Suspension Overhaul?

[Zap]

The '94 is starting to squeak sometimes in the front. A further inspection of pressing down on the front reveals it is coming from the front suspension.

I doubt this car has had much work done on anything on it, so we're probably talking all original. The only thing that was changed, is the front springs were replaced with the exact same new Ford part. What I want to know is what components are recommended for an affordable but good feel, and how difficult the labor is. I've never done any suspension work, but I have done brakes, clutch, 60k, rod bearings, etc. So I'm fairly seasoned in the general sense.

I'm gathering that the car should have rear springs (what kind to match the factory? I know that the A/T generic Taurus springs aren't the same) and front and rear struts? I have a pair of rear endlinks to replace already on the list, but if multiple items can be done at the same time, all the better.

Obviously, I want to replace ALL wear parts (mounts, bushings) since none have ever been done and it's stupid to waste that effort and not replace a few cheap but important parts (stupid shop work).

Anything else that should be done at the same time? Also, which parts of this work would require an alignment? We recently had one done and I'm afraid to take the car anywhere locally (Milwaukee, WI) since we just moved here and I don't know of anywhere good to even get an alignment!

Thanks!

 

[SHOtimer]

Anytime that you pull the struts or replace suspension parts you will need an alignment. The best rear springs for a stock SHO would be the Moog CC's. Monroe sensatracs would be good struts for your application. Other parts to consider:

Front & Rear strut mounts
Front strut bearings
Front & rear endlinks
balljoints (depending upon condition)
tie rods (if they are original, you will notice a nice difference)
strut rod bushins...
and possibly sway bar bushings, depending upon their condition.

Doug

 

[Rockledge]

Here's my 02 on the subject:

http://www.shoforum.com/showpost.php?p=625586&postcount=5

 

[LOUDSHO92]

We have what you need to redo the suspension. I would recommend Koni and Intrax: Here

 

[sdpatt]

A high pitched squeak from the front end is usually the tie rod ends, The OEMs can be greased by injecting grease through the rubber boot and exercising the ball joint. This can add many miles to the originals and not require an alignment. That will give you more time to consider the upgrade options.

 

[Zap]

Thanks for all of the suggestions so far... The tie rod ends have been replaced recently (the steering feels much much better) however none of the other parts appear to have been touched. We are still trying to decide exactly what to do and when.

How much time are we looking at to actually do the job?

Thanks!

 

[Entropy]

Thanks for all of the suggestions so far... The tie rod ends have been replaced recently (the steering feels much much better) however none of the other parts appear to have been touched. We are still trying to decide exactly what to do and when.

How much time are we looking at to actually do the job?

Thanks!

It is just a function of what you find as you take it apart. If it all went as planned, it could be done in a weekend - but let's face it.... the little things like snapping the heads off of pinch bolts because of the rust factor really is what adds the time.....

 

[dmbturbo69]

Just make sure where the radius arm(strut rod) meet the front of the subframe is okay. On my first SHO I rebuilt the entire suspension chasing this problem(broken subframe), I ended up getting rid of the car before I figured it out. My 2nd gen2 had the same issue, and now I just picked up my 3rd gen2 where the guy I bought it from rebuilt the entire suspension chasing a klunking noise, so it sounds like to me this is a problem at some point with most taurii. So while you are in there make sure you dont need that repair kit or welding.

On the first sho I mentioned I put on Sensa Trac struts and wasnt very happy, might have been the broken subframe issue though.

If you need a good alignment in the area find a Merlins Muffler with the new Hunter Laser machine.

If you need any major work you are scared of there is performance plus in Madison, it is about an hour from you, I have taken one of my cars up there, good folks.

 

[rigol2000]

Just make sure where the radius arm(strut rod) meet the front of the subframe is okay. On my first SHO I rebuilt the entire suspension chasing this problem(broken subframe), I ended up getting rid of the car before I figured it out. My 2nd gen2 had the same issue, and now I just picked up my 3rd gen2 where the guy I bought it from rebuilt the entire suspension chasing a klunking noise, so it sounds like to me this is a problem at some point with most taurii. So while you are in there make sure you dont need that repair kit or welding.

I've heard of broken subframes a few times. What does that look like? What do I look for? I have a klunking/rattling noise from the front end when I hit any kind of bumps. Not just turning, but always.