converted today...

inkedmkviii

inkedmkviii

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I converted my 97 LSC to coil and coil-overs today. It was stupidly simple to do, I used Monroe "QUICK STRUT"'s - middle grade of what they offered- for the front which are nice because they are assembled and ready to install... Moog rear coil's for the rear. A 1997 T-Bird V8 LX's parts are what I used from the local chain auto-parts emporium. The rear shocks have been recently replaced by the previous owner so i left them alone for now.

I made my spring perches from 10ga sheet with a 1 inch tall section of 2 3/4" dia tubing welded centered on each. A hole drilled in the center with a 1/4' allen head grade 8 bolt fed in from the top to locate the top. Wont win any car shows but they are very functional and look good in an industrial sort of way... Some spring insulators of unknown origin from the spares bin round out the package.

My only issue of the conversion came in the form of a lower shock bolt which was seized in the little sleeve on the lower control arm, which slowed up the works a bit.

I realized this conversion isn't with the ultimate in components but I think it is a step up from the "kits" I see on ebay. The ride is pretty nice- not quite as smooth as air but I'd say it is 90% of the quality- and I won't have to wonder if i will be low-rider bumping it or high-boy profiling from time to time. I left all of the air ride components installed, turned off the trunk switch, pulled the solenoids, sealed the plugs in zip-locks and tucked them out of the way in case I decided to go back.

I am pleased with the ride height, and will be nicer when the springs "settle in" just a bit. Planning on going to 17's in the near future... Sorry for the crappy photo :(

dark.jpg
 
Did you coil covert because of air ride issues? Or trying to avoid them and getting stranded

If my air ride craps out I'll be getting a tow call as my wheels will hit fenders and quarter panels 18x9 saleens and 255-45-18 tires all around will do that

I used the monroe sensatrac quick struts on my old 93 mark Viii was good for a bit...really nose dived on hard braking and started to sage huge about 30,000 kms old

I debating a coil conversion...as I dont want to end up stranded...but if it isn't broke it doesn't need fixing...although 200,000kms on these parts Im rolling the dice
 
87TTOPGT420 said:
Did you coil covert because of air ride issues? Or trying to avoid them and getting stranded

If my air ride craps out I'll be getting a tow call as my wheels will hit fenders and quarter panels 18x9 saleens and 255-45-18 tires all around will do that
Click to expand...

It was pretty much a preemptive move... I have a couple of races coming up which I need to travel for and I do not want to be stranded 500 miles away loaded with bikes. I have been having some issues with the air ride and don't have the time learn/sort them out this summer so the $400 is, to me, cheap insurance against far from home issues. I have been stuck in low-rider mode once or twice and it bumps with just the 16's so I am sure your 18's would be much more-so.

This winter I am planning on a suspension rebuild (bushings, tierods, balljoints, etc) and will debate on going back to air ride with new high quality bags and front shocks or good shocks and springs probably lowered just a bit... I noticed my rear bags were OEM and looking pretty ragged, as one of my front shocks. Everyone on here seems to be polarized over the coils V. air ride ....
 
I hear ya it's Definetly easier to get rid of then chase gremlins with it...I don't normally venture to far from home with mine although I took it to Toronto about a month ago thankfully trouble free
 
do you have any clearance issues with your taller tires and wheels on the front? I noticed that there doesn't seem to be a ton of distance to the UCA over the front tire... maybe have just been the perspective i was viewing it from tho.
 
No clearance issues...hub swapped with wheels fitted for a 2005+ mustang wheels

Almost 1" clearance at upper balljoints and turns from stop to stop with no rubbing
 
from the pic it looks like you have alot of extra room, need a closer pic. switch to 18's forget 17's tire sizes will still be within an 1" of stock.
 
a couple of better photos- my camera really sucks...
once the springs "settle" a bit it will be sitting nicely. I don't know about 18's, I am really thinking 17's...

springsnew2.jpg

springsnew.jpg
 
87TTOPGT420 said:
You will get 17's...then regret it...I did
Click to expand...
I will have to see what the budget will all when it comes wheel time... I know the style I want but I have an overloaded semester coming up so I will have to see what text books and lab fees set me back. Will probably be on the 16's for a while :(
 
the1andonlyGR81 said:
the prices are about the same, i dont understand using 17's anymore when 18 gives the same tread width and sidewall. clearance issues are non existent unless your trying to go way to wide.height can be well accounted for with this, to help you choose
http://www.markviii.org/LOD2/tirecalc/tirecalc.html
its a tire calculator.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the link! I will put it to good use when wheel time comes around. It will come down to finding the style I like for a price I can swing. My Mk is my driver so either 17" or 18" is okay, though tire replacement time is going to be easier on me with the 17's.
 
i buy all my tires online too. if you cant afford the rim n tire combo, get rims, then tires . type in size your looking for and all the dealers will pop up. you can find tires for the size i will be running 295 40 18 rear from 125.00 to 300.00 there are cheaper but you dont want garbage. tire rack, discount tire, tire hut try it out. is $$ the only reason you want 17's ?
 
whats the big deal as long as its not drastic, i mean .5" is not going to wreck havoc,you have 4.10 anyways, and mine are sitting on the ground waiting to go in and im .5"higher now
 
inkedmkviii said:
a couple of better photos- my camera really sucks...
once the springs "settle" a bit it will be sitting nicely. I don't know about 18's, I am really thinking 17's...

springsnew2.jpg

springsnew.jpg
Click to expand...

That's not too bad. It's still too high for my taste. But that's just me. These cars look much better when they're lower than stock. But maybe the springs will "settle" a little and it will look more like it should. That's one reason I will not switch to coil-overs unless there's no other alternative. I like having the ability to adjust my ride height any time I choose:)
 
the1andonlyGR81 said:
i buy all my tires online too. if you cant afford the rim n tire combo, get rims, then tires . type in size your looking for and all the dealers will pop up. you can find tires for the size i will be running 295 40 18 rear from 125.00 to 300.00 there are cheaper but you dont want garbage. tire rack, discount tire, tire hut try it out. is $$ the only reason you want 17's ?
Click to expand...

thanks- I checked a couple of the sites out already. $$ is part of the issue, but the wheels I am liking are 17"'s... I am sure I can find them in 18's at some point, will keep lookin'
 
thaywood said:
That's not too bad. It's still too high for my taste. But that's just me. These cars look much better when they're lower than stock. But maybe the springs will "settle" a little and it will look more like it should. That's one reason I will not switch to coil-overs unless there's no other alternative. I like having the ability to adjust my ride height any time I choose:)
Click to expand...

It is a little high yet, I figured I will allow it to settle into where it is going to be, what wheel/tires I end up with and see how it looks.
 
we could always switch to hydraulic! anyone for 3 wheel motion on a mark?! you could still go hydraulic as long as your not usingit to bounce around yo dont need all the extra batteries.
 
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