Team 321 Front Coilovers

[Chi Stallion]

Well looks like the time has come to replace my shocks and springs in the front. I need pain killers every time I go over a bump and uneven pavement. :mad: I’ve been doing some research and found a Coilover Kit from Team 321 that’s adjustable. I called and spoke with Dave and he said he can make it handle up to 600 pounds each Coilover. Ima give him a call when he gets back SEMA to see if he can make it handle 700-800 which I forgot to ask. Besides the weight he said you can pick 4 different colors for the powdercoat on the springs.
He also mentioned he never sold any to the Marauder Community since it’s listed for a Crown Vic. It’s obvious the Marauder uses the same Front suspension crossmember as the Crown Vic.

The kit is 595 plus shipping which is like 25 bucks. Ima have to take that chance and hope these are better than the overpriced Ridetechs.


https://team321.com/slider/crown-vic-coilovers/

[Invective]

Well looks like the time has come to replace my shocks and springs in the front. I need pain killers every time I go over a bump and uneven pavement. :mad: I’ve been doing some research and found a Coilover Kit from Team 321 that’s adjustable. I called and spoke with Dave and he said he can make it handle up to 600 pounds each Coilover. Ima give him a call when he gets back SEMA to see if he can make it handle 700-800 which I forgot to ask. Besides the weight he said you can pick 4 different colors for the powdercoat on the springs.
He also mentioned he never sold any to the Marauder Community since it’s listed for a Crown Vic. It’s obvious the Marauder uses the same Front suspension crossmember as the Crown Vic.

The kit is 595 plus shipping which is like 25 bucks. Ima have to take that chance and hope these are better than the overpriced Ridetechs.


https://team321.com/slider/crown-vic-coilovers/



Interesting. Besides custom build-finish-adjustment, wondering what the overall differences are between the Team 321 pieces and the Monroe OESpectrum pieces? Substantial price difference obviously ($296.99). Have OESpectrum shocks on the rear already, as of February.

https://i.imgur.com/3w5zoYfl.jpg

[musclemerc]

These have to be better than the old NAAKE systems from back in the day.

[Blakshukvw]

Anyone can make coil overs like these from team321. I’ve made coil overs for my VW’s for over 20 years. Good quality shocks are available for VW cars of every generation though, including Bilstein Sports. It is imperative that good quality shocks be used when building your own coil overs. Most who install adjustable height coil overs are going to lower the ride height. This makes the shock ride in a place in its travel that it was never intended to ride all the time and during compression it will be susceptible to bottom out conditions. That’s why a quality shock like a Bilstein Sport is a must imo. They are designed exactly for this purpose. If you put adjustable coil overs on a cheap shock like most available for our cars, they won’t last long at all. And if you think KYB or Monroe’s are good shocks, well....

Obviously Bilstein Sports are not available for our cars. I’ve been looking and can’t seem to find any good shock. Maybe a Sachs which are ok, not my preferred but may work ok. I’m not certain that they are a direct fit yet. I’ve called Bilstein but they don’t offer anything outside of their racing shocks that they can custom build for huge $$$$. If any of you are aware of a high grade shock for our cars, let me know. I can build coil overs too but I won’t do it with shocks that are junk to start. There’s no point in putting several hundred dollars of coil over parts on $30 shocks.

The Ridetech are expensive because you’re getting a fully custom built shock that’s is rebuildable and they can set the valving to match your spring rates. The shocks appear to me to be shortened as well. This is done to accommodate the lower ride height that the user will have on their car. These shocks are designed with shorter strokes and are purpose built. This makes them expensive. Honestly, the price seems right in line with other custom coil overs with custom shocks I have experience with.

[Invective]

And if you think KYB or Monroe’s are good shocks, well....



Maybe I don't have lofty expectations? The factory coil overs aren't 'ride height adjustable' and I'm happy with the standard ride height. I'm guessing the Monroe pieces will provide the same ride height? Still have the factory coilovers on the front and they still seem to be working satisfactorily. If the Monroes are just as good as OEM, they will probably be the last shocks installed on this car, and at a reasonable price. After all, our beloved Marauders are jazzed up Grand Marquises and not Ford GT40s.

