Checking Procedure

To restore the vehicle to a level condition at the fender wheel lip openings, use the following procedure to check and correct service leans with differences in excess of 12.7 mm (0.5") side-to-side.

1. Check the vehicle interior and trunk for any significant baggage/tool boxes, etc., and remove them before proceeding with the lean analysis.

2. Confirm that the vehicle is assembled with the proper front spring codes. Refer to the 1995-97 Ford/Mercury Front Spring Chart after Step 8 in this TSB article.

3. Place the vehicle on a level surface and check tire pressures to be sure the left front/right front and left rear/right rear are identical.

4. On vehicles equipped with air suspension (optional Air/Trailer Tow/Handling Package) turn the engine OFF but leave the ignition in the ON position and the driver's door open. Proceed as follows:

a. Load the rear bumper until the air suspension compressor cycles for at least 30 seconds.

b. Close the driver's door and let the vehicle vent to the Top of Trim" position (approximately 10 seconds).

c. If the air suspension does not function properly, perform service diagnostics as outlined in the appropriate Crown Victoria/Grand Marquis/Town Car Service Manual, Section 04-05.

5. On vehicles equipped with standard steel coil springs, be sure rear springs are the same part number and properly nested on frame rose bud and axle collar.

NOTE:
IF FRONT OR REAR SUSPENSION SPRINGS ARE IMPROPERLY INSTALLED OR ARE THE INCORRECT PART NUMBER, PERFORM SERVICE REPAIRS AS OUTLINED IN THE APPROPRIATE CROWN VICTORIA/GRAND MARQUIS/TOWN CAR SERVICE MANUAL, SECTIONS 04-01 AND 04-02.





6. Equalize the suspension by shaking the vehicle side-to-side from the B-pillar joint before taking wheel lip measurements (Figure 1).

7. Determine the difference in the front and rear wheel lip measurements by subtracting the left side measurement from the right side at both the front and rear locations.

NOTE:
THE FENDER WHEEL LIP MEASUREMENT IS THE VERTICAL DISTANCE FROM THE FENDER WHEEL LIP TO THE GROUND WHILE PASSING THROUGH THE CENTER OF THE WHEEL (FIGURE 1).











8. Use the Spring Selection Chart to select the correct spring three letter code.

9. Using the three letter code on the driver's side front spring, replace the steel spring with a pan with load rating one level lower. Replace the right front spring with part with load rating one level higher (swap springs side-to-side).

CAUTION:
DO NOT USE ANY OTHER SPRINGS THAN THOSE SPECIFIED OR MIX SPRING RATES.

10. Test drive the vehicle for about 3 km (2 miles) over a moderate road surface to settle the suspension before re-evaluating it for body lean. Revent the air suspension prior to making lean measurements.

NOTE:
BUMPER HEIGHT SHOULD BE BETWEEN 365-416 mm (14.4-16.4") AT THE FRONT AND 370-422 mm (14.6-16.6") AT THE REAR RESPECTIVELY AFTER CORRECTIVE ACTIONS HAVE BEEN COMPLETED.

11. It this procedure does not reduce the lean to acceptable levels of 12.7 mm (0.5"), refer to TSB 93-1-1 for the body/frame shimming procedure. This procedure may be performed to further reduce the vehicle lean condition.

12. Verify vehicle alignment is within specification after completing repairs.