Lowering.....

[Reaper948]

All right guys, after all the contemplation, all the dangers, all the warnings, I am going through with the wheels, I have to... I have to fulfill my 18 year old automotive fantasy.

Ill learn when Im older

Although now is the time that I learn about something else.
Lowering the car,...as the car will look like it's on stilts if I don't,

How do you essentially lower your car?

[TAF]

Originally posted by Reaper948
How do you essentially lower your car?

Eibach, Pro-Kit front springs and adjust the rear air-ride sensor.

NOTE: Pics posted here http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=3701

BTW Here is the Eibach product code
Mercury, Marauder - 2003
Product Front Rear Part Number
PRO-KIT 1.4 in 1.2 in 3596.120

[Fourth Horseman]

First you take the torch and heat up your front springs...

*ducks*

[RF Overlord]

Originally posted by Fourth Horseman
First you take the torch and heat up your front springs...

*ducks*

Then you cut one coil off...

*cowers in fear next to Fourth Horseman*

:lol:

[jgc61sr2002]

I for one wouldn't recommend cutting the front springs to lower your MM. Install Eibach springs in the front and adjust the rear air suspension.

[Reaper948]

Adjust rear suspension? But can't I just use the rear springs that come in the kit? Why does it seem like everyone is against that....

[Reaper948]

I just heard there arent any rear springs....sorry....okay then how do you adjust rear suspension

[Dr Caleb]

Originally posted by Reaper948
I just heard there arent any rear springs....sorry....okay then how do you adjust rear suspension

Since the rear is controlled by air bags inflated by an air compressor, all you have to do is adjust the level sensor. The car will automagically drop 1" if you adjust the sensor correctly.

A little primer:

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=133
http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1089
http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=3701

[LincMercLover]

You DO realize that this is going to mess with your clearance issues AGAIN, right...? And possibly your alignment up front?

[Reaper948]

Yea, I know linc....although I dont want the car to look like it's on stilts, Its just a possibility, I'm just going to get the wheels first.....

[TAF]

Reap,

The springs are DEFINATELY a job for a professional with the proper tools. The rear can be done by yourself...but why?

I'm installing (by my Tech) the Eibach springs and making no adjustment on the rear till I see it off the lift and started with my fat :censor: in the seat. then I'll have it adjusted in increments until I get the look I want.

As I stated in the "Eibach Pic" thread...the rear-end in the pic is much too low for my taste.

[LincMercLover]

Looking back at your other thread, we determined that the new tire/wheel height will be 27". Compare that to the old height of 27 1/4". So, one, how will the car look as if it's on stilts when it's 1/4" shorter than stock, unless possibly your suggesting it's TOO MUCH RIM for the stock height? Anyway, the lowering kit shouldn't affect your plans, as the Eibach spring is not only lower, but a tad stiffer to accomidate the shorter ride height (hints why cutting the springs is a BAD idea...). So, just go do it, take some pics and if your wheel wells run out and you end up with a sliced up pair of $140 tires and some wheel well damage, then we'll know NOT to do what you did! :lol:

[Reaper948]

Well put the rims on first.....

[Bigdogjim]

Originally posted by Reaper948
All right guys, after all the contemplation, all the dangers, all the warnings, I am going through with the wheels, I have to... I have to fulfill my 18 year old automotive fantasy.

Ill learn when Im older

Although now is the time that I learn about something else.
Lowering the car,...as the car will look like it's on stilts if I don't,

How do you essentially lower your car?

Just a simple question. Why start the learning curve on a $30,000+ car. Why not "learn" on a "junk" car??? :help:

[Reaper948]

because I didn't want a junk car ::):

[deerejoe]

I lowered a car once and it turned to be the worst thing I could have done...it went 'junk' status in short order after that operation. Affects the whole performance aspect of the car.IMHO.

[Cinelli]

OK, I give. Adjust the rear ride height ? Exactly how do you do this ? Is it in the service manual ?

[prchrman]

hello cinelli and welcome, see dr caleb's post on this thread for the threads that give some info...willie

[ChuckB]

Just for some personnel info.

i've lowered mine by cutting the front springs 3/4 of a turn. the look is quite aggressive and the car sit 1 1/4 - 1 1/2 inches lower - no clearance issues. This is what KB did for the sc cars they produced. the back automatically adjusts. and yes you must align the fronts after doing this.

the ride is - in my opinion much better. slighlty softer with the same rebound from the springs. handling may have gotten slightly better - but 4200 lbs. just doens't turn well to begin with.

this is something most any average mechanic can do in an afternoon. they come out with little effort - the useage of spring compressors are essential. Use common sense for the order of disassembly - note the ball joints require an allen wrench from the bottom when loosening the locking nuts. Use care when the springs are under compression - there is a significant amount of kinetic energy - don't want any lost fingers or other issues.

i read earlier heating to cut the springs - THIS IS A LARGE NO NO. only cut the springs with a sawzall or die grinder cut off blade even a hacksaw will do in a pinch - you'll go thru a few blades and have a sore arm. heating the springs changes the temper and therefore will change the spring rate (force vs. deflection curve).

[MI2QWK4U]

Here is another good thread with more pictures of the lowered Marauder. Very worthwhile modification. I like the Eibach kit. But others have their opinions too. Personally I like the new ride and the handling is much better.

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=3530

[cyclone03]

Originally posted by ChuckB
Just for some personnel info.

i've lowered mine by cutting the front springs 3/4 of a turn. the look is quite aggressive and the car sit 1 1/4 - 1 1/2 inches lower - no clearance issues. ).

Chuck did you do this yourself?
Does the spring and shock come out together ,coilover style?
From just crawling under the car you just basicly cut the "dead" coil off the top correct?

Thanks for posting this, BTW put your flame suit on I'm sure it's coming :D

[deerejoe]

ChuckB...
I can verify the NO, NO regarding torch mods to coil springs (see my previous post of 7/11).

Springs are ALL about TEMPER and heat used incorrectly will destroy them.

[Pantherman]

If you have 10 coils, cutting off one will increase your spring rate about 10%. This is directionally a good thing, because otherwise the lowered car will be hitting its jounce bumpers much more often. The down side is a harder ride, plus possibly some low speed pitch discomfort, plus more understeer. The Eibachs, with their progressive rates, have a distinct advantage. Over small bumps, they are soft. Over larger bumps, their rate goes up significantly to help keep you off the jounce bumpers.

[Sinister]

Marauder Eibachs are not progressive.

[Pantherman]

Sinister,

I'm surprised. I thought all Eibach Pro-Kit springs were, as their name implies, progressive.

[MI2QWK4U]

Hey Todd....is the the pic of my car you are talking about? I am raising the rear end 1/2 inch to give it the rake look again. I agree mine is too low in the back end.

[TAF]

Originally posted by MI2QWK4U
Hey Todd....is the the pic of my car you are talking about? I am raising the rear end 1/2 inch to give it the rake look again. I agree mine is too low in the back end.

No...not at all. I was talking about the pics that I was sent by the Tech. Services at Eibach, which were posted in this thread
http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=3701&highlight=eibach

I thought it looked too "squatty" in the rear.

Here are the pics of mine before...after with No rear adjustment...and after with about a 1/2 inch adjustment in the rear. Actually, I kinda liked it with no rear adjustment...but the guys doing it/working with me MADE me lower it a little. I'm VERY happy with it now.

[TAF]

Before/Stock

[TAF]

After/NO rear adjust

[TAF]

after/Final with 1/2" rear adjust