signs that shocks/springs are worn?

[1990LTD]

My car is sagging a bit, more than it should, I think. Is this a case of "if you have to ask if they're bad, they're bad"? There are times when it very slightly bottoms out in the front driver side and it seems to respond to bumps/dips for too long after the fact.

I'm going with aft wagon springs/shocks and probably cop shocks/springs in the front, FWIW

[1987cp]

Springs: sagging.

Shocks: boinging and frequent bottoming.

If you find the overall stance and ride height to be acceptable, I'd just drop the $80ish on new shocks all around and see how you like it. Doesn't take a fancy shock to net an improvement over a set that are shot, and Gabriel's "premium" model, the Ultra, is only about US$20 a corner IIRC.

[gadget73]

The shocks you can check with the bounce test. Push down on the corner of the car and let go. If it bounces more than once, they're probably done. Visual inspection for oil leaks is also a valid check. Springs you'd ideally have to check by measuring from the bottom of the bumper to level ground, and comparing it to the measurements in the shop manual for that. If they're original though, chances are they've sagged some.

[GM_Guy]

Worn out springs will act like worn shocks. Especially notcable after you replace shocks and the ride doesn't improve much.

If your hitting the bumpstops, I'd say it is time for new springs.

Alex.

[1990LTD]

I don't know much about suspension, are shocks/springs ideally replaced at the same time? If I could buy new shocks now and save a few bucks for good wagon/cop springs, that would be most excellent.

[gadget73]

few people replace the springs, just because it requires a decent amount of dissasembly, and frankly its kind of a pain in the ass. Shocks are a piece of cake to replace by comparison.

[1990LTD]

cool. I will do as suggested and replace the shocks with the KYB gr-2 whatchamacallits. If things don't improve much, I'll go for some springs

[99SLVRSTRK]

I don't know if it's just the GrandMarquis suspension. But when taking a long corner let's say on an interchange; I have to drop speed or it feels as if I'm in a plane about to do a barrel roll. I've about had it . Gonna get some new rear springs(thats's where most of the roll comes from) maybe moog cargo springs

[91grandmarquis]

^ that would be your vehicle saying "Easy there Burt Reynolds I ain't no Trans Am"

Try some stiffer springs and a rear sway bar.

[1987cp]

^ that would be your vehicle saying "Easy there Burt Reynolds I ain't no Trans Am"

Try some stiffer springs and a rear sway bar.

.... not knowing anything about the particular vehicle in question, it's also possible it was equipped with a smallish front swaybar and/or is badly in need of sway bar bushing/endlink replacement.

[Piece-it pete]

... Gonna get some new rear springs(thats's where most of the roll comes from) maybe moog cargo springs

The Moog cargos did wonders for body roll on the 2 or 3 I've used them on :yes:

Pete

[mercman1951]

I don't know if it's just the GrandMarquis suspension. But when taking a long corner let's say on an interchange; I have to drop speed or it feels as if I'm in a plane about to do a barrel roll. I've about had it . Gonna get some new rear springs(thats's where most of the roll comes from) maybe moog cargo springs

You do realize that is just the way the car is, right? Even when brand new...these aren't racecars...and were never known for their superior handling characteristics around twisties without some work.

[cld783]

when you shoot sparks from underneath the oil pan..

[86GmLsCoupe]

Sway bar seems to make a nice improvement in handling and I only added the smaller one on mine. In terms of springs, I'm not entirely sure of when they're due for replacement. My car has the original ones in and there is no noticeable sag. I have KYB's up front and coil over's in the rear.