Sacrilege

[rumble]

This may be a sacrilege here but does anyone know if regular Grand Marquis front springs
will interchange with our MMs? Certain domestic tranquility issues have me looking for a
“softer” ride.

[magindat]

Air down the front tires to 32-35psi when she rides.

Try Monroe front struts.

If I swapped to an MGM, I'd do the whole strut/spring assembly for easy reversal.

[Stranger in the Black Sedan]

Whaaaaaat? I think the stock MM ride is still pretty soft (compared to an import that is). Even a stock honda accord rides a lot firmer than a stock MM. I can't believe someone would find the MM's ride too firm.

It is a very "busy" ride but I wouldn't call it an overly firm ride. I think most of the busy ride comes from the rear over-inflated air bags, that Ford cranked up to make the car look cool, raked.

I agree, Monroe sensatracs are very good at ruining a firm ride. They are softer than stock struts and may give you the old-man GM ride you are looking for.

[magindat]

It is a very "busy" ride but I wouldn't call it an overly firm ride.

That's probly the best adjective I've ever heard for the ride... busy.

[magindat]

It is a very "busy" ride but I wouldn't call it an overly firm ride.

That's probly the best adjective I've ever heard for the ride... busy.

The Monroes un-busy it due to lower compression and rebound rates. They change it from busy to floaty at stock height.

I like the Monroes on my cut springs as they helped with the compromise between sport and luxury.

[rumble]

Gentlemen:

Thanks for your great input.


Busy is a good way of putting it although personally I would call it "choppy".

I guess my problem is really the other cars in my garage. An Audi A8L and
a VW Passat. My bride of many, many years is having some dental problems
and a "spirited ride" in the MM is some what painful for her. She, naturally, compares The Marauder cruise factor with them.

Some years ago I had a Caddy DeVile and ended up putting gas shocks all around and even with the pillowy springs that hog came with the handling improved significantly.

This is why I wondered about changing the springs. Softer spring rate but with a pair of premium gas shocks to get a balance of ride and handling.

[Bigdogjim]

Stock Marauder vs a Grand marquis is night and day. First time I got a loner GM I almost hit the wall going up a freeway ramp I take all the time. GM is "sloppy" next to a marauder. Now after I put sway bars and control arms on mine the wife liked it much better.:)

[RF Overlord]

Be VERY careful when changing spring rates or shock absorber damping rates, especially if you're thinking of doing just the front or rear. Ride and handling are a complex interaction and changing just one part of the equation can have undesireable consequences. Either change both ends or leave it alone, or you may find yourself with a badly-handling unsafe car.

[Stranger in the Black Sedan]

Good point. And everything for probably that last 20 years has had "gas shocks" on it

[rumble]

Ok gentlemen, thanks once again, good input.

That about ices it, I think I’ll try and look at other options.

If any.

[Bradley G]

It is an expensive route, but the adjustable Naakes' may be what you and your bride are looking for.