- #28 of 86
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Re: Stiff ride in a 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis [brucelinc]
by turbo301
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Jun 15, 2006 (8:27 pm)
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Replying to: brucelinc (Jun 15, 2006 1:37 pm)
That may be, I have never driven a 2003 Panther. My 2004 has a noticeably stiffer ride and more handling prowess than my friend's 2002; although probably not as noticeable on the handling package cars, the presence of the Watts linkage on the rear end really helps to keep the axle in line. That's a big part of the problem on the older ones without a sway bar: no lateral support for the differential. A sway bar on the rear still wouldn't go amiss, though, but us Canadians can't even buy Crown Vics new up here, and the ones sold to fleets are never Sports  .
More bad news for Canadian consumers: starting in 2007, even Grand Marquis are fleet-only! 
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- #29 of 86
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1985 Crown Vic Question
by joe110
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Jul 30, 2006 (12:52 pm)
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I just bought an 1985 CV with 105000 miles on it. Its family owned and I know for a fact the tranny fluid has never been changed. I have heard horror stories of guys changing the fluid and filter on a perfectly working tranny only for the car to not even leave the driveway. Burned up. Is there a trick to changing the fluid without problems? I appreciate the input!
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- #30 of 86
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Re: 1985 Crown Vic Question [joe110]
by euphonium
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Jul 30, 2006 (4:36 pm)
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Replying to: joe110 (Jul 30, 2006 12:52 pm)
Change not only the tranny and converter fluid, but every other fluid of all kind in that car. For instance, how black is the brake fluid? Has the fluid in the rear axle turned to foam yet? Change all hoses under the hood, wires, and plugs. Locate the Owners Manual and see what needs to be done at 100,000 miles. I've only scratched the surface. The 302 V8 and AOD in the 1985 CV was a horse, but care is needed for it to last. Good Luck.
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- #31 of 86
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What to do about stiff 1999 Marquis ride?
by mlowner
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Oct 08, 2006 (6:21 pm)
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What can I do about the stiff ride on a 1999 Marquis? Can I change the shocks to a different type? I am not happy.
I just bought a 1999 Marquis. I test drove around a little and it was fine, but after I bought it, driving has revealed a stiff ride. I have had several Lincoln/Mercurys and the the ride was outstanding. The bumps are like jolts in this car. I have read the suspension was changed in 1998, but I am wondering if there are different softer shocks I can buy. Help.
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- #32 of 86
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Re: What to do about stiff 1999 Marquis ride? [mlowner]
by galeinaz
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Oct 08, 2006 (9:32 pm)
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Replying to: mlowner (Oct 08, 2006 6:21 pm)
I am surprised to hear of the stiff ride in the 1999 Grand Marquis. I recently purchased a low-miles 2003 GM and discovered after purchase the same stiff ride--almost uncomfortable--for a supposedly luxury car. Doing research I found that Ford stiffened the suspension with the 2003 model. Taking it in to a Mercury dealer for service, I asked the service manager if there was anything I could do to ease this. Shocks, etc. He just shook his head and said no. He said his father had the same problem with his 2003. Some advice I received in this forum was to run the tires at 30 psi instead of the 35 recommended on the Michelins. Also to replace the tires with Goodyear Comfort Treads. I was seriously considering getting rid of this 2003, getting a year older model, because I really like the digital dashboard and steering wheel controls the GM LS model has. And now you say you have the same problem with the 1999 model? Can anyone here enlighten both of us on this?
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- #33 of 86
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Re: What to do about stiff 1999 Marquis ride? [galeinaz]
by euphonium
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Oct 08, 2006 (10:28 pm)
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Replying to: galeinaz (Oct 08, 2006 9:32 pm)
Stiff Ride usually is associated with the CV, GM, & TC that has the "Handling Package" or "Touring Package". Depending on the year of the car it can also have dual exhaust, plus size tires with stiff side walls, heavier duty suspension, larger diameter stabilizer bars,and an axle ratio of 3.27 instead of 2.89 or a ratio of 3.55 rather than 3.27. The trade off of a firm ride is the car corners more like a locomotive & has quicker steering as well. You may feel the cracks in the pavement, but the overall handling is considerably safer.
