Normal or not?

[Fairmont357]

Hey all. My new to me marauder feels weird when I make a quick lane change. It feels like the body is swaying but the the rear has stopped. I know it's factory equipped with a watts link and I'm fairly certain that's the problem. I've actually ordered a replacement dorman for it. But, being new to the panther platform it may be normal. Thanks!!!

[RubberCtyRauder]

would be better to return dorman and get metco or sparta performance watts link and rear control arms. both are in the vendor section

[Mr. Man]

What condition are the shocks? Make sure you don't have broken end links. Upgraded Watt's link and CA's is just generally a performance win. Ride will get stiffer for lack of a better word. I recently upgraded and now I notice the bumps more. I think the rubber parts in the OEM absorb a lot more road than the upgrades. Performance vs. comfort, up to you.

[Marauderman]

contact "fastblackmerc" here on the forums thru a PM---maybe your close enough that you could bring it by his house for a review and helpful pointers for a possible fix.....

[burt ragio]

For sure go with Metco. One of the best mods. Minimum get the control arms big bang for the buck. Check for uneven tire wear. Check tire pressure front at 36 psi rear at 38 psi. Wheel alignment is big with our cars for best handling. 0 degree toe. (Car fax specs) Check all suspension components for wear. When done you will be golden.

[Fairmont357]

Thanks for all the advice. I do like the aftermarket pieces that are available. However, this is my wife's daily driver so I feel they're a little over kill. I will definitely be putting shocks and struts I'll probably go with the Ford/tokico replacements.

[RubberCtyRauder]

tokico are no longer avail. discontinued years ago.

[Fairmont357]

OK, I was wondering why I couldn't find them. Thanks. How are the kyb's on these?

[RubberCtyRauder]

From what I have seen over the years, KYB was the shock to use for these cars, but within the last year or so some have experienced early failure with the shocks leaking in less than a year while others seem ok. I have no experience with them, some members like the monroe severe service shocks. Shocks are a personal preference really. Ford has a shock for these cars, but we believe they are designed for the grand marquis and may or may not provide the right dampening. I'm not familiar with anyone trying them out yet. Most of the kyb issues were from members with a cut coil spring or lowered front end. The rear shock does not seem to be a problem for kyb. Send a message to member 1marauder (Grant) He has a car I believe is stock height and has kyb's on it.

[justbob]

Make sure one of the Control arms isn't bent and the bushings aren't shot.

The factory control arms are literally sheet metal and one trip into a curb even mildly will bend them.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[RF Overlord]

It feels like the body is swaying but the the rear has stopped. being new to the panther platform it may be normal. Definitely not normal, especially for a Marauder.

As for using a Dorman part...maybe on my base-level Grand Marquis, but not on a Marauder. You really need to do some on-lift troubleshooting before replacing the likely not bad Watts link with an inferior part. You may have loose body mount(s), bad sway-bar bushings, control arm issues, etc.

[jsignorelli]

I have the entire Sparta suspension kit.
I run the car at the SAAC weekend events at the VIR and the NJMP.

I have no trouble staying squarely on the track. Make sure that your parts are:
A) compatible, and
B) properly installed.