CuttingToolGuy: I’m not from Phoenix (where my Lincoln decided to start breaking) and I haven’t been able to find any junk yards with LTCs. With all the retirees, you’d think there’d be thousands of them?
One thing I’m looking for is that black plastic cover that sits over the center of the engine. A local “mechanic” thought it just lifted off. I think he must do a lot of deadlifts because he fractured it into at least four pieces. He also, while changing out coils, cross-threaded one of them and it blew out on the way to work less that a couple of hours after he “installed” it and then 20 miles. Sigh!
Next wallet emptying project. Been finding aluminum shavings in that small pencil sized in-line filters.
Hi, spurlockda.
I'm replying to both of your posts