Two parts questions

[Fourth Horseman]

Got a question on a couple of parts:

Is the rack and pinion steering assembly the same on our cars as on the 2003 Grand Marquis? Also, what about the big aluminum cross-member up front?

[martyo]

Based on my recollection and understanding:

No and No.

Are the repairs under way? I haven't seen you post on the issue in a while.

[Ross]

Yeah, Fourth-- are they going to total it or repair, it, or do they know yet?

[Fourth Horseman]

So that's one vote of "no" and one vote of "yes?"

It's being stripped down right now and they're waiting on parts. Just want to make sure I'm not going to end up with the wrong stuff on my car.

[Zack]

Was the grill damaged? I want it.

[Fourth Horseman]

Nope, the hit was on the passenger side, the grill was undamaged.

[RCSignals]

From what I understand, the aluminum front crossmember is the same, but the steering rack is different. probably in valving and the variable assist controls

[RoyLPita]

This backs up RC's answer.
steering rack:
Grand Marquis 3W1Z3504FARM
Marauder 3W1Z3504GARM
aluminum crossmember:
GM AND MM 3W1Z5C145AA
just my .02 here

[Fourth Horseman]

Excellent! That's what I was looking for. Thank you, gentlemen!

[Marauderman]

More part #'s-- wish we could alphabetize / catolog them all as we find /hear about them somewhere --I know--do the search but them you have to search a bunch of stuff--oh well -you get the point--

[RF Overlord]

I concur with Messrs. Pita and Signals...I knew I read somewhere that the new hydro-formed rails and crossmember were common to the panther platform, but the steering was MM specific... thanks...

[Fourth Horseman]

Yup, there's a lot of data here and searching is sort of like data mining. You sift through a lot of posts to find what you're looking for.

Still, you folks are a great resource and I appreciate the help.

My car is mostly done with the dis-assembly stage and they're waiting on parts at this point. Looks like the suspension and steering will be the last things fixed. The car really looks much better with the damaged parts off. The insurance person took a look at it again and actually revised the damage estimate down to about $7600.

I'm probably still a couple of weeks out. I miss my Marauder. :P

[Bigdogjim]

What have you been driving? I hope not a Sable???

[RCSignals]

Originally posted by marauderman
More part #'s-- wish we could alphabetize / catolog them all as we find /hear about them somewhere --I know--do the search but them you have to search a bunch of stuff--oh well -you get the point--

There is a Part number list in the FAQ. Maybe LML could add these to it?

[Fourth Horseman]

Originally posted by Bigdogjim
What have you been driving? I hope not a Sable???

Nope, I don't think I could handle the power of the SABLE! :P

Borrowing my dad's '84 F-250 pickup truck. Cool old truck, but I won't be sorry to get back to my car.