Ford Spring Conversion Kits

[sflrainmaker01]

As some of you all might have read, I am in the process of hopefully buying a 04 Marauder that has some issues. The seemingly most pressing is the rear suspension. The pump doesn't turn on and the bags are toast. So, I am having the local Ford dealer do an inspection on it before the deal is tied up. I asked them how much to do a rear spring conversion on it. The adviser called me back and said there are NO rear spring conversion kits for the Marauder, only the Crown Vic and Grand Marquis (and they did not know if those parts were interchangeable with the Marauder).

Anyone have any more information about this?

[MrBluGruv]

In two words:

Suncore Industries.

They make a real coil spring conversion kit, and it wasn't too expensive either. They are essentially HD coils, so the rear end will ride fully upright all the time and are fairly stiff.

As far as I know, all you have to do is pull the old air bladders out along with some of the plumbing, put the coil springs on the perch, and flip off the air ride switch in the trunk. It may not be THAT simple, but I know it WAS simple.

[sflrainmaker01]

I had the spring conversion done on my 92 Town Car a few years ago. I was afraid that there would be a compromise in the ride. However, it still rides like you are sitting on the couch! So, I got a quote from the same place that did that spring conversion for the Marauder. They said it would be approx $350 parts & labor.

[69marquis conv]

Springs that fit the GM and CV will also fit the Marauder, the spring perches are the same for all. I believe the pump and components for the RAS is the same for all three as well.

[sflrainmaker01]

Springs that fit the GM and CV will also fit the Marauder, the spring perches are the same for all. I believe the pump and components for the RAS is the same for all three as well.

I wonder why they don't share part numbers then? Does the Marauder require a different spring rate due to load/performance/torque?

[burt ragio]

You can also look to Arnott air suspension products located in Merritt Island ,Fla. 800 251-8993.

[sflrainmaker01]

You can also look to Arnott air suspension products located in Merritt Island ,Fla. 800 251-8993.

Thanks, but, they don't list one for a Marauder, only Grand Marquis....

[Vortech347]

The bags are likely the same thing.

[sflrainmaker01]

The bags are likely the same thing.

Spring kits too, then?

[lifespeed]

Don't buy Arnott air springs!! I did and they ruined my ride quality. I now have new OEM, much better.

[DarthVader215]

My bags went on my Lincoln all I did was put MOOG COIL SPRINGS on from a 95 Lincoln. It took me 30 mins to install and the ride was still smooth , only problem was the AIG bag light stayed illuminated.

[whitey]

I wouldnt switch over to springs, air bags and a new compressor cant be too much more money than just springs. Do some research on the airbags, i think Ctrlraven had a thread about the different spring rates of the different bags out there, i dont know the differences, but im pretty sure there is a difference between the cv, gm, towncar, and the mm.

[Roadwarrior]

I think the air bags / coil springs conversion kit for a Town Car Livery Pkg.{limousine} is the same for the MM. Others can chime in on this.

[DarthVader215]

Na , they are mostly the same the limo springs may just sit a little higher, it really depends on what year. To each is own. I know I wasnt payin over 800 for bags lol.

[sflrainmaker01]

Na , they are mostly the same the limo springs may just sit a little higher, it really depends on what year. To each is own. I know I wasnt payin over 800 for bags lol.

MrBluGruv suggested Suncore Industries. There pricing seemed pretty reasonable. But, I don't want to spend $800+ either! Especially after having the Town Car converted to coils and not being able to tell the difference. I suppose, one day, if the car needs to be "restored", then it might be worth it....

However, the DIY kits seem tempting to install myself, but, I just don't have the time.:(

[lifespeed]

I also prefer the air springs, but would not use anything but OEM. Purchased online, they are just over $500/pair. Not cheap, but they'll last more than ten years.

If you get the combination of spring rate and shock wrong in the rear it will really degrade your ride quality, something I have learned from experience. These cars can provide a luxury car ride while sticking to the road like a race car, but only if you get it right.

