1998 Mercury Grand Marquis | Front Suspension

[_Hacksaw]

I thought this might be easy. The Mercury now has 120k on the car and the front struts and brakes need full and careful attention. After viewing YouTube videos on this issue ( it’s only slightly confusing ) I’m thinking that anything with rubber bushings should be easily replaced at this time. The ‘ball joints ‘ were done a few years ago so what might I make a list of to replace as I do pretty much everything on the front suspension and braking system at this juncture in time? Are there shortcuts? I mean can one just replace the upper and lower control arm bushings verses the entire arm? Any tips on looking at this entire project,

_Hacksaw

[DerekTheGreat]

My '89 K1500 is running original rubber stuff just about everywhere with no issues. I think the only rubber stuffs I've replaced are the front sway bar links. It could use cab mounts in the rear, but meh. Come to think of it, everything is original on my '88 Town Box except for it's sway bar links as well. Unless you are having issues or want your car to be concurs perfect, run it.

[Tiggie]

I would definitely have a look under the car to see what the bushings look like. Like Derek, my 88 has original everything except sway bar links in the front end and it's got 256k on it. While some of the rubber doesn't look the best, it's all functional and safe.

You can do control arm bushings if you want since you've already done ball joints. Most shops replace the whole arm to save time and also give the customer seemingly better "deal" with the new ball joints and bushings in one part.

[_Hacksaw]

This is interesting news. The struts are the most cantankerous of this project with the brakes being second. However the videos I’ve seen all verify that struts like to remain where they are ( chuckle ). The rubber is worn off on the passenger’s side lower strut so it’s metal to metal there. Wish they would just make them easier to replace! I’m going to video record that assembly and check the FSM to really get a handle on this project in more depth. But the front struts are going to be a pill

[gadget73]

This doesn't have struts, so changing them is a complete non-issue. Can't replace what ain't there.

This is a double A arm coil spring setup. The coil spring stays in place if you're doing ball joints but you must have a jack underneath the lower control arm or it will fly apart.

If you're replacing the lower control arm bushings, thats an extra can of worms. The shock comes out and the spring needs to be very carefully released after separating the lower ball joint from the spindle so you can get it out. Its under a lot of pressure and if you are not careful it will come out of there and might go through you in the process. Once thats done, the arm just unbolts and you can press the bushings out. The job sucks, the arm will try to collapse as you do this so it may be more sensible to replace the arm. Then you get to re-assemble it. I've heard tales of people just popping the spring into place and jacking up the lower control arm. I've done this at least a half dozen times now and never once was that an option. It always needed a spring compressor. Thats even more terrifying than getting the spring out in the first place.

Honestly I would seriously not screw with the lower control arm unless you really have reason to, and are comfortable working with suspension parts. There is a lot of potential for injury when messing with springs.

[friskyfrankie]

I can see being proactive on parts replacement but this is one area where the saying, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" applies (at least for me)!

[jaywish]

If the shock busing is shot change them 1st. Perhaps along with sway bar bushings. All fairly easy and may be sufficient for you. Buy good shocks.

[jaywish]

Just got insurance quotes from Hagerty for Marauder and SL. . i don't know why i waited so long.