McMenamin
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I converted my 1993 Lincoln MarkVIII, to strut suspension. In retrospect these are my suggestions: 1. Before you do anything or make any decisions read all the information on the net. I did not figure out my exact problem until after I had almost completed the conversion. In my case the front end was slammed down each morning. It would pump up and stay up while driving, it took about an hour plus to go down. However, the rears were always fully extended. (As I figured out - they weren't venting.) I determined that the left front airbag was the problem. It had a small leak, the rears weren't venting, so they kept pressure on the front end, finding the least resistance and the so the front end went down. I could have replaced the one bad air bag and fixed the rears to vent if I would have figured it all out in advance. 2. In my case I figured out the cheapest long term solution, which I believed would be to convert the air suspension system to manual struts. 3. Determine where to buy the product. I checked the various sources and finally decided to go with Strutmasters in Carolina. If you call and talk with them, they are "good ole boys" who are honest, sincere and very helpful. The biggest drawback to this vendor - They did not have very good instructions, directions. I had to figure out most of it on my own. (Note: I am just a average around the house type mechanic, not overly knowledgeable.) Again read all the information available on the web. they provide enough information and clues to figure it all out. 4. I replaced the fronts first. Follow all safety precautions. USE JACK STANDS!! I did one side at a time. it took me about 3 hours to do both sides. Longer for the first one and then I kind of knew what I was doing on the second side. The directions left stuff out. a. Jack up car and put securely on Jack Stands! Make sure they are in the correct location and the vehicle won't more. Make sure you have the Air Suspension switch to off before doing. I also disconnect my battery. b. Turn the air spring solenoid valve a quarter turn to relieve any pressure left in the air bag. When the pressure is relieved you can turn the air spring solenoid valve and disconnect it. These are the parts for the front.
c. Unfasten the stabilizer bar. (the wishbone assemble, it has a slotted bolt which you may have to tap out. I took a string and pulled it up out of the way. d. Under the hood, remove the three shock tower nuts. 13mm e. if nervous disconnect the brake line bracket, at any rate be sure you do not damage it. f. Unbolt the air bag at the bottom. Now you can easily remove it. g. Before you install the new replacement, decide what you are going to do with the hanging wires and air line. I used a circle clamp and folded the air house up and clamped it off. I just shoved the rest back and tie wrapped them out of the way. h. Reverse to put in the new replacement. I bought my new struts already tuned and ready to install, so it was super easy. |
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