[jb513]

I got a deal from suncore on eBay. I put a kit together for $360 shipped to my door. Compressor, 25feet of air lines, 2 tees, 2 solenoids, and 2 air bags. When I ordered it the girl on the phone didn't believe the prices I gave her off of eBay. She went on the computer to check herself. Took an afternoon to take the old compressor out and put in the new one, run the lines, bang out the coil springs, put the bags in with the solenoids, hook up the air lines and electrical connections, partially inflate the bags, put it on the ground and let the car take over from there. I didn't have to fool with the load levelling device but some people do. It's not difficult,I found a good how to on the town car website. Some people love the springs but I like the way it rides with the bags and no matter how much crap you load in the trunk or how many large guys are riding in the back, it will always ride level and never bottom out. I know I'm gonna here from the spring guys but that's just my personal preference.

[lifespeed]

While it is true when looking for the last bit of handling performance the nod goes to coil springs, I think most here are simply looking to save a buck. Which is reasonable if that is your situation. Also, you can be sure that you won't realize a handling improvement without correctly matching the rest of the suspension. There goes the cost savings . . .

When shopping for cheaper replacement air springs, keep in mind these have a rising rate dictated by displacement vs volume. This means the diameter and shape of the bag, as well as the height dictate not only the static spring rate at ride height, but how quickly the rate changes throughout the suspension travel.

Suffice it to stay that an air spring with an other-than-stock design will likely bite you in the ass with parameters that don't match what our cars need. Don't be too casual about suspension tuning.

[burt ragio]

The aiir bag selection no matter where you get them from will be the same if you specify. Three are three choices & they are color coded. The lemo air springs are the same we use in the Marauder.

[jb513]

While it is true when looking for the last bit of handling performance the nod goes to coil springs, I think most here are simply looking to save a buck. Which is reasonable if that is your situation. Also, you can be sure that you won't realize a handling improvement without correctly matching the rest of the suspension. There goes the cost savings . . .

When shopping for cheaper replacement air springs, keep in mind these have a rising rate dictated by displacement vs volume. This means the diameter and shape of the bag, as well as the height dictate not only the static spring rate at ride height, but how quickly the rate changes throughout the suspension travel.

":flamer::flamer:Suffice it to stay that an air spring with an other-than-stock design will likely bite you in the ass with parameters that don't match what our cars need. Don't be too casual about suspension tuning.

Sun core have been doing bags and replacement bags for quite some time.
I assure you these are not "cheap" and they are made specific to the vehical. I don't know if you own a shop but I have been working for Ford for 29 years so I think I can tell a cheap non fitting air bag from a good one. I was pointing out that if he was to go on Ebay, he might get a good deal!
"Other than stock design"... Where do you think they got the dimentions from? "Don't be too casual about suspension tuning"?? I had no idea you were such an expert in the matter! I suggest you do a little research before running your mouth. I bloody well knew the "experts" would come out of the woodwork to slam what was my personal preferance.

"a rising rate dictated by displacement vs volume. This means the diameter and shape of the bag, as well as the height dictate not only the static spring rate at ride height"... Don't be so condescending. This means, Ah I'm not going to even bother. Your not worth it... It's not a track car. It's a 2 ton daily driver. Unbelievable.. Where do these people come from.

[lifespeed]

The aiir bag selection no matter where you get them from will be the same if you specify. Three are three choices & they are color coded. The lemo air springs are the same we use in the Marauder.

They are not. I bought a set from Arnott "towncar/limo" and they were different from factory Marauder.

You think I'm making this stuff up?

[lifespeed]

Sun core have been doing bags and replacement bags for quite some time.
I assure you these are not "cheap" and they are made specific to the vehical. I don't know if you own a shop but I have been working for Ford for 29 years so I think I can tell a cheap non fitting air bag from a good one. I was pointing out that if he was to go on Ebay, he might get a good deal!
"Other than stock design"... Where do you think they got the dimentions from? "Don't be too casual about suspension tuning"?? I had no idea you were such an expert in the matter! I suggest you do a little research before running your mouth. I bloody well knew the "experts" would come out of the woodwork to slam what was my personal preferance.

"a rising rate dictated by displacement vs volume. This means the diameter and shape of the bag, as well as the height dictate not only the static spring rate at ride height"... Don't be so condescending. This means, Ah I'm not going to even bother. Your not worth it... It's not a track car. It's a 2 ton daily driver. Unbelievable.. Where do these people come from.

I just finished going through a complete upgrade of the suspension on my car, complete with double-adjustable Penske 7500DA shocks, standard race coilovers up front and new airbags in the rear.

I'm speaking from experience, not what I read on the internet. I have no idea where you got "condescending" from, I am just pointing out the design of the spring impacts the static rate and rising rate.

