Hi all... just a couple of questions since I'm new to the car. Some shop manuals arrived but I'm not quite clear on what these parts are, and if there are issues that are pretty typical with them. The 85 Country Squire rides like a dream. I'm enjoying it quite a bit. Being 27 years old, the rear sags a bit. I figure shocks and springs all around will be the plan and will source the proper parts and acquire over the winter. So my question: What are these parts? A wiring harness was not connected to Image 1 - I connected it, started the car but didn't notice anything different. Is this a part that has something to do with auto levelling system (if I even have one) or more of an audio unit?? Something to do with pulling a trailer? Next question: the pieces next to the Image 1 part... cylindrical, one metal, one plastic. There's an air fitting on one part. Should I put some air in this fitting? Any advice that you can provide is appreciated... I'm a learnin'! :2_thumbs_up_-_anima Zal
First, if you have the load leveling system, there will be an on/off switch in the right rear quarter of the car. DO NOT jack the car up with that system turned on. You will blow things. Second, if the system is giving trouble, eliminate it. It is an expensive system to fix. For the springs and shocks, it is VERY simple. Ford gas shocks (from the dealer, they are available) are the best. They are under $40 a piece. Cargo Coil heavy duty variable rate rear springs. Whoever sells you the rears can also get you the heavy duty front coils. Expect to pay about $600 all in for all for shocks and springs, installed with the alignment done, too. As for those parts in your pictures, if you have the Premium Sound or High Level Sound system in the car there will be a 6 channel amp mounted in the rear compartment, sort of under the back seat. If You have the factory Trailer Tow III package, you will hear the relays for the trailer wiring every time you step on the brakes or use the turn signal. Each relay is separate. There is not a 'container' or single box for them. They mount on the driver's side rear inner fender brace just behind the back seat. My brother had an 86 Colony Park, and I had an 89 Grand Marquis sedan, both 351/Trailer Tow III cars, and that is what we found on them. Little brother's CP went 750,000 kms, and my sedan died in an accident at 302,000 kms, both with all original drive train parts. His wagon had had new springs at about 400,000 kms.
Thanks for the replies! I decided to plug in the wiring harnesses that we're near the load leveler unit. The compressor kicked in, loaded the air shocks and away we went. I thought that there might be a leak but the shocks seem to be holding the air and the compressor only came on briefly when I threw in a few heavy items. If it ain't broke don't fix it, but I still think that I may replace all the shocks, springs this winter just for good measure. We shall see.
I agree. If you are enjoying the ride and the compressor is not kicking on and off...leave it alone. Why spend money if you are happy with everything as it is??
What about these http://www.amazon.com/Moog-CC819-Va...&newCar=1&s=automotive&vehicleType=automotive MikeT ? I think the load leveler is toast
What do you mean by toast? Is the unit constantly kicking on and off? You might want to check for leaks in the system (cracks in and air line,bad fitting, or air shocks have gone bad) the compressor unit might have some short peices of air line too that have dried out after all the years check those too. The unit on my 96 roadmaster overheated because the airshocks where leaking and the unit kept cycling every 15 min (pretty hard on the battery too since the unit will run with the car off)
The Moog springs look good. I've never used their springs. I have used the Cargo Coils, and been very happy with both the ride and load carrying capacity. If you can find a set, the factory Trailer Tow III single rate springs are fantastic. They last a LONG time. You will likely be able to do all 4 springs and shocks for about 1/2 the price of fixing the air suspension. The other thing I really dislike about the load leveling is that when you get into a long, sweeping curve, it tries to level the car mid-corner, and then on the straight, it has to adjust again, and there is a time delay in both. Miserable feeling. On the Fords, the compressor does not operate with the engine off. If you unload within 10 minutes of shutting the engine off, it will allow the car to go back down to normal, otherwise it will sit high until the engine is started.
I have used moogs on both my rancheros and on one of my 96 roadmasters wagons and they work great. Good product well made don't forget the spring insulators when replacing the springs or you will be hearing all kinds of creaks and moans!
