Confused newbie

[Speed Demon]

Hey guys, I'm in the process of puchasing my first Mark VIII(95) The seller is working on the airbags and gave me the option to let him try to fix them or replace with the american susp. conversion kit. Is it worth keeping the air? Also, I was leaning twards the 1.5 lowering conversion kit. Would this be a problem when I travel and load the trunk? I don't like draggin azz Also the Mark has the stock tape deck(no cd changer)can this be converted to another stock(nicer) system or do I need to install aftermarket? Thanks

 

[slowmkviii]

I would not let him work on it I would rather have a lower price and do the fixing my self I like the air susp. I often make trips to job sights with my tools in the trunk and i like the ride.
as for the lowering conversion kit there is no other way car needs to be lower
and you can still have alot of weight in the trunk just not a much
I don't have a gen 1 but I think you can plug a cd player from the same year right in

 

[96hotrodlincoln]

The air ride is a nice factory option, I'd make sure the seller knows what he is doing with the air ride system or there is a good chance you'll be working on it a few months down the road. The conversion kit is a nice headache free option with a little stiffer ride but also adds better handling. The 1.5" lowered kit is a much stiffer ride, handles real well in the corners at higher speeds, and adds a meaner stance to the car.

I have a 96 that I converted to the 1.5" lowered kit do to money constraints at the time, I love the stance. But it was short lived, a month after I installed it, the car was totalled, but I am rebuilding her as we speak. She will live again!

I currently drive a 97 LSC as my daily driver and plan to keep the air ride system in working order. I like the ride quality and will spend the money to keep it.

As for the audio system, after market is always the best option. You can add an aftermarket in-dash cd player if you want, but I would suggest going full aftermarket.

 

[21stcenturygadgetguy]

I have a 94, and I replaced the factory deck with a Pioneer from Walmart, (I know, it sounds cheezy) but with the Factory Amp left in, and the JBL system, I have a rockin stereo for under $100 invested! I am adding the Spring Conversion to my car inthe next month--Good Luck!

 

[Speed Demon]

Its a small dealership and the owner is having his freind(ford/lincoln tech guy)do the air diognostic and possible conversion install. My money tree is bare, so I need to save money where I can. I told him to fix the air if possible and cheap, otherwise he'll put on the conversion. I don't want to lose the air yet endless repairs don't look good either. I'll have more details monday. By tuesday, latest, I'll have to make a descision. thanks again guys.

 

[slickemhoundd]

As far as stereo the day i bought my second mark (gen 1) i swapped stock tape for stock cd. It was nice but then i made the project of rewireing the whole stereo to my likeing, anyway aftermarket is definatly better. after i rewired everything to my 2600 4 channel (stock speakers and 2 12s) i sure noticed a difference and then swapped the stocks out and got 3 times as loud and clear with some cheap jensons. definatly worth it. if you wanna run subs. cheap great hard hitting on point would be pioneer premiers. Ive provin to many they kick as$. Heck ask geno he didnt beleive me now hes got one

 

[mespock]

Its a small dealership and the owner is having his freind(ford/lincoln tech guy)do the air diognostic and possible conversion install. My money tree is bare, so I need to save money where I can. I told him to fix the air if possible and cheap, otherwise he'll put on the conversion. I don't want to lose the air yet endless repairs don't look good either. I'll have more details monday. By tuesday, latest, I'll have to make a descision. thanks again guys.

Air Ride is a matter of opinion. To me it's a nice feature but it's not necessary. I have 3 Mark VIII's 2 with conversions and one with air ride.

I have both conversions 1.5 lowered and a standard.

The Standard is a nice ride you don't notice much difference from the air ride. Yes you lose that nice air ride drop on the highway but you also gain a firmer ride in the curves.

1.5 is a rougher ride. Nice look much better in the curves.

I can't say which one I like the best but I do like the lack of the constant repairs on the air ride. Oh and I don't notice much on a loaded trunk. Air Ride will adjust for the load.

The conversion can be done easily by your self. Air Ride bag replacement is easy by yourself. You don't need a shop to do the work.

Don't let the dealer screw you with the air ride. If you can get them to drop the price and you do the conversion I'd take it. But they should offer you a car with a sound suspension. Don't let them tell you that the bags inflate so the system is OK.

 

[Speed Demon]

They would basically install the conversion for cost, so thats not an issue. Now I'm more worried they will fix the air sytem.... if they fix one part, another might break later. Is there anything I should have them do/add to ensure the system will last? That spider valve seems like a good preventitive piece. Thanks for all the input. By the way they are still woking on it.

 

[Speed Demon]

With all the snow the repairs have been delayed and the owner said he'll contact me sunday. I assume the ex ford/lincoln tech couldn't figure the prob out. If the air is shot it looks like I'll be going with the 1.5 drop kit. Still bummin'