I have no comment on the aftermarket air spring quality. Mine didn't pop for the 1,000 miles I ran them before pitching them aside for proper Marauder bags. My comment is, the Arnott air springs, despite being claimed correct for our application are much too stiff and have a faster rising rate due to their larger diameter bag and slightly different construction. You can be sure this impacts ride quality, and not in a good way.

As to the two ton daily driver, maybe yours doesn't drive well but mine sticks to the road like the performance car it is.

I'm speaking from direct experience swapping different suspension components, adjusting shocks, changing air springs, and observing the results. Unless you have also done this, you're the one who doesn't know what they're talking about Mr. Ford parts-changer. :flamer:

[sflrainmaker01]

Thanks for the replies! If this deal goes down, then I will just want to get a coil spring conversion done for now until I get some miles on the car to see if/what else the car needs. Once I know what I got, then I can explore going back to factory suspension at a later date. So, is there a Marauder specific spring conversion ya'll would recommend?

[lifespeed]

I don't know what you need to get back on the road, but I can send you used Marauder air springs cheap. Better than nothing.

[jb513]

I just finished going through a complete upgrade of the suspension on my car, complete with double-adjustable Penske 7500DA shocks, standard race coilovers up front and new airbags in the rear.

I'm speaking from experience, not what I read on the internet. I have no idea where you got "condescending" from, I am just pointing out the design of the spring impacts the static rate and rising rate.

I have no comment on the aftermarket air spring quality. Mine didn't pop for the 1,000 miles I ran them before pitching them aside for proper Marauder bags. My comment is, the Arnott air springs, despite being claimed correct for our application are much too stiff and have a faster rising rate due to their larger diameter bag and slightly different construction. You can be sure this impacts ride quality, and not in a good way.

As to the two ton daily driver, maybe yours doesn't drive well but mine sticks to the road like the performance car it is.




I'm speaking from direct experience swapping different suspension components, adjusting shocks, changing air springs, and observing the results. Unless you have also done this, you're the one who doesn't know what they're talking about Mr. Ford parts-changer. :flamer:

Tokico shocks came as standard equipment. The only car to recieve these aftermarket shocks. They give a soft ride until you get
aggressive then they firm up. They are not cheap. I replaced the ones in the rear and that gave the car a great feel as they wear out slowly so you don't realy notice they are worn out. There would be absolutly no reason to change the coils unless the are broken. Coil springs do not wear out..
You've been talking about saving money for this guy and in the same breath you talk about how you've spent all this money turning it from stock into a Mark Vlll type of car? so what is it Mr. talking from experience can't do the work myself!! I like what you've done with your car, I really do and I'm sure you enjoy it but, It's far from stock. This car was made to be a luxury muscle car. Not a track car with a rock hard suspension. I'm done with you. I don't have time to get into this with you. I've done nothing when I've bested a fool.. For sflrainmaker01, I would look into a replacement of the whole system if you can still get a good price on Ebay.

Condescending – It means you have to explain your statement to people like they are not on the same level of intelligence as you are... Kind of what doing now!

[Ms. Denmark]

The pump usually craps out because it sits in water. Drill hole under it for better drainage. Bags may still be in OK shape unless you see tears or holes. I'd start with a new pump first and go from there.

[jb513]

For slfrainmaker01 I found this for you. All you need is a Tee and 20-25 away you go.

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Rear-Suspension-Air-Spring-Bags-Solenoid-Valves-Compressor-Kit-/380392307072?pt=Motors_Car_Tru ck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Make%3AMercury%7CModel%3A Marauder&hash=item589125f980

I would give them a call and price it out. 1-800-260-5175

[lifespeed]

Tokico shocks came as standard equipment. The only car to recieve these aftermarket shocks. They give a soft ride until you get
aggressive then they firm up. They are not cheap. I replaced the ones in the rear and that gave the car a great feel as they wear out slowly so you don't realy notice they are worn out. There would be absolutly no reason to change the coils unless the are broken. Coil springs do not wear out..
You've been talking about saving money for this guy and in the same breath you talk about how you've spent all this money turning it from stock into a Mark Vlll type of car? so what is it Mr. talking from experience can't do the work myself!! I like what you've done with your car, I really do and I'm sure you enjoy it but, It's far from stock. This car was made to be a luxury muscle car. Not a track car with a rock hard suspension. I'm done with you. I don't have time to get into this with you. I've done nothing when I've bested a fool.. For sflrainmaker01, I would look into a replacement of the whole system if you can still get a good price on Ebay.

