Softer Suspension?

2007_Crown_Vic

Active Member

Aug 19, 2016

133

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Aug 30, 2016

#1

• Aug 30, 2016

• #1

Hi everyone,

I drove my new 1990 GT to work today. There are some roads on the way that are in somewhat rough shape (Winnipeg MB, I guess they are all in somewhat bad shape, lol) and I noticed that even the little bumps seem to be fairly jarring and rattle the interior. Is this somewhat common for these cars? It feels like the springs are very stiff.

I was wondering if there is a softer option or basically that's just how it is. I was planning to take the original turbine rims off in the spring and put new 17" or 18" rims on it, but now I am wondering if it rides this rough with the big sidewalls that are on it now, how bad is it going to be with a much lower profile tire?

 

Gear grabber

Well-Known Member

May 23, 2016

283

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63

Aug 30, 2016

#2

• Aug 30, 2016

• #2

It sounds like your car has ford B springs...they will rattle your teeth on every bump !

 

2007_Crown_Vic

Active Member

Aug 19, 2016

133

26

48

Aug 30, 2016

#3

• Aug 30, 2016

• #3

I can't say that I know what a Ford B spring is, but your description sounds about right! I will look into it, thanks.

 

mikestang63

SN Certified Technician

Aug 27, 2012

11,606

8,859

214

In the garage

Aug 30, 2016

#4

• Aug 30, 2016

• #4

what tires are you running
What springs
what shocks
Is your suspension- ball joints, control arms, bushings all original
do you have subframe connectors

Post some pics and we can help

 

2007_Crown_Vic

Active Member

Aug 19, 2016

133

26

48

Aug 30, 2016

#5

• Aug 30, 2016

• #5

I will get some pictures as soon as I can. I am told it is all original, weather or not that means original balljoints, bushings etc I'm not sure. At 122,000KMS and being 26 years old I would doubt it.

It is the original 15" turbine rims and tires. I am almost positive there is no subframe connectors.

 

Mustang5L5

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell

Mod Dude

Feb 18, 2001

43,170

17,870

224

Massachusetts

Aug 30, 2016

#6

• Aug 30, 2016

• #6

In a way, that's just how they are. If it's all original, plan for some springs/shocks in the future, but don't expect it to ride like a Lincoln. It will still be rough, and still rattle over bulbs.


Sent from my big ass iPhone 6 using Tapatalk

 

MFE92

10 Year Member

Aug 25, 2010

1,094

372

124

Phoenix

Aug 30, 2016

#7

• Aug 30, 2016

• #7

Old balljoints will make these cars ride like chuckwagons. Also, rough ride is almost never caused by the springs, unless the rates are very extreme. The usual culprit is the shocks/struts.

 

LiquidStangs

Well-Known Member

Dec 13, 2015

183

216

63

Indianapolis metro area

Aug 30, 2016

#8

• Aug 30, 2016

• #8

FWIW, mine rode extremely harsh when I first got it. It turned out to be two broken front springs, with one part rust-welded to the control arm. After new struts, springs, and control arms, the ride is much better. Still a bit harsh, but tolerable now.

 

2000xp8

SN Certified Technician

Aug 8, 2003

8,015

1,613

194

NJ

Aug 31, 2016

#9

• Aug 31, 2016

• #9

I'm a big fan of energy suspension isolators, having driven the car then installed them and drove it again, I can say with certainty, they help.

Some of the stuff you feel may be related to loose interior parts, our interiors aren't exactly premium, so when you hit a bump, yes you feel it, but the loose interior magnifies the feeling. That's part of the reason i'm obsessive about nothing in the glove compartment or arm rest when i had one (don't miss that pos)
Doesn't help either some people get lazy and don't put all the screws back in after they take them apart.