[RubberCtyRauder]

I have Ridetech's...happy with them...they don't handle pot holes well..no coilover does...the ride is more firm and sport like, but it is not a cushy ride...if you like firm but not harsh with a adjustable rebound shock Ridetech's seem to fit that. They will lower the front. Ridetech million miles Fox Racing built shocks are worth it imo.

[crouse]

Can these be changed easily or do you need special tools / abilities?

[Chi Stallion]

Spoke with Dave again and he said 700 is the max for each Coilover. I think I’m sold. The standard Coilover Kit from 321 comes with 450 pounds since it was designed for a crown Vic. We all know the MM is way heavier than a crown Vic. So 700 is max he can get it to. He also said it’s gona take a week longer since his supplier has to build it to 700 pounds.

If there’s one thing I never liked about the aftermarket world on the MM, is the shocks. The top brands like Bilstein and Viking don’t make shocks for our cars. All we are stuck with is Monroe and KYB’s.

[Blakshukvw]

Maybe I don't have lofty expectations? The factory coil overs aren't 'ride height adjustable' and I'm happy with the standard ride height. I'm guessing the Monroe pieces will provide the same ride height? Still have the factory coilovers on the front and they still seem to be working satisfactorily. If the Monroes are just as good as OEM, they will probably be the last shocks installed on this car, and at a reasonable price. After all, our beloved Marauders are jazzed up Grand Marquises and not Ford GT40s.
The shocks don’t set the ride height, the springs do. My point is to what happens to an inferior shock when combined with a lowering spring or an adjustable ride height collar. They aren’t up to the task. No, Monroe’s aren’t as good as the factory Tokicos and they won’t last as long. No it’s not a gt40, but it is a pefrormance variant with components meant to compliment that. If it wasn’t it would have been built with the standard off the shelf crown Vic parts.

Please don’t get me wrong, you can use whatever you want. It’s your car. I am just giving my educated experience on these matters.

Chi stallion, you and I agree on the shock situation for marauders. I don’t get it. Even the earlier crown vics have a Bilstein as an option.

You may be happy short term with those coil overs from 321, but I assure you that if those are just Monroe shocks with stock valving, they won’t last, especially with increased spring rates. The shock valving needs to be matched to work with the spring rate if at all possible. Good luck and please keep us posted as to their performance.

Btw, no where on the 321 page do they even state what brand of shock they’re using. No mention of custom valving either.

[Invective]

The shocks don’t set the ride height, the springs do. My point is to what happens to an inferior shock when combined with a lowering spring or an adjustable ride height collar.


A well written response - thanks for the info. I did notice the threaded spring collars on the Team 321 pieces and that Tokico apparently doesn't make coil over struts for the Marauder anymore. The Monroe OESpectrum Coil over strut 271346 varies anywhere from $102 (eBay) all of the way to $193 (also on eBay) each. I went with the Monroes because Jeff Harris recommended them as 'best bang for the buck'. Not seeing anything available at the Ford Dealers. Other brands available for the Marauder at varying prices. $600 for a custom pair from Team321? Hard for me to justify but I'm sure others can.

[Invective]

Can these be changed easily or do you need special tools / abilities?

If the springs are already installed? No, just a floor jack to extend the suspension travel and don't work on your cars while drinking alcohol. Assuming you have a good selection of common hand tools. Would recommend checking the wheel alignment professionally on modern equipment afterwards.

https://i.imgur.com/KyKkZ7Ih.jpg

[Blakshukvw]

A well written response - thanks for the info. I did notice the threaded spring collars on the Team 321 pieces and that Tokico apparently doesn't make coil over struts for the Marauder anymore. The Monroe OESpectrum Coil over strut 271346 varies anywhere from $102 (eBay) all of the way to $193 (also on eBay) each. I went with the Monroes because Jeff Harris recommended them as 'best bang for the buck'. Not seeing anything available at the Ford Dealers. Other brands available for the Marauder at varying prices. $600 for a custom pair from Team321? Hard for me to justify but I'm sure others can.
I understand. Coil overs aren’t for everyone.