Condescending – It means you have to explain your statement to people like they are not on the same level of intelligence as you are... Kind of what doing now!

Coil springs do sag over time. This car actually benefits from a higher rate in the front and different shock valving. It might surprise you to learn the ride is still great and the handling improves.

Can't do the work myself? Don't know what gave you that idea. I've done a lot of it, and also hired good mechanics where appropriate. I've done more wrenching on cars than I care to remember.

You talk as if you've driven my car. :rolleyes: The ride is anything but rock hard. The car is exactly what it should be, and markedly better than stock. They don't make Tokico for this car anymore. What would you use?

The offer for cheap used Marauder air springs (that don't leak) still stands. We've all been in situations where we couldn't afford to fix our car as we'd like right at the moment.

[DarthVader215]

Thanks for the replies! If this deal goes down, then I will just want to get a coil spring conversion done for now until I get some miles on the car to see if/what else the car needs. Once I know what I got, then I can explore going back to factory suspension at a later date. So, is there a Marauder specific spring conversion ya'll would recommend?


Yo buddy your best bang for your buck will be to.get MOOG coil springs.for 100 bucks... Or get Air bags from the junk yard. Goodluck homie

[jb513]

Coil springs do sag over time. This car actually benefits from a higher rate in the front and different shock valving. It might surprise you to learn the ride is still great and the handling improves.

Can't do the work myself? Don't know what gave you that idea. I've done a lot of it, and also hired good mechanics where appropriate. I've done more wrenching on cars than I care to remember.

You talk as if you've driven my car. :rolleyes: The ride is anything but rock hard. The car is exactly what it should be, and markedly better than stock. They don't make Tokico for this car anymore. What would you use?

The offer for cheap used Marauder air springs (that don't leak) still stands. We've all been in situations where we couldn't afford to fix our car as we'd like right at the moment.

Well that's funny as I just purchased Tokico rear shocks for mine last summer. You won't get them directly from their site but, try your local Ford dealer. You'd be surprised that you can actually buy parts from the company who made your car. No I haven't driven your car. I don't care to because the cars not big enough to fit you, me and your massive knowledge of the cars driving dynamics. As I said in my original post, It's my preference to have bags in the back (after market ones specific and fit to the car) but I'm sure to hear from some spring guys. Didn't realize I'd get not only a member but, the president of the club!! I really should give you the number for the team that designs and builds the suspensions for the Ford performance group. I'm sure they would benefit from your lengthy experience in the matter.

[lifespeed]

Rumor on the internet has it the Ford shocks are no longer made by Tokico. I would be glad to learn this was just a rumor.

Do you have any evidence your Ford shocks are Tokicos?

[jb513]

Rumor on the internet has it the Ford shocks are no longer made by Tokico. I would be glad to learn this was just a rumor.

Do you have any evidence your Ford shocks are Tokicos?

Absolutely.. I'll dust them for finger prints and send you the ones I lifted from the tokico warehouse guy. Of course I believe everything I read on the internet! Pay a visit to your local Ford dealer and dazzle them with your talent.

[burt ragio]

True Sherlock the tokikos we now buy are not the same as OEM but do fit. I bought a set for the front just after I pulled my Naake Qa1. Had them on the car for two weeks pulled them off buy KYB.

[sflrainmaker01]

For slfrainmaker01 I found this for you. All you need is a Tee and 20-25 away you go.

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Rear-Suspension-Air-Spring-Bags-Solenoid-Valves-Compressor-Kit-/380392307072?pt=Motors_Car_Tru ck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Make%3AMercury%7CModel%3A Marauder&hash=item589125f980

I would give them a call and price it out. 1-800-260-5175

Thanks! That looks like a pretty good deal! Tuesday, I am supposed to meet the people at the Ford Dealer to have the alignment checked and a full inspection to see what I missed. Other than being hit in the rear and him driving around with the suspension down for several months, I think I will be ok with this car, if it passes the "inspection". Then, other than fluid and filter changes, the suspension will be first. I just got called on a couple road trips so time will be short and I will most likely have to have someone do the job for me (sounds like 2 weeks coming up with NO days off :().

