Poor Handling

[LFERRARA]

I have an issue that for the life of me I cant figure out. I work at a ford dealer and have it checked by a mechanic and I have tried to figure out whats going on too. Ill explain the problem then tell you the mods that I have, maybe I caused it??? The car pretty much handles horrible and feels very out of control on the highway. It feels like if I had to make a quick lane change it wouldn't handle it. I have driven crown vics that feel like a Porsche compared to my car. Heres what I have done...
Cut 1 coil off front spring
brand new ford struts and coils up front
coil spring conversion in the rear
new end links up front
brand new tires 255/45/18 Bf Goodrich comp t/a's
just recently had alignment done too
New upper control arms up front

Please any advice on what I can do or check to correct this because I almost hate driving it
thank you

[Gryphonzus]

Did you use the front end alignment specs recommended on this site?

[fastblackmerc]

Did you use the front end alignment specs recommended on this site?

What he said.

Alot of complaints about Goodyear tires:
http://www.consumeraffairs.com/tires/goodrich.html

[Crown Vicman]

Sounds like the same thing going on with my car. When I change lanes feels like I'm about to lose control. A guy told me it was my tires.

[ledzilla]

A lot of people around here have been having good luck with Nitto tires. They've been great on mine. Can't remember which models, though. I think the 555 and 420S, if someone wants to chime in if I have those correct (kind of hard to check from work when the car is at home). Excellent grip and control.

[RF Overlord]

Changed the thread title to something useful.

The Marauder was set up with specific characteristics for handling. By cutting a coil in the front and especially by taking out the RAS, you may have upset that relationship.

As stated above, the tires can also make a difference...what pressures are you running?

[LFERRARA]

Thank you for your quick responses, I didn't use the alignment specs from this site, I don't know where to get them from. I just used the specs that the hunter computer came up with.

[RF Overlord]

Search for "carfixer's alignment specs"

[NXSBOB]

I have an issue that for the life of me I cant figure out. I work at a ford dealer and have it checked by a mechanic and I have tried to figure out whats going on too. Ill explain the problem then tell you the mods that I have, maybe I caused it??? The car pretty much handles horrible and feels very out of control on the highway. It feels like if I had to make a quick lane change it wouldn't handle it. I have driven crown vics that feel like a Porsche compared to my car. Heres what I have done...
Cut 1 coil off front spring
brand new ford struts and coils up front
coil spring conversion in the rear
new end links up front
brand new tires 255/45/18 Bf Goodrich comp t/a's
just recently had alignment done too
New upper control arms up front

Please any advice on what I can do or check to correct this because I almost hate driving it
thank you


What he said.

Alot of complaints about Goodyear tires:
http://www.consumeraffairs.com/tires/goodrich.html
oops............

[LFERRARA]

Thank you for changing title i was so frustrated i couldn't think of a good one :)
I set tires to 35 psi on all 4 tires.

[LFERRARA]

ok i guess ill try carfixer alignment specs and see what happens

[lifespeed]

The tires you have are completely incapable of controlling a 4200lb car and are a huge problem. You may well have other problems. Any suspension parts that have not been replaced are going to be worn and contribute to sloppy handling. And the (worn) rubber bushings in the rear Watt's link contribute to tail wag during high speed lane changes.

Rest assured, a Marauder can handle fantastic. But you won't do it on those tires with worn-out suspension parts.

[Bluerauder]

The tires you have are completely incapable of controlling a 4200lb car and are a huge problem.

This ^^^^ was my first thought too. The BFG Comp T/A is not the same as the BFG g-Force KDWS. IIRC the BFG Comp T/A has a thinner sidewall and tends to roll and wobble in the corners. Ratings for this tire on the web by owners give wet weather handling poor marks. Many raters say that it is a cost-efficient trade-off between performance and mileage. Marauder owners tend not to sacrifice performance and will pay a little more and sacrifice some mileage to retain the handling characteristics. OEM use of the Comp T/A is on much lighter cars like the Mustang. Before you start examining alignment and suspension issues, I would check all the specs on those tires that you are running.

If your tires are the same as those spec'd for the Camaro, you might be interested in reading this from 2009 >>>>> http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=55895&highlight=bald

BFG Performance tires in your 255/45/18 don't even mention the BFG Comp T/A .... the only ones listed are 1) BFG g-Force Comp-2 A/S, 2) BFG Supersport A/S, and 3) BFG g-Force Sport Comp-2. All three of those tires are load rated at 99W (1709 pounds) with the "W" speed rating. The OEM rears were 103W (1929 pounds) and front 97W (1609 pounds). Your rears are under the load rating required.

[camelgrundle]

What life speed said too. I had the 420's with the bigger sidewall and they felt horrible on the highway. But you most likely have other problems as well. Good luck

[tbone]

Where did you buy your tires.? Discount Tires will take them back and mount another set as long as too much time or miles have not passed. They did it for me when I changed my mind on tire sizes. Check with the shop that did the work.
Nitto Motivos. Awesome. My car feels totally planted and in control. I haven't even installed my new sway bars and Watts link yet. And great in the snow, which my car won't see anymore.

[Fastbob]

Mine handles pretty well on Firestone tires, but I haven't hacked up my suspension either.

