Front shocks & springs

[Svashtar]

Slowly going through the car, now finishing up the suspension. I can't seem to get a complete idea of what to do for the front shocks and springs. They're about due I think at 114K. There are several partial threads here, but the search sucks and I'm not seeing it all in one place.

For the back, I have the new Arnott air springs installed, and am ordering the KYB 555603 gas adjust shocks recommended here (along with the buffer kit which probably isn't 100% necessary, but just in case.)

For the front, I see recommendations for the KYB or Monroe SD.

How hard is it to change the front shocks? Is a spring change also recommended? Are the fronts technically coil over struts, or just regular shocks, or is that just a terminology thing? I just need to get an idea of the work involved. Not sure about cutting the springs, but willing to learn as always.

Sorry for the dumb questions, and thanks for any recommendations.


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[a_d_a_m]

The fronts are coil-over.
KYB has had several cases both here and on CVN of premature failures.
RideTech, on the other hand, offers a million-mile warranty on their coilover system and they are fabulous pieces if you can afford them.

[NorthShoreChiMM]

The fronts are coil-over.
KYB has had several cases both here and on CVN of premature failures.
RideTech, on the other hand, offers a million-mile warranty on their coilover system and they are fabulous pieces if you can afford them.

Are we talking, taking turns at 40 with no body roll fabulous.

[a_d_a_m]

Hard to tell. I started with Addco bars and Heinous control arms. Maybe the RideTechs are working better because of that...but yes, I'm throwing this car into cloverleaf on/offramps with much better precision and speed. :D

[1Marauder]

I have KYBs on rear and front on one car and will do Monroe SD on front of other.

[Svashtar]

The fronts are coil-over.
KYB has had several cases both here and on CVN of premature failures.
RideTech, on the other hand, offers a million-mile warranty on their coilover system and they are fabulous pieces if you can afford them.


I'll look into it, thanks. The KYB rears I mentioned seem to have a good reputation here.

Is there a recommended part # on the RideTech's?

FYI I have an Addco FSB and 1" Quickor cold rolled steel RSB, and Metco control arms.

So, assuming something like the RideTech, is this something you can R&R with basic tools or do they need to be prof installed? Thinking about compressing that spring is all.


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[RubberCtyRauder]

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


Just had them put on my car, but MO's speed shop did it as I was having go fast parts done too..Car is not done yet so no feedback. ADAM did them himself..He got the standard 650 lb spring. I got the 700 lb spring since I have blower etc. for added weight.

[a_d_a_m]

So, assuming something like the RideTech, is this something you can R&R with basic tools or do they need to be prof installed? Thinking about compressing that spring is all. You do not need a spring compressor.
Your factory coilovers come out as one piece per side.
Putting the new ones together can be done by hand and with a spanner.

[Svashtar]

You do not need a spring compressor.
Your factory coilovers come out as one piece per side.
Putting the new ones together can be done by hand and with a spanner.


Thanks, appreciate the info.

Please let me know if there's a specific RideTech model # you recommend, otherwise I'll just check with them. I see several options available. No extra weight up front on mine.

[RubberCtyRauder]

Thanks, appreciate the info.

Please let me know if there's a specific RideTech model # you recommend, otherwise I'll just check with them. I see several options available. No extra weight up front on mine.

see link post 7

[Svashtar]

see link post 7


Doh! Got it, thanks.

The disclaimer "fitment not yet verified on an actual Crown Vic," or something to that effect is a little worrisome, but as long as someone here has installed them on an MM without issue they should be good to go.

Thanks for the option; have to figure out where to fit this in on my list of replacement items.


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[RubberCtyRauder]

i know of 5 marauders who are members here with ridetech up front. The kit,was designed to use a crown vic front suspension on a old ford pick up. its like a k member and is popular among hot rodders like mustang II front suspensions were. if you are just replacing shocks in front, then you will need a spring compressor im pretty certain. new shocks with old springs

[Svashtar]

i know of 5 marauders who are members here with ridetech up front. The kit,was designed to use a crown vic front suspension on a old ford pick up. its like a k member and is popular among hot rodders like mustang II front suspensions were. if you are just replacing shocks in front, then you will need a spring compressor im pretty certain. new shocks with old springs


I see; I'm sure the OEM springs are fine but will check out the options. Might be a better ride overall going with this unit instead of just changing shocks.

Then again if I'm not building a front end from the ground up it might be a needless expense to change the springs. Appreciate the info.


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