If you want to ease the pain of hemorroids, lower the air pressure in softer side wall tires, but it will never ride like it didn't have the "Touring Package". 
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- #34 of 86
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Re: What to do about stiff 1999 Marquis ride? [galeinaz]
by mlowner
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Oct 09, 2006 (1:12 am)
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Replying to: galeinaz (Oct 08, 2006 9:32 pm)
From what I'm reading on this forum, the 2003 rides stiffer than the other years including the 1999. Perhaps a previous year will seem acceptable compared to the 2003 for you. For me, this is a big disappointment, having owned 3 others previous to 1998 when the suspension was changed. I understand it was changed again in 2003. My previous year cars floated along without feeling bumps in the road. I discovered the stiffness in my 1999 car ride traveling down roads that I have traveled on for over 20 years that I didn't even know were bumpy before. Would be great if there this could be improved because the car is beautiful otherwise.
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- #35 of 86
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Re: What to do about stiff 1999 Marquis ride? [galeinaz]
by mlowner
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Oct 11, 2006 (3:49 pm)
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Replying to: galeinaz (Oct 08, 2006 9:32 pm)
After doing reading on the internet, I have decided that I am going to look for another car. When I find that car, I will sell my 1999 Grand Marquis. I think you should consider doing the same with your 2003. Why keep something where you are not happy? I still cannot believe that a car that looks how the Grand Marquis looks and is so nice otherwise, has such a stiff ride. The bumps are way too noticable. Yes, I admit it corners better than any car I've had, but 2 things, I am normally going forward and not turning constantly, and if I wanted a preformance car, I wouldn't have thought of a Grand Marquis. Such a disappointment.
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- #36 of 86
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Re: What to do about stiff 1999 Marquis ride? [mlowner]
by euphonium
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Oct 11, 2006 (4:32 pm)
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Replying to: mlowner (Oct 11, 2006 3:49 pm)
#1493 of 1493 TIRE PRESSURE FOR LINCOLN TOWN CAR 2005 MODEL? by bremertong Oct 10, 2006 (10:26 pm)
Was running at 35psi as recommended on door panel, ride a bit to harsh on rough surfaced roads. Have dropped to 32.5 psi. A much better more comfortable ride. Am I shortening the life of the tires?
Is there a much greater risk of side wall damage at the lower pressure? The tires read 35 psi, maximum pressure so I am assuming that the slightly lower pressure is not going to either shorten tire life or leave me very vulnerable to side wall damage. Am I correct in these assumptions? What pressure do others use on town cars, and what results have you had?
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- #37 of 86
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Re: What to do about stiff 1999 Marquis ride? [mlowner]
by turbo301
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Oct 16, 2006 (3:40 pm)
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Replying to: mlowner (Oct 11, 2006 3:49 pm)
While not necessarily a defence, what you're probably experiencing is the frame transmitting vibrations throughout the car. I love body on frame, but that is one of its drawbacks. To say that these cars ride harshly (or handle like sportscars - still an astonishing thing to say!) is certainly an over-reaction, though. Pre-2003 Panthers are perhaps the softest, most wallowing machines made in the last decade! My 2004 Crown Victoria runs 37 psi in the tires, and the ride is still very nice: you feel the bumps, no doubt, but it's still softer than my '85 Grand Marquis with the handling package was.
While I'm here, am I the only one who can't help but laugh at the notion of replacing springs in these cars with SOFTER ones? The typical thing to do when modifying a car to get it lower, make it stiffer, etc. and yet there's so much talk of going the OTHER direction on Panthers. It's just kinda funny ^_^.
And, Panthers are an excellent start for a performance car. Lots can be done with the 4.6L (or stuff a supercharged 5.4L under the hood?), and just think of the wild sleeper you could make!
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