Revitalizing Your Driving Experience: The Advantages of an Upgrade
Enhanced Handling and Stability
Imagine your Crown Vic gliding over the road with renewed confidence, corners tackled with precision, and bumps absorbed with a satisfying smoothness. That’s the promise of a properly chosen front suspension kit. Upgrading offers a range of advantages that significantly improve your driving pleasure and safety.
One of the most immediately noticeable improvements is enhanced handling and stability. A worn suspension leads to body roll, where the car leans excessively during turns. This can make handling feel sloppy and unpredictable. Upgrading to a new Crown Vic front suspension kit often includes stiffer springs, upgraded shocks or struts, and potentially even thicker sway bars. These components work together to reduce body roll, allowing for crisper, more accurate cornering. This translates to a feeling of greater control and responsiveness, letting you tackle curves with newfound confidence and precision. The car simply feels more planted and secure on the road.
Improved Ride Quality
Beyond handling, ride quality also undergoes a significant transformation. The original suspension components of your Crown Vic are likely experiencing wear and tear, having endured years of service. This can result in a harsh, jarring ride. Modern suspension components, however, are engineered with improved technology and materials, designed to absorb bumps and imperfections more effectively. An upgraded kit often includes shocks or struts with advanced valving, which helps to cushion the impact of road irregularities, providing a significantly smoother and more comfortable ride. You’ll notice less vibration, less harshness, and a more enjoyable overall driving experience, whether you’re cruising on the highway or navigating city streets.
Increased Performance
Performance gains are another key benefit. While the Crown Victoria isn’t a sports car, a well-tuned suspension can make a notable difference in how the car performs. An upgraded suspension can improve acceleration and braking, particularly in dynamic situations. Better handling and stability allow for more confident acceleration and braking, letting you make the most of the car’s engine performance. For those who enjoy the occasional spirited drive or participate in track days (a growing activity for Crown Vic enthusiasts), a performance-oriented Crown Vic front suspension kit can transform the car’s capabilities.
Improved Aesthetics and Longevity
Furthermore, the visual appeal of a well-maintained or upgraded suspension is undeniable. While not the primary focus, a change in stance can dramatically affect the vehicle’s presence. Lowering kits, in particular, can give the Crown Vic a more aggressive, sporty look. Even maintaining the stock ride height with fresh, high-quality components can help the car look newer and more well-maintained.
Investing in a Crown Vic front suspension kit isn’t just about performance and aesthetics; it’s also an investment in the longevity of your vehicle. Replacing worn or damaged components proactively prevents further damage to other parts of the car. For example, worn ball joints can cause excessive tire wear, while worn bushings can stress the control arms. Replacing these components before they fail outright can save you money in the long run and keep your Crown Vic on the road for many more years.
Exploring the Landscape: Different Kit Options
Stock Replacement Kits
The world of Crown Vic front suspension kits is diverse, offering something for every need and budget. Knowing the different types available is crucial to choosing the right one.
Some owners simply want to restore the original performance and handling. Stock replacement kits are designed to be direct replacements for the factory components. These kits typically include items like ball joints, tie rod ends, control arm bushings, and shocks or struts. They offer an affordable and straightforward way to refresh your car’s suspension and bring it back to its original ride quality and handling characteristics. Installation is generally simple, making this a great option for the DIY mechanic.
Performance Suspension Kits
For those seeking enhanced performance, performance suspension kits are the go-to choice. These kits include components such as coilovers (a combination of shock and spring in a single unit), upgraded control arms, stiffer springs, and performance-tuned shocks or struts. They offer significant improvements in handling, responsiveness, and often allow for adjustments like ride height and dampening. Performance kits are ideal for drivers who enjoy spirited driving, autocross, or simply want to improve their car’s overall capabilities.
Lowering Kits
Lowering kits are designed to give your Crown Vic a lower stance. These kits usually include lowering springs, which replace the stock springs and lower the ride height, often by an inch or two, or even more. Some lowering kits might include spindles, which are the part that connects the wheel to the suspension. They offer a noticeable visual upgrade, giving the car a more aggressive and sporty look. However, be mindful that lowering kits can affect ride comfort, ground clearance, and potentially tire wear.
Component Specific Upgrades
Finally, there are component-specific upgrades. Rather than a complete kit, some owners may choose to replace or upgrade individual parts. For example, a thicker sway bar can significantly reduce body roll, even with the stock suspension. Upgraded bushings can improve handling and reduce noise. If certain parts of the suspension are in good condition, or if you have specific performance goals in mind, individual component upgrades might be the best approach.
