How to get a softer ride?

[TooManyFords]

Some of you will probably throw things, but I'll take my chances...

I want a softer ride! My '03 A rides rougher than both my '00 Mountaineer and my lifted '93 Explorer! I'm sure it's mostly the rear that is way to stiff. Has anyone looked into replacing the rear air/spring (or whatever it is back there) to something that goes smoothly over the little bumps out there?

I'm not talking pot holes or anything... this car rides like the axle was solid to the frame.

Anyway, any suggestions on how to soften it up is appreciated.

John

[TAF]

Not meaning to throw things...but...did you test drive a Grand Marquis? much softer, "cushier" ride...

I guess you wouldn't be a candidate for the Eibach springs...

[Fourth Horseman]

I admit to not really knowing much about suspensions, but couldn't you swap out the shocks a lot easier than rear air springs?

I'd look for a set of shocks that are more mellow and replace all four. Just my $0.02.

[prchrman]

less air in tires...especially the back...wear tires even also...

[dok]

When my car was delivered, it had 36 pounds in all tires and rode very rough. Reduced pressure to 32 pounds. Rides good now.

[schuvwj]

I've found that 28 psi in the rear and 32 psi in the front work and wear well. 15,00 miles.

32 psi in rear will not only cause a rougher ride but will also cause center to wear much faster than sides.
My 2 cents.

[MMM2003]

What about tire pressure in the front? Since the inside of the fronts is wearing quicker. Didn't someone just post to lower the tire pressure in the front to improve the wear in the front?

Check this thread: http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=4365
PLease copy and paste, couldn't linky linky!

Any input is appreciated.

TIA

[TooManyFords]

I'll check the air pressure when I get home, but my Mountaineer runs 40 PSI in the Scorpion PZero tires and that is still softer. Yes, it could be the shocks too.

Thanks for the tips so far. Guess I'd better go drive a Grand Marquee later to see how it rides. :)

John

[schuvwj]

Originally posted by MMM2003
What about tire pressure in the front? Since the inside of the fronts is wearing quicker. Didn't someone just post to lower the tire pressure in the front to improve the wear in the front?

Check this thread: http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=4365
PLease copy and paste, couldn't linky linky!

Any input is appreciated.

TIA

To little air in front tires will cause both inside and outside excessive tire wear. Wear on only the inside or only on the outside is due to improper front wheel alignment!

[WolfeBros]

Definitely check your air pressure. This car does not ride rough IMHO. My last 3 cars were Navigator, Mark VIII and Lincoln LS.
The Marauder actually rides pretty good. It is firmer but not harsh.

[Hemlock]

DID NOT LIKE THE "CHOPPY" RIDE ON MY MM . REPLACED STRUTS AND SHOCKS FROM A GRAND MARQ. HANDLING PACKAGE . ALSO , WHEN I REPLACED MY TIRES (HAVE 32,000 MILES) I PUT ALL FOUR LIKE THE REAR SIZE .245-55-18 BFG . WITH 28LBS. RIDES LIKE I WANT . HOPE THIS HELPS .

[jgc61sr2002]

The ride of the MM is a little more firm than my 2000GM with the handling package. IMHO the ride is just right.

[Fourth Horseman]

Originally posted by jgc61sr2002
The ride of the MM is a little more firm than my 2000GM with the handling package. IMHO the ride is just right.

I agree. If anything, I think the MM could be a touch firmer. I find the ride of a Crown Vic / GM, even with the handling package, to be a bit sloppy.

To each their own, though. I think you can definitely set up one of these Panthers to handle any way you like.

[Pantherman]

The air springs are actually quite soft. Your could use the even softer base Town Car parts, but without changing the front, that would accentuate low speed pitching--you've probably noticed that the faster you go, the better your Marauder rides. You can make these cars ride almost as well as a Town Car, but you will need Town Car front springs and shocks plus Town Car rear air springs, shocks and jounce bumpers. The catch is that most of this stuff won't work without much smaller wheels and tires. Vertical wheel travel was severely limited on Marauders to make the 18 inchers fit. Considering these restrictions, the ride is remarkably good. With base car travels, 17 inch wheels with moderate tires would pretty much be the limit.

[TooManyFords]

You know how you bounce the back to see if your shocks are shot? Well, my MM doesn't move. I'm pretty sure it should have some up and down movement while sitting still. I tried turning off the leveling system and it makes no difference.

Will some of you try this test and let me know how yours is?

Thanks.

[TooManyFords]

Hmmm... Would someone try the bounce test and tell me if yours is as stiff ?

Thanks in advance.

John

[duhtroll]

TMF - you're always welcome to compare to mine since we are in the same town. If it helps, I'd be glad to.

-A

[TooManyFords]

Way cool! This really -is- a small world! Where and when works for you?

Thanks!

John

[WolfeBros]

Originally posted by TooManyFords
Hmmm... Would someone try the bounce test and tell me if yours is as stiff ?


I can't believe TAF let this pass without comment.

:lol: :lol:

[gja]

:help: I cannot believe grown men are discussing testing stiffness on this board........
:banned: :lol: :censor:

[Rapsco34]

I'm ready to buy my MM but I have a big problem concerning the ride. I have a 2000 Grand Marquis with the handling package and it's ride is about as firm as I want. TooManyFords expressed this concern in a thread. The dealer is checking to see what can be done to soften the ride. I think the problem is coming from the rear only. I checked the tire pressure on the one I test drove and it had 28 PSI all around , so tire pressure won't solve my problem.I have asked the dealer to check and see if the rear suspension parts(air bags- shocks) could be replaced with Grand Marquis parts. They are also going to check and see if any adjustments can be made to the air suspension to soften the ride.Thanks from anyone with any info or suggestions and please don't call me an "Old Fuddy Duddy". I love the car but I just don't think I can live with the ride , especially on a long trip on some of the bumpy interstates. Thanks again.

[67435animal]

I love the ride of my MM. I have always preferred feeling the road versus a more 'cushy' ride. It all comes down to personal preference. My Dad has a 2001GM and, to me, it floats. I could fall asleep in his car!

Bob

PS- the firmest riding car I have ever driven is this one:

[jgc61sr2002]

Bob - I agree. My 2000 GM with the handling packace seemed to have a softer ride than the Marauder. I also think the ride is excellent.:D