88 Town Car Driver's Side Sags

[zacharycrowe89]

I recently got an awesome deal on a 1988 Lincoln Town Car Signature. I have done a lot of work on it so far, but it has always had this annoying sagging issue. I have rebuilt the rear air suspension with new load-leveling shocks and air lines I ran to an outlet just above the license plate in the rear, and it works awesome - keeps the back end well up off the ground. The front shocks have both been replaced as well, but the car still sags slightly toward the driver's side, even when I am not sitting in it. Parked on level ground looking at the car from the front or back it is slightly lower on the driver's side, which is annoying when driving the car because you can feel the sag and it makes you want to compensate by leaning to the right slightly. Do you guys have any idea what might be the issue with the suspension/car? It's a gorgeous, all-stock Lincoln owned previously by old people who rarely drove it. Thanks in advance!

[gadget73]

Probably needs new springs up front.

[zacharycrowe89]

Are springs difficult to replace? I have the haynes repair manual, but I cannot find a clear illustration or explanation on how to do that. Also, how or where do you recommend obtaining a new set of front springs?

[85crownHPP]

Rear springs are easy, front springs are a lot of work. Any parts store can get you springs.

[gadget73]

The Haynes manual basically has one sentance covering anything suspension related "go see a professional". its for liability reasons, since you can hurt yourself doing suspension work, or cause problems if something is done wrong. I'd suggest getting ahold of a factory Ford manual, it will give you a lot more details. Basically the process for doing front springs involves removing the front shock and sway bar endlinks, the caliper, and seperating the lower ball joint. The arm is then lowered, the old spring removed, and a new one installed. Usually to get the new one in, it needs a spring compressor, then the whole works goes back together. If you're not real comfortable messing with front suspension stuff, it may not be the best idea to meddle with it.

[86VickyLX]

If it's not the springs, it might be body mounts, which I hope it's not because they're hard to replace compared to the front springs.

[gadget73]

well, I'm sure the body mounts have seen better days but there would be serious body panel alignment issues if one had collapsed to the point of making a visible lean. Springs are much more likely to cause a car to sit crooked.