Ride Height Adjustable ?

I have just purchased a 2002 Towncar Signature Series w/ 90k on the clock.
Had to sell the 95 Towncar that I loved so much, as a neighbor made me an offer I could not refuse. I know, never sell to a neighbor as you will always see your old love.
Anyway, the new girl seems to sit a bit low in the back (compared to the "95), so.....
Is there a way to raise the rear bumber just a bit using the ride height system ? I don't want the '70's look. I'm just looking for a couple of inches 'cause my driveway is a bit steep comming off the street. I know i'll have to get a realignment job, as this change will change the "caster". I have inspected the rear bags and they are good, and the pump does not run more than it should.
Any input would be appreciated.
Mike in Colorado

Check the ride height sensor at the rear axle. I think you might be able to do some adjustments with it.

Oscar.

Check the ride height sensor at the rear axle. I think you might be able to do some adjustments with it.

Oscar.

Oscar,
Sorry it so long to post this, but after installing a new set of air bags, from Protier Ind. ( ph 1-877-448-1057) P/N AS-7000 @ $99.00 (w/ no shipping costs), and checking the ride height on several occasions, I moved the ride height adjusting strut bracket INBOARD on the cross bar 1/4" and that gave me a rise of 1" @ the rear bumber, which is all that I was looking for. Could have gone a bit more, as the slots in the bar will allow for that.
Best Regards,
Mike in Colorado
:):):)

Nice to know Mike! I really hope you get lots of trouble free miles.

Later,

Oscar.

Nice to know Mike! I really hope you get lots of trouble free miles.

Later,

Oscar.

Hey Oscar,
While I've got you, I'll muddy up this thread with another question which has probably been posted elsewhere, but I wanted to get your opinion.

The idle seems to be a bit faster on the '02 than it was on the '95 both at the start up sequence and once she gets warmed up. I have pulled the idle air control valve and it seems clean and free. Checked for vacuum leaks = none. Checked the throttle stop screw, and it's not out too far.
Cleaned the MAF sensor, new plugs and air filter etc.
Just don't know where to go next, to just drop the idle a little bit.
Any Thoughts ?
Best regards,
Mike in Colorado
:screwy::screwy::screwy:

Hi Mike,

Hmm... I really don't have much to say about it. I mean, I have a little knowledge about these cars but that's it so I can't be of much help in this case, sorry about it.

I do know some (or most) 98 and newer 4.6 engines had a PI (performance improved) intake manifold and I guess that might have something to do with the idling speed.

To spot a non PI from a PI intake you should check the first "rib" at the front of it, non PI intakes have the cylinder #1 rib at the front. PI models have #5 cylinder rib up front.

If you have a scan tool capable of retrieving RPM's you should see around 800-830, that's completely normal.

Apart from the items you've inspected, you could try taking a look at the ECT and IAT sensors and measuring resistance across each's terminals:


Temperature…… Engine Coolant/Intake Air Temperature Sensor Values

Degrees F-Resistance in Ohms

248 - 1,180
230 - 1,550
212 - 2,070
194 - 2,800
176 - 3,840
158 - 5,370
140 - 7,700
122 - 10,970
104 - 16,150
86 - 24,270
68 - 37,300
50 - 58,750

If both check OK, I don't think there is anything else you could try to make it idle any lower (other than a PCM tune).

On the fast idle during cold startups, it's a Ford thing my Windstar ROARS everytime it's started in the morning (kinda annoying); I know you can insert a copper cap with a 3/16 hole on the line between the air tube and the IAC nipple on the manifold (you should remember this hose form the '95 coming out from the driver's side of the "V8 logo" air resonator towards the back of the engine) but I'm not sure if your model has it.

Oscar.

Oscar,
800-850 rpm's sounds about right. I have a tach that will read from plug wires but i don't have any wires. May order an inside tach and just hook it up. have an ohm meter and i'll check the sensor values.
Too cold out now (16 F) so i'll fart w/ it on Saturday.
Best regards,
Mike

Hi Mike,

I'm wondering what happened with your Lincoln!?

Oscar.

Hi Mike,

I'm wondering what happened with your Lincoln!?

Oscar.

Oscar,
Sorry about that. Been travelling a lot.
I did install a new IAC (from Delphi $39.00) and that quieted down the idle. Have no idea what it is, but it just sounds better.
I did adjust the ride height just a bit, after installing new air bags, by moving the ride height sensor INBOARD 1/4" on the cross rail. This gives me 10.25" off the ground @ the top of the 2" receiver of my class III "Hidden Hitch" that I just installed. The slots have the capacity to go another 1/2" inboard, but the car "sits" right now, and w/ new bags and shocks, she rides like a new car.
Just got back from a trip to Casper Wy- Denver-Pueblo Co., and over 1300+ miles she got 27.6 average MPG. My old '95, on the same trip, which I make on a regular basis, would only do about 23-24 MPG. But then there is a lot of plastic in place of die castings when comparing the two cars. And the '02 might be a bit more slippery through the air.
Hell my old '79 towncar would only get 14 MPG (uphill or down). so I guess I should be thankful.
Best regards,
Mike in Colorado
:p:p:p

Nice to know Mike

Regards,

Oscar.