My Next Mod...

[MM2004]

...just arrived via the Big Brown Van. :)

I cannot believe how beefy this thing is :eek: .

The rear is on back order, and should be here in a couple of weeks.

Then let the install begin :D .

Click the pic...

[Rider90]

The front makes a big difference. Get the rear for the full effect :D

[Cobra25]

...just arrived via the Big Brown Van. :)

I cannot believe how beefy this thing is :eek: .

The rear is on back order, and should be here in a couple of weeks.

Then let the install begin :D .

Click the pic... I did the rear not to long ago, and it made a nice difference. Just recieved the front one 0n the 18th. Beefy is not the word for it. Massive might be. Haven't installed it yet but will sometime soon.

[Eric91Z]

Is that the Addco bar? I am kind of thinking of doing some suspension and brake upgrades next year instead of anything else and save for the S/C. Sway bars first? Then control arms and Watts link?

[MM2004]

Eric,

It is indeed the Addco bar. I have heard nothing but great things about this mod.

As mentioned, the rear is on back order, and should be here within a couple weeks.

Man I can't wait!

Mike.


Is that the Addco bar? I am kind of thinking of doing some suspension and brake upgrades next year instead of anything else and save for the S/C. Sway bars first? Then control arms and Watts link?

[2003_MM_FYRE49]

Eric,

It is indeed the Addco bar. I have heard nothing but great things about this mod.

As mentioned, the rear is on back order, and should be here within a couple weeks.

Man I can't wait!

Mike.
Mike, wait until you get those puppies mounted on the MM. It'll handle like a high priced hooker in a Las Vegas pent house. :bows: :awe:

Remember that when you put the new front on there are two (2) flat plates that mount to the frame followed by the bushing and the bushing mount. Do not worry that the bar is touching the tie rod ends. as soon as you drop the car to the ground there will be plenty of clearance. :beer:

[GreekGod]

MM2004-please let us know your before/after driving impressions! Why not do the front now and the rear later?

[MM2004]

Gonna be hard, but am going to wait and install 'em both at the same time.

That will give the best case scenario on the handling difference.

I plan on shooting some bends prior to the install and re-visit them when all feet are back on the ground. I will certainly post my results.

Mike.


MM2004-please let us know your before/after driving impressions! Why not do the front now and the rear later?

[GreekGod]

pretty mature for a 5 year old...

[Rider90]

Mike, wait until you get those puppies mounted on the MM. It'll handle like a high priced hooker in a Las Vegas pent house. :bows: :awe:

Remember that when you put the new front on there are two (2) flat plates that mount to the frame followed by the bushing and the bushing mount. Do not worry that the bar is touching the tie rod ends. as soon as you drop the car to the ground there will be plenty of clearance. :beer:
Mine were touching, then I lowered the car and they were still touching. I then raised the car, flipped the bar, and they weren't touching and did not touch when on the ground either.

[MM2004]

All that's left now is the install :banana2:

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/gallery/data/500/medium/AddcoFront.jpg

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/gallery/data/500/medium/AddcoRear.JPG

[mpearce]

I won my Addco sway bars at MVIII. They are quite massive, and very sturdy to say the least. I didn't like the annodized metal look though, just personal preference. So I had them painted black, as well as all the other pieces that came with it. The black color really looks nice. I have not installed it yet though. I won't drive the car until next year. I'm thinking it's going to look pretty sweet under there with the black bar. I'll post pics when I get a chance if anyone's interested in how they look in a different color.

-Mat

[MM2004]

The bar install (Front / Rear) with a friend, took about 1.5 hours start to finish with minimal swearing. This is a straight forward install that anyone can do. IMHO.

After cleaning up and pounding back a beer, I took the beast to straighten out a few twisties. :D

The difference these bars make is unbelieveable! :banana2:

This thing goes around a corner much better than I anticipated making the MM a whole new driving experience.

Most likely my imagination, but the steering even feels easier :confused: .

If anyone is sitting on the fence about this mod, I urge you to take the plunge as you will be impressed :bows: .

I am not sorry in the least!

Mike.

[GreekGod]

Thanks for all the info, MM2004. Many have said the MM has very good handling and also good ride comfort. Please let us know in 1000 miles or so if you still "feel" the new bars are an excellent improvement and you miss any ride comfort.
The bar install (Front / Rear) with a friend, took about 1.5 hours start to finish with minimal swearing. This is a straight forward install that anyone can do. IMHO.

After cleaning up and pounding back a beer, I took the beast to straighten out a few twisties. :D

The difference these bars make is unbelieveable! :banana2:

This thing goes around a corner much better than I anticipated making the MM a whole new driving experience.

Most likely my imagination, but the steering even feels easier :confused: .

If anyone is sitting on the fence about this mod, I urge you to take the plunge as you will be impressed :bows: .

I am not sorry in the least!

Mike.

[MM2004]

The ride has not been compromised, at least not that I can tell. ;)

Uhem... except for being able to shoot the ramps like I just stole the car and being chased by a pack of LEO's :D .

About to go for another ride....60 degrees out :banana2: .

Mike.

[mpearce]

If anyone is interested I had my ADDCO sway bars painted black. The smaller pieces have a satin or matte finish, and the bars have a shiny finish, that almost matches the black clearcoat of the car.

-Mat

[SergntMac]

The ride has not been compromised, at least not that I can tell. I think everyone here agrees this is a great mod, with a big seat-of-your-pants payoff. However, use a little caution too. You've changed the suspension system geometry significantly, and the added stiffness will increase the load on your rires, moreso the sidewalls. Recheck your inflation and do some test driving with a variety of PSI. You don't want to lose any traction with the road, right?

[jimlam56]

Mat:
What kind of paint did you use?
Did you do any prep such as sanding etc.?
The stock finish appears to be anodized, is that right?
I agree with you that black would look better.
Mine is due in from Dennis this week so you know what I'll be doing this weekend...
Thanks, Jim

[merc6]

so would this mod be equal to, greater than or something to pair up with the coilovers?

[mpearce]

Mat:
What kind of paint did you use?
Did you do any prep such as sanding etc.?
The stock finish appears to be anodized, is that right?
I agree with you that black would look better.
Mine is due in from Dennis this week so you know what I'll be doing this weekend...
Thanks, Jim

Jim,

I had my sway bars painted by one of my good friends at a local body shop. They sanded the bars down, then they sealed them. After they sealed it, they used a single stage black paint. The finish on the bars look almost identical to the black clearcoat of my MM's paint. I prefer this to the "stock" anodized look when you take it out of the box. The attachment pieces were done the same way, but they used a satin finish. Not shiny. My pics don't do it justice because my camera isn't the greatest. It's a major looks improvement IMO. I hope this helps.

-Mat