Mark VIII question - not sure where to post

jme · 08-28-2008, 07:33 AM

I have been looking at getting a mid 90s Lincoln Mark VIII, but was told that the air suspension on these cars is problematic & expensive to fix.

I'm just trying to get some comments from the Ford "community".

Thanks!

phantom_smack · 08-28-2008, 09:15 AM

I would stay clear

theoldwizard · 08-29-2008, 05:46 AM

When it works, it works well. When it doesn't, well ...

My brother-in-law has a 90's Lincoln that he is still driving. The air suspension leaks down within a couple of hours of him parking it. It looks funny (sort of like a lo' rider) when it is parked, but it pumps back up within a minute of starting the car. I forgot how he disabled the system so that that it would not keep trying to pump it up while parked.

jme · 08-31-2008, 08:37 AM

If the air ride setup needs to be replaced, how much $$$ are we talking?

I found a pretty nice one for around $2K, but I don't want to be sitting on an expensive "time bomb" if or when that suspension needs to be fixed.

z06bigbird · 08-31-2008, 05:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jme

If the air ride setup needs to be replaced, how much $$$ are we talking?

I found a pretty nice one for around $2K, but I don't want to be sitting on an expensive "time bomb" if or when that suspension needs to be fixed.

Repair used to be about $900 per wheel. (X4). Might be half that amount now. You can find aftermarket parts, but you will likely kill the smooth ride.

jme · 09-01-2008, 05:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by z06bigbird

Repair used to be about $900 per wheel. (X4). Might be half that amount now. You can find aftermarket parts, but you will likely kill the smooth ride.

Yikes! I think I'll pass on it then.

Too bad it sure seems like a nice car for the $$$.

Torch · 09-01-2008, 05:24 PM

Quote:

When it works, it works well. When it doesn't, well ...

There is still a chance that it may work well... as theoldwizard said, it could work well.
I would say take it to a honest local automotive repair shop and have them look the car over. Some call it a "to buy check.." shouldn't cost much. The place I go to costs 40$
They look ALL over the car for potential problems before you buy the car..
I would still give it a chance.

_Torch

mark v · 09-01-2008, 06:53 PM

I have seen bypass kits for cars like this before, see if one is available. The kits convert the car to regular plain old Shocks.

Welcome to the Forum!

Flyingjackal456 · 09-02-2008, 07:15 AM

I had a buddy who had a lincoln mark VIII.... pretty nice car, except he had the air suspension, radiator, and a few other small things serviced.

It is not $900 per wheel, but if you want to know, ask a mechanic how much it would be to service the air suspension. Aren't the Common parts to fail either the air bags or the pump? You may be able to repair that stuff yourself.