[fastblackmerc]

Thanks! That looks like a pretty good deal! Tuesday, I am supposed to meet the people at the Ford Dealer to have the alignment checked and a full inspection to see what I missed. Other than being hit in the rear and him driving around with the suspension down for several months, I think I will be ok with this car, if it passes the "inspection". Then, other than fluid and filter changes, the suspension will be first. I just got called on a couple road trips so time will be short and I will most likely have to have someone do the job for me (sounds like 2 weeks coming up with NO days off :().

Have tjem setup the alignment to "carfixers" specs. Your front tires will love you for it!

[jb513]

Thanks! That looks like a pretty good deal! Tuesday, I am supposed to meet the people at the Ford Dealer to have the alignment checked and a full inspection to see what I missed. Other than being hit in the rear and him driving around with the suspension down for several months, I think I will be ok with this car, if it passes the "inspection". Then, other than fluid and filter changes, the suspension will be first. I just got called on a couple road trips so time will be short and I will most likely have to have someone do the job for me (sounds like 2 weeks coming up with NO days off :().


No Problem. Just remember, with that kit you still need the 25 feet of hose and a Tee. Those items are cheap though. Before I did the work myself the Ford dealer said they could knock out the springs and install the new system for around $300 bucks. The good thing about fixing all your problems yourself is that, you will know your car front to back. Having that knowledge is invaluble. It would be great if you could post some pictures so we could follow your work! That would be cool... And if you have any questions, most of the people on this site are great and will be quik to help. good luck and have fun with it! Listen to Fastblackmerc, he knows what he's talking about!

[sflrainmaker01]

Have tjem setup the alignment to "carfixers" specs. Your front tires will love you for it!

Ok, what does "carfixers" specs really mean?

[sflrainmaker01]

Well, I am on hold with Suncore Industries. They say that the parts for their Air Suspension AND Coil Springs are the same ones they use for the Crown Vic, Grand Marquis and Town Car. They do NOT have on specifically designed for the Marauder.

Their COMPLETE Air Suspension kit is only $359 Pump, drier, solenoids, bags etc) and approx 4 hrs labor @ $80 VS $179 for Coil Spring conversion and 2 hrs..... Hmmmmm....

If I choose Air Suspension, what else could "pop up" if I replace all those parts? :confused:

[jb513]

There could be wireing issues going to the solenoids or compresor. Without the bags working in the car, over time a variety of issues could arise with bad grounds and other things that don't come to mind now. Especialy since both bags have dropped. The only thing I can suggest if you go with the air bags is, if you have someone else do the install, bring it to a Ford dealer or a shop that has good knowlege of how to do an install correctly. There was a good write up of how to do the install. I'll look to see if I can find it and post it up for you. I don't know what else to tell you bud.. You know my preference but it also depends on your budget.

[jb513]

Found this,

REMOVAL
Turn off suspension switch in trunk.

Jack up rear of vehicle and put on jackstands underneath the frame...not the rear axle! Rear suspension should hang.

With all the weight and tension off the rear axle, puncture the air bladder with a lockblade knife and twist (you can control the amount of air escaping this way).

Remove 2-pin connector from solenoid on air spring. Remove air line from solenoid also.

Go in between the top of tire and fender lip where the top of the spring goes through the upper brace and remove lock clip.

If bottom of air spring has not yet unhooked from axle housing, use a pry bar and separate it from the perch.

If the spring has not yet fallen out, just pull on it and remove.


INSTALLATION
Put top of spring in its mounting area and connect air line and solenoid connector. When installing a "non-inflated" air spring, use a floor jack or something similar to raise the rear axle so the bottom of the spring will drop into place on the axle.
* MAKE SURE TO FOLLOW THE NEXT STEPS EXACTLY *
Turn suspension switch back on and turn the ignition to the ON position.

Push down metal tab and disconnect height sensor on its bottom mount. Collapse or push sensor together.
NOTE: This makes the module "think" the car is low, and the module will signal the compressor to come on.
After compressor comes on for about 15 seconds (no wrinkles in spring), connect the sensor back to its ball stud.

IMMEDIATELY get up and turn the suspension switch OFF!

Turn the ignition switch off as well.

Install lockclip back on top of air spring.

Take vehicle off of jackstands.

Crank up car and let the compressor run until it stops.


You’re all done and wound up saving yourself a ton of money!
Hope this helps!!