New (to me) 04 DTR---Questions

[tdewald52]

Greetings!
I have been the proud owner of a Blk '04 MM since May 2004 (180K miles, to-date). 'just recently purchased an '04 DTR MM from it's original dealer (they took it on trade from the original owner). The car is immaculate, and has 90K miles on the odo. The dealer has all of the repair and maintenance records (of which they are aware) and was great about addressing several issues with the car, before we came to an agreement.

However, the machine has one issue which is driving me absolutely crazy (in an unpleasant way)---the front suspension sits too high. In fact, the front end sits higher than any other MM I have ever seen. It lacks that "rakish" Marauder look. I mentioned this to the dealer. They put it up on the rack and inspected the suspension---all OEM stuff (and no maint. records of any front end issues). As time was of the essence, I did not let this deter me from making the "deal"---I knew this was something which could be changed later. It sits approx. 1.5 inches higher (measuring from the fender lip to the wheel rim) than my Blk MM (and probably any other MM). I'll attempt to get a pic posted. FYI--tires are Eagle RS-As and are of the correct size(s).

Any thoughts on what this is about? I considered just purchasing a new pair of springs, but thought I'd better run this past the forum of experts, before moving forward.

Thanks---Troy
https://blu170.mail.live.com/att/GetAttachment.aspx?tnail=0&messageId=b0464085-8480-11e3-b4fe-002264c15484&Aux=814%7C0%7C8D0E6A4989CAE30% 7C%7C0%7C0%7C0%7C0%7C%7C&cid=1e3ddee7ac22cd12&maxwidth=220&maxheight=160&size=Att&blob=MHxJTUctMjAxNDAxMjMtMDAyN zcuanBnfGltYWdlL2pwZWc_3d

[RubberCtyRauder]

Is rear ride height too low? Get measurement from ground to fender lip on front. What rear size tires?

[tdewald52]

The Blk MM= 28 inches from lip to floor
The DTR= 29 and 1/4 inches

Tires are correct size(s) on both machines---Thanks for the quick reply, sir!

[RubberCtyRauder]

I think my front is 28.5, so yours does seem tall
235/50/18 front tire size. Factory shocks? Possible too long aftermarket shocks?

[WhatsUpDOHC]

Is the switch in the trunk turned on for the air suspension?

[lji372]

I'm thinking somebody replaced the front springs with a cv or gm.
put on marauder springs and call it a day. Just my .02

[tdewald52]

Yes, WhatsUpDOHC, the switch is on....and I hear the pump activate (and the "'Vader Exhale"), per normal ops...Thanks---anything else come to mind?

[RubberCtyRauder]

Not sure that marauder springs are still available from ford. Not sure of aftermarket

[tdewald52]

Okay, so I'm thinking RockAuto and new springs---any input on sets which will provide factory ride/handling/height?

Thanks--y'all are Awesome!

[Mr. Man]

I take it both sides are high on the front, not like there could be a rock or something jammed in the spring.

Aftermarket for lowering springs if all else fails, you can try Eaton spring.

[kcmm]

was this the one at bob sight alittle while back?

[Melon]

was this the one at bob sight alittle while back?

Or is it the one from Reedy Ford in Arkansas City? That one looked damn nice.

[ctrlraven]

You say they are the correct sizes but are the on the correct sides? Sometime tech's don't know that the tire sizes are different from factory and rotate the tires.

235/50-18 Front
245/55-18 Rear

Goodyear says the Eagle RS-A 235/50-18 has a overall diameter of 27.3". Your Blk MM has some miles on it so you can't rule out some spring sag, worn strut and possible lower tread depth which are all factors that could lead up to a measurable difference.

[tdewald52]

Melon---yep, Reedy Ford. Have been trading with them for several years now---good folks.

ctrlraven---understood. however, the delta is consistent when measured spindle to fender lip, and like I said, it just does not sit like any MM I've ever seen---almost seems like someone was going for the old "gasser" look---but no one involved with the car will admit it. I just was mainly concerned that if I tried to correct it with some different springs, I wouldn't cause other front end problems---"how often have MM.net folks seen this type of issue?"

[vegasmarauder]

CV Police Interceptor front springs will raise the ride height about 1 to 1 1/2 inches. PI's have more ground clearance to jump curbs without scrapping the underside. Some people think the PI springs are stiffer. Not really sire if that is true. I was under the impression the MM had stiffer springs front than the PI. I know the MM has a thicker rear sway bar than the PI.

[tdewald52]

vegasmarauder, I think what you suggest may be the situation. The first time I drove it, I expected the front end to be soft due to the extra height---it was quite the opposite (very stiff). Thanks for he info---.

So, I will move forward with a pair of stock-height springs for MMs and get her in for an alignment.

Thanks Everybody---Mucho Appreciated!

T-roy