Long time gearhead with new (to me) Marauder

[v3n0m]

New to the group and to a Marauder. That by no means I'm ignorant of American muscle...... luxury? Maybe, lol. I'm no stranger to a wrench, and still kinda bitter about how *****y Craftsman got, but I digress. I purchased an '03 Marauder in Friday from an auction, I'm driving 3 hours tomorrow to go pick it up, I know nothing more than the VIN and 4 exterior pictures. So.... that being said, I don't know what to say, or ask. I guess I'm looking for what to expect? Common issues? Best upgrades? Cheapest/quickest upgrades? Any advice or constructive opinions welcome, the more specific and technical the better. Slowy finishing the Grand Marquis service manual on pdf and ill be happy to share or post to any who are mechanically inclined, or at least interested. Thanks and (Roman)godspeed.

[SilverPhoenix]

Common issues: LCM, BCM, EATC (o-rings), blend door actuator, radio tuner.

Depending on mileage and/or how previous owners drove the car (conservative vs hammer it 24/7), cylinder head #8 can be a weak point and produce ticking. Timing chain/guides if car has 150K+ miles needs to be monitored. Air compressor for the rear suspension air bags can crap out early due to water collection where it sits...drill a few drainage holes to mitigate. Also, physically check air bags to ensure they aren't rotting. Make sure wiper cowl is relatively clean; junk likes to collect where the wiper motor sits, causing it to crap out.

Best/cheapest/quickest upgrades are subjective, but swapping out the 3.55 gear for a 4.10 and having it tuned will wake it up for less than $1K (I hope...I had this done to mine 10 years ago and it cost around $600...don't know what prices would be like nowadays)

Lots of 'tips/tricks' for being a MM owner on this site...

[BadFord]

Welcome! I just joined the ranks myself!

[NXSBOB]

Welcome aboard. :party:Would love to see pictures.

[jgc61sr2002]

Welcome aboard!

[1Marauder]

IMHO... If you are a freeway driver, and like long cruises.... the gears can wait. The tune, (See Marty) is by far a mandatory upgrade. Unbelievable difference. Watts link and rear sway bars w great bushings (and new shocks if needed) will tame the large rear waggle... and you can feel the difference getting into the car and closing the door, much less driving!

[FW_Linc/Merc]

Agree with everything stated above.

[1Maugeri2003]

Hello new to the site! Any advice on Stainless Works exhaust? I really would like to purchase sounds really good on the video! Just bought my 2nd Marauder originally have an 03 since new and now an 04 with Trilogy supercharger. Anyone’s input would be helpful.

[RubberCtyRauder]

Call Mo's Speed Shop, Dallas,GA. They are a SW dealer, they know Marauders very well. You don't have to be or go to GA to benefit.

[1Maugeri2003]

Sounds good will give them a call! I appreciate the advice!