Making the Right Choice: Key Considerations
Budget
Choosing the right Crown Vic front suspension kit is a crucial decision. Several factors should be carefully considered to ensure the best possible outcome.
Budget is a significant factor. Kits range in price from a few hundred dollars to well over a thousand. Set a budget beforehand, considering the cost of the kit itself, plus the potential for installation expenses if you’re not doing it yourself. Stock replacement kits are typically the most affordable option, while performance-oriented kits and coilovers tend to be at the higher end of the price spectrum.
Intended Use
Carefully consider how you primarily use your car. If your Crown Vic is a daily driver used for commuting and errands, a stock replacement kit or a kit with slightly improved handling may be sufficient. If you frequently participate in track days or enjoy spirited driving, a performance-oriented kit is a better choice. Carefully evaluate how you use your vehicle to ensure you invest in a kit that aligns with your needs.
Vehicle Condition
Thoroughly inspect your vehicle’s condition. Worn or damaged components in other areas, such as the brakes or steering system, might need attention at the same time as your suspension. Look for signs of rust or corrosion, particularly on the suspension components, as this can complicate installation. In some cases, other parts, such as wheel bearings or brake rotors, might be best replaced at the same time as your new suspension.
Brand Reputation and Reviews
Research different brands and read reviews. Investigate reputable manufacturers in the automotive industry. Take the time to read online reviews from other Crown Vic owners. This will help you to understand the quality, performance, and durability of different kits. Look for brands with a solid reputation for reliability and customer service. Online forums and Crown Vic-specific communities can be excellent resources for gathering feedback and recommendations. Compare prices from different retailers to ensure you get the best deal.
Installation Difficulty
Consider your mechanical abilities. Some Crown Vic front suspension kits are relatively easy to install, while others require more advanced mechanical skills. Be honest with yourself about your level of expertise. If you’re not comfortable working on cars, or if the installation involves complicated procedures, it’s best to have a professional mechanic install the kit. This will ensure that the components are installed correctly, maximizing performance and longevity.
Getting the Job Done: Installation and Maintenance
Installation Overview
Once you have your Crown Vic front suspension kit, the next step is installation. Here’s a simplified overview of the process and tips for maintenance.
The general procedure typically involves removing the old suspension components, which might include ball joints, tie rods, shocks or struts, control arms, and sway bars. Then, you’ll install the new components according to the kit’s instructions. Many kits provide detailed instructions, and various online resources, such as videos and forums, can be helpful.
Tools and Materials
You will need several tools. A jack and jack stands are essential for safely lifting and supporting the vehicle. You’ll also need wrenches, sockets, and a torque wrench to tighten bolts to the manufacturer’s specifications. A ball joint separator tool might be necessary to remove ball joints, and a spring compressor is crucial if you’re working with coil springs. Safety glasses and gloves are also essential, and a penetrating oil like PB Blaster can be a lifesaver when dealing with rusted bolts.
Post-Installation Checks
After installation, a wheel alignment is absolutely necessary. This ensures that the wheels are properly aligned, preventing uneven tire wear and maintaining optimal handling. Your mechanic should also inspect the suspension for any potential issues. Perform a test drive to verify that everything functions correctly and to get a feel for the improved ride and handling.
Maintenance Tips
Regular maintenance extends the life of your new suspension. Inspect the components periodically, looking for any signs of wear or damage. Listen for any unusual noises, such as clunking or squeaking, which could indicate a problem. Keep your suspension components clean and free of road debris, which can accelerate wear. By taking good care of your suspension, you’ll enjoy a smooth and reliable ride for years to come.
Where to Find Your Kit
Finding a Crown Vic front suspension kit is straightforward. Online retailers like Summit Racing, RockAuto, and Amazon offer a wide selection. Local auto parts stores can also be a good option, especially if you prefer to shop in person. Specialty suspension shops often have experts who can provide guidance and recommendations. Compare prices, read customer reviews, and research before making your final decision. Consider shipping times and warranty information when choosing your retailer.
The Final Step: Revitalize Your Ride
Upgrading your Crown Vic front suspension kit is a transformative upgrade that offers significant benefits, enhancing the driving experience, improving handling, and potentially increasing the value of your vehicle. From restoring the original ride to building a high-performance machine, the possibilities are endless. By understanding the different types of kits, considering the key factors, and taking the time to install and maintain your new components properly, you can elevate your Crown Vic to new heights. So, take the next step. Research the best options, select the kit that meets your needs, and prepare to experience the difference a well-tuned suspension can make. Your Crown Vic deserves it!