[burt ragio]

You have multiple issues going on. For starters you have changed the geometry of a designed suspension. You removed the rear air ride for coil springs. This changed ride height & possible lbs rate. You cut front coils this changed lbs spring rate. This also changed caber & toe alignment specs. Along with creating under or over steer. Then you added to the problem by installing tires that are not meant for a heavy car. Our car is very finicky with alignment specs. (even when in spec perimeters) handling will vary considerable.
You can fix all this by trial & error. Start by making sure all suspension components are tight & sound. Increasing tire pressure to max on tire rating. This will give you a idea why correct rating on tires are so important. False sense but it works. If you have the money just put the correct rated tires on. Second is alignment I like zero degree toe. Too correct camber due to cut springs you will need new camber bolts. They will give you the extra camber adjustment needed. Third find out the spring rate lbs. This could have caused under or over steer. This can be fixed with softer or heavier sway bar bushings or front or rear bars.

[LFERRARA]

Thank you all for helping me, I am sorry but I said I had comp ta's I got confused with the tires on my mustang. I have BF Goodrich g force sport 2 tires on the marauder. And as far as the suspension I have it checked almost montly because I work at a dealer and a buddy of mine is a tech. Do you guys still think these tires are no good?

[RubberCtyRauder]

Replacement ford shocks are for a marquis and not marauder as they were discontinued, get some kyb or severe service Monroe

[Bluerauder]

The BFG g-Force Sport Comp-2 tires are also rated 99W and are under rated for the load of the Marauder. They are intended for lighter vehicle applications. They might be great on a Mustang; but not on a Marauder with a curb weight near 4,200 pounds. Add a driver and some other load and you are up close to 4,400 - 4,500 pounds.

[lifespeed]

And as far as the suspension I have it checked almost montly because I work at a dealer and a buddy of mine is a tech. Do you guys still think these tires are no good?

Checking is no substitute for new parts. If you have the typical 100K+ miles for a car this old and it has not been replaced you can be sure it is worn.

And these cars absolutely require stiff sidewalls in the tires for decent handling. I used Firestone, they weren't bad. I still think BFG KDWS were the best, but it is a moot point now they are unavailable.

[chief455]

I had a cut front coil on old front springs, old shocks and all 4 tires were lower profile than stock - but quality Hankooks - when I bought my car. It handled pretty good, for staggered tire sizes and air ride, I thought.
I put new Moog front coils, Monroe severe duty all around, Moog upper front control arms and the car handled far better.
I put Zack + Mac rear control arms and an Addco rear sway bar on, and it handled better still, by far.
I put stock size front, and 295 rear Hankooks on, and developed a wobble over steer.
I believe it is caused by the too wide tire/rim mis match causing sidewall flex.
My point: start altering things from stock sizes and lower quality, you will feel the difference big time.
I'd put quality stock size tires, front coils, replace the factory air ride, and quality shocks with carfixers alignment and see where she lands, as designed.
For improved handling over stock, install aftermarket rear conrol arms and sway bars.

[lifespeed]

I put stock size front, and 295 rear Hankooks on, and developed a wobble over steer.
I believe it is caused by the too wide tire/rim mis match causing sidewall flex.

No doubt you have reduced sidewall rigidity with the mismatched tire and rim. That said, even with stock-size tires with good sidewalls the factory Watt's link is a tail wag on corner entry. I don't know if you've addressed that yet.

[Comin' in Hot]

It's your tires, it's that simple. Get a set of Nitto Motivos.

[chief455]

No doubt you have reduced sidewall rigidity with the mismatched tire and rim. That said, even with stock-size tires with good sidewalls the factory Watt's link is a tail wag on corner entry. I don't know if you've addressed that yet.
I have not.
I want to go a step at a time, plus funds only allow that.
I'll widen the wheels this winter for the 295's and evaluate improvement.
I'll get into watts link upgrades if she still wiggles around.

[larryo340]

Make sure to check the rear control arm bushings, not uncommon for them to wear at high mileage. Look close at the center area of each bushing..as they weaken with age the bushings allow the rear axle to move more than it should. I see it all the time with the vomit comets at work.

[slickster]

Sidewall flex. Be careful.

[1Marauder]

Where did you buy your tires.? Discount Tires will take them back and mount another set as long as too much time or miles have not passed. They did it for me when I changed my mind on tire sizes. Check with the shop that did the work.
Nitto Motivos. Awesome. My car feels totally planted and in control. I haven't even installed my new sway bars and Watts link yet. And great in the snow, which my car won't see anymore.

Another hit +1 for Nitto Motivos.... Not as expensive as 555's great freeway ride

[sailsmen]

Tires, tires, tires. I replaced the OEM Michelin on an E150 with a "good deal" on B. F. Goodwrich Commercial Truck tires, a/k/a jelly roll donuts, that met specs.
On the HWY the steering wheel never stopped moving because the sidewalls never stopped lateral movement.

The first thing to do when considering tires is to check that they meet specs. Then search for reviews on the tires and talk to others that have used same on your vehicle.

All other factors are not going to make an unsuitable tire suitable.

No more "good deal" tires for me.

[fastblackmerc]

Never had a handling or wear problem with my Hankooks.