Need help ASAP

[Electrodle]

I have an opportunity to puchase a '95 Mark VIII for $1,000 TODAY! BUT the guy said the rear air bags are leaking and I was wondering what is involved (cost, time and effort) in a DIY repair? Thanks in advance for a quick response!

 

[k9t8m]

75% of the owners of these cars dont know whats wrong with the air ride system when it starts having problems. Your better off to diagnose the prolems yourself then take someones word for it. If the car is lower mileage and in GREAT shape then $1000 is a good buy, but if it has high mileage and other issues I'd pass.

 

[GMAN]

That is a damn good price. This forum is packed full of DIY information. Buy it Now!!!

 

[Electrodle]

Thanks!! We are going to look at it in a few. But if anyone has any input on cost of repair (my brother also suggested dropping the front end and making it a low-rider) I would appreciate that also! I can't wait to see it....

 

[Roadboss]

Low rider maybe, you have suspension issues to deal with as well as clearance as well. A total air ride rebuild can be done for about $500. That gives you new fronts, rears, and compressor. See American Air Suspension for all the parts. Eddie is the one whom most of us go to because of his knowledge and service. You can nose around his soght as there is some technicals there as well.
That said, our rears typically last a long time, but maybe yours are shot.

 

[Electrodle]

Well, thanks everyone for your advice and help, but I have decided not to buy it. The body was in good shape, it had 155,000 miles on it, though. But what made me decide against it was that fact that the WHOLE car was about 3 inches off the ground, so low that when I test drove it, the muffler would drag on even slightly bumpy roads. Plus, the interior was in pretty bad shape, and there was an issue with the driver's side door, I think the lock was broken and the door wouldnt close unless it was locked first. I am a new fan of the Mark VIII, they are beautiful and a nice riding car. But to be honest, Im in need of a vehicle soon. For me, this would not have been an extra car or a toy, so I really cant afford a car that needs so much TLC. There is another Mark VIII I have my eye on, though...

 

[Calabrio]

Good choice on walking. There are plenty of solid Mark VIIIs that can be bought for nearly that same price.

But as mentioned, the rear air springs are very easy to replace. Replacement parts can be purchased from American Air Suspension. New rear air springs will cost about $180 dollars for the pair. Or you can just convert the entire system to coil springs from $375 dollars (this is by far the least expensive option.)

The suspension is actually quite easy to work on, requiring only the most basic hand tools. The parts tend to be expensive, and despite the ease, repair shops charge a premium to work on these cars.

 

[Jayce 1971]

You might look for one that has a "converted" rear suspension. Some owners put springs on instead of dealing with airbag issues. Pretty common mod around here.