That little stinkin' plastic box....

[racorcey]

Several months ago, when I was changing out the O2 sensors (with the much-appreicated help of MM.net members), I removed the inner fender wells to get better access to the sensors.

While re-assembling the driver's side fenderwell, I accidentally broke off the little plastic box, just in front of the air cleaner. This box acts as an inlet muffler, etc., for the rear air-suspension system.

I finally got around to the dealer to get a replacement, since my trying to glue the broken pieces together didn't hold up.

MM version = (list) ~ $76.00
GM version = (list) ~ $11.00

I did notice that the MM plastic box has "Marauder" embossed on it. I guess my new one will have either nothing or "Marquis" embossed on it.

I know that sometimes MM parts are a little different and sometimes more expensive - but 7 times more for the same piece of plastic?

[fastblackmerc]

Save your money.

You don't need it.

I believe it's a "muffler" for the air compressor and the engineers thought it sounded cool, so they added it.

[racorcey]

Save your money.

You don't need it.

I believe it's a "muffler" for the air compressor and the engineers thought it sounded cool, so they added it.

I hear ya, Jim. I guess I was just curious as to what others on the forum did when they broke their "muffler" doing some other nearby work.

On the other hand, maybe I'm the only one who ever broke one! :o

[J-MAN]

Only you Randy!

[Paul T. Casey]

I believe I shouted Rats! Broke one of the holes off, just laid it in place.

[racorcey]

Only you Randy!

Pssst - hey, I got this cheap bridge for sale....;)

[dohc324ci]

Yeah I did the same; glued together and saved the coin. If anything the Marquis one should work.

[racorcey]

I believe I shouted Rats! Broke one of the holes off, just laid it in place.

Paul,

Well, "rats" might be a four-lettered word, but my cry of anguish when I broke it was also four-lettered, and it didn't rhyme with "rats."

I kinda have mine propped up with some foam rubber I found laying around, but on rough roads, you can actually hear the stupid thing rattling around. That's why I figured I would replace it, figuring about 10 bucks tops. Wasn't even close, of course.

Jim (FastBlackMerc) basically has the right idea (fugetaboutit," in South Philadelphia speak). But I already ordered the cheaper one, before his sage advice arrived, and besides, it's 25% off of list.

[Mr. Man]

See if you can find one off a parted out car. My '03 came with one that didn't say Marauder on it so I found a used one just because I wanted the Marauder lettering. GM one should work.:)

[racorcey]

See if you can find one off a parted out car. My '03 came with one that didn't say Marauder on it so I found a used one just because I wanted the Marauder lettering. GM one should work.:)

Roger that - thank you. However, I have one thing to say on that - time is $$ sometimes. I'll do the $10 one, and if even if it says Chyrsler on it, it will still go on the car. No one will ever see it except me ;).

[JoeBoomz]

You should cut off that stock muffler and add a few horsepower to your air suspension. The neighbors might complain about the noise, but trust me, you'll love the difference in power.

:rolleyes:

[racorcey]

You should cut off that stock muffler and add a few horsepower to your air suspension. The neighbors might complain about the noise, but trust me, you'll love the difference in power.

:rolleyes:

:lol: Very good! Actually, my neighbors already do complain about the noise that the rear suspension pump makes when I start up in the morning. I told them that that was the cold-start turbulator with the flux capacitor hypercolator to aid in lowering cold-start emissions. I'm an engineer, so they believe me.

[racorcey]

Well, if any of you have to actually replace this box for any reason, and you want it new - it's not going to happen. Ford no longer stocks the MM version of this box.

I was at the dealer today, and picked up the non-MM version. It is listed as the replacement for the MM version. It is a wee bit different though. See the pictures.

You will note that, other than color, the replacement is not a compete rectangular shape like the original MM part, and that the hose bib is on the opposite side.

So - don't break your originals!

[crownvic05]

where exactly does this go? I think i might need one for my 05 lx sport. Is this what covers the air compressor for the rear suspension?

[racorcey]

where exactly does this go? I think i might need one for my 05 lx sport. Is this what covers the air compressor for the rear suspension?

This item is located directly in front of the air cleaner box, and is attached to the radiator support. It has a hose leading from it and goes to the air compressor assembly. It is designed to "muffle' the sound of the air released from the air bags when the system lets some air out of the rear air bags.

It doesn't "cover" the air compressor - at least the way I would intrepret it.

The box is approximately 4"h x 2"w x 0.5"t. I hope this helps.

[crownvic05]

yes it does help. thanks for the explanation.