New Guy with some questions

[Brimark8]

I have been on the site for some time but I am now at the point that I could use some help.
I have a 97 Mark 8 base and the rear shock is making a noise. I
figure it is a bushing but I do not know if it can be replaced or not. When I went to the local auto part store there is not "Shocks" available. Only a conversion kit and I do not want to take take the air bags off. Were can I get the parts I need to fix this.


The second question is about exhaust. I do not know if I should change to a true dual or just have the guy replace from the third cat back and use some new mufflers? Will I gain that much power doing a full system or it it not worth it. I would like to get to about 325 hp when I am done so i only want to do it once. Please give me your ideas. thanks

 

[htrdlincoln98]

if you want to get that much power you should get the duals all the way. It will take a good bit of work to get that much power to the tires.
As for the noisy shock it sounds like you are talking about a spring conversion. To due away with the air bags. The air bag most likly isn't the issue more like the shock bushing.

 

[NoLimit95]

I have been on the site for some time but I am now at the point that I could use some help.
I have a 97 Mark 8 base and the rear shock is making a noise. I
figure it is a bushing but I do not know if it can be replaced or not. When I went to the local auto part store there is not "Shocks" available. Only a conversion kit and I do not want to take take the air bags off. Were can I get the parts I need to fix this.


The second question is about exhaust. I do not know if I should change to a true dual or just have the guy replace from the third cat back and use some new mufflers? Will I gain that much power doing a full system or it it not worth it. I would like to get to about 325 hp when I am done so i only want to do it once. Please give me your ideas. thanks

http://fivestarford.com/Department-Parts.aspx

That's the link for the parts you need of almost any kind.

Getting 325 HP by doing the exhaust in any way isn't happening. Removing everything from the two high flow cats back and replacing with one or dual X pipes and then into the mufflers of your choice will help some but it will mainly be sound, not HP. You might gain a few but not enough to reach 325.

If you do remove these things, you will most likely need to buy yourself a chip, have it tuned and also have the 3rd oxygen sensor deleted to stop the CE light from coming on. So, chip, tune, exhaust will give you a gain but I still don't think you'll reach 325 HP.

 

[BAD97LSC]

buy monroe shocks for a 96 t-bird and use your old shock top mounts for the new monroe shocks, you'll need to cut or burn out the old rubber in the mounts and use the new ones supplied with the new shocks. the only place to get the factory shocks that are on the back of your car is from ford and they are very expensive, monroe's are around 30 bucks.

 

[Brimark8]

If I do the rear shocks should i just do the front also? I want to sensor lower the car so would it be best to just do the whole car at one time? As for the 325hp I know there is a lot I can do but I figured start with the exhaust then the intake and chip and tune. What else can I do that will keep the car very drivable? I do not want to go into the motor yet as the car runs great I just want some more power. Should I look at doing something else that I am missing? I live in the Pocono's is there any shop within a 100 miles or so that could work on the car that really knows the cars? Sorry to ask so many questions but I know you guys are a real wealth of info. Thanks again.

 

[shiryu0]

the front shocks are part of the air bag, its all one assembly, the rear is separate shock/airbag.............

 

[NoLimit95]

If I do the rear shocks should i just do the front also? I want to sensor lower the car so would it be best to just do the whole car at one time? As for the 325hp I know there is a lot I can do but I figured start with the exhaust then the intake and chip and tune. What else can I do that will keep the car very drivable? I do not want to go into the motor yet as the car runs great I just want some more power. Should I look at doing something else that I am missing? I live in the Pocono's is there any shop within a 100 miles or so that could work on the car that really knows the cars? Sorry to ask so many questions but I know you guys are a real wealth of info. Thanks again.

Gears and a 93 driveshaft and a 98+ J-Modded trans. What type of gears? 4:10's or 3:73's with posi and then it will feel like you have much more power. It should scare someone if they ride with you. If it's running good, leave it be and just get those simple mods done and I'm sure you'll be more than happy. The chip will need to be tuned again with each step of progress you make. Wait till it's all done and have it tuned all at once.