For $550 I’d spend a bit more and buy the Ridetechs. Better quality shock to start that’s rebuildable in the future. Way better money spent.

[crouse]

Rock Auto has the Monroe for $92.79. Is there another option that's better than Monroe?

[Invective]

Rock Auto has the Monroe for $92.79. Is there another option that's better than Monroe?

How much do you want to spend? Jeff Harris at Mo's recommended the Monroe OESpectrum as best value. Other alternatives are cheaper or you can pay alot more for something of questionable value IMO. Thanks for the Rock Auto link - best price yet for the Monroe 271346.

[crouse]

Might as well replace the rears while I'm at it.

Rock Auto has the Monroe #5995 for $22.79 each, #5993 for $24.79 each, #550018 for $36.79 each and Motorcraft for $55.79 each. I'm leaning toward the Monroe 550018. Any suggestions/comments?

[Invective]

Might as well replace the rears while I'm at it.

Rock Auto has the Monroe #5995 for $22.79 each, #5993 for $24.79 each, #550018 for $36.79 each and Motorcraft for $55.79 each. I'm leaning toward the Monroe 550018. Any suggestions/comments?

My car has the 5993 OESpectrum shock. The 5995 SensaTrack shock is also available for the Marauder but Monroe only shows one replacement coil over strut shock, the 271346 'Quick Strut', also known as the OESpectrum Coil Over Strut Shock. Thinking its a toss up really.

https://i.imgur.com/AZOFbH3h.jpg

[blazen71]

I like the idea of a cheap alternative, but I also like the warranty of the Ridetechs. Let us know how this option goes!

[Invective]

The Rock Auto page has an interesting selection of Marauder compatible rear shocks.

https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/mercury,2004,marauder,4.6l+v8, 1428218,suspension,shock+absor ber,7556


Ridetechs for $800 a pair - just WOW!

https://i.imgur.com/ifvFuarh.jpg

https://adtr.net/product/mercury-marauder/suspension-mercury-marauder/ridetech-hq-front-coil-over-system-03/

[Blakshukvw]

Motorcraft and Sachs are available for the rear and Sachs are available for the front.

[RubberCtyRauder]

Penske shocks fit..$1k each...if your springs are fine..plenty here like Monroe severe service shocks..

[Blakshukvw]

I’m considering contacting pro shocks.com. They have many options for threaded body shocks.

Does anyone know the dimensions of the 02- back front shock? Like full extended and collapsed measurements?

[offroadkarter]

Any of you who think the ridetechs are expensive haven't priced out quality coilovers for a more common platform. I think KW V3's for my M5 are 2300 bucks, even more for the Mustang.

The Ridetechs were one of the best mods I've ever done to my car by far, it rides excellent and handles better than any other panther I've driven.


Motorcraft and Sachs are available for the rear and Sachs are available for the front.

Sachs started selling shocks for these cars? Where at, when I rebuilt the suspension on my black car I only had OE, Monroe and KYB to choose from.

[Invective]

Motorcraft and Sachs are available for the rear and Sachs are available for the front.

The Sachs name really brings back the memories, as far as motorcycles go. Today, Sachs is a unit of ZF Friedrichshafen AG, producing auto parts, motorcycle parts, small displacement motorcycles, scooters, electric bicycles and farm equipment. In the late '60s - early '70s, Sachs produced and sold here in America a moderately successful 125 motocross bike, under the DKW nameplate.

1971 Sachs/DKW 125 Motocrosser
https://i.imgur.com/mv5ExwYl.jpg


1975 Sachs/DKW/Hercules 300cc Wankel. Sachs beat Suzuki to the market by a year (1974 vs. 1975)
https://i.imgur.com/5KAkUzcl.jpg

1970 Sachs 125 Enduro
https://i.imgur.com/wtc3n5hl.jpg

[Invective]

Sachs started selling shocks for these cars? Where at, when I rebuilt the suspension on my black car I only had OE, Monroe and KYB to choose from.

The ZF/Sachs website states that shocks for the 1983-2002 Grand Marquis are no longer manufactured. No more info.

https://aftermarket.zf.com/go/en/sachs/catalogs/#/search?languageID=4&brandID=32&countryID=USA&vehicleTypeIDs=p&manufacturerID=161&modelID=102164&assemblyGroupIDs=854&vehicleIDs=1112696

[Blakshukvw]

So what’s the difference between the GM and marauder shock? Same overall length correct?

[Blakshukvw]

Any of you who think the ridetechs are expensive haven't priced out quality coilovers for a more common platform. I think KW V3's for my M5 are 2300 bucks, even more for the Mustang.

The Ridetechs were one of the best mods I've ever done to my car by far, it rides excellent and handles better than any other panther I've driven.



Sachs started selling shocks for these cars? Where at, when I rebuilt the suspension on my black car I only had OE, Monroe and KYB to choose from.
I think the price is pretty fair especially considering the proprietary hardware included. For a rebuildable threaded body it’s pretty fair.I have that much invested in the coil overs I made that are on my rabbit, and the Bilstein Sports I used aren’t adjustable dampening.

[offroadkarter]

The ZF/Sachs website states that shocks for the 1983-2002 Grand Marquis are no longer manufactured. No more info.

https://aftermarket.zf.com/go/en/sachs/catalogs/#/search?languageID=4&brandID=32&countryID=USA&vehicleTypeIDs=p&manufacturerID=161&modelID=102164&assemblyGroupIDs=854&vehicleIDs=1112696


Most parts for the 02 and older chassis are irrelevant to us. The only thing off the top of my head that fits from a 98 - 02 are rear control arms and the rear swaybar, as well as airbags or springs.

Bilstein "makes" shocks for the -02 cars, the reason they exist is because they also fit other fords going back to the 1960's.

[Invective]

Most parts for the 02 and older chassis are irrelevant to us. The only thing off the top of my head that fits from a 98 - 02 are rear control arms and the rear swaybar, as well as airbags or springs.

Bilstein "makes" shocks for the -02 cars, the reason they exist is because they also fit other fords going back to the 1960's.


I'm cognizant of the fact that many vendors still show the Sachs 030 314 (2 year warranty at $55 each) still available for the 4th gen Marauder (and final gens of the Crown Vic and Grand Marquis). A search of the Sachs/ZF website this morning shows nothing currently manufactured for the Ford Panther platform. I would be wary of obsolete pieces still 'in the pipeline'. Pricey with a short warranty anyway. The link I posted previously was the only Sachs/ZF Panther link available on that date - still working by the way. Today's search from scratch isn't even pulling up the previous info. Gotta love the 'internets'....

https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=1383483&cc=1428218&jsn=907

[Blakshukvw]

Part number for the later cars is 030-095. Still available.

Does anyone know, are the 02 back shocks shorter or longer than the 03 up?

[Invective]

Part number for the later cars is 030-095. Still available.

Does anyone know, are the 02 back shocks shorter or longer than the 03 up?


Obsolete front struts (no springs) still in the pipeline. One year warranty.

[Blakshukvw]

[QUOTE=Invective;1582105]Obsolete front struts (no springs) still in the pipeline. One year warranty.[/QUOTE)

They’re still available and a better choice than Monroe even if they’ve been sitting on the shelf for a few years. And if they’re available are they really obsolete? The marauder is obsolete too but you still drive one.
I’m not concerned with springs. Just referring to shocks. Warranty not an issue from this seller. Money back after several years of service on my last set.

Still would like to know about the length of then2 shocks if anyone knows.

[Invective]

[QUOTE=Invective;1582105]

Still would like to know about the length of then2 shocks if anyone knows.


The following website will give you that info - due diligence.

https://www.carid.com/2002-mercury-grand-marquis-performance-shocks-struts/?filter=1&departments%5B%5D=Performance&field%5B368421%5D%5B1%5D=Gas%2 0Charged&field%5B370265%5D%5B7%5D=14%22 %20-%2014.99%22&field%5B370265%5D%5B5%5D=19%22 %20-%2019.99%22&field%5B370265%5D%5B6%5D=21%22 %20-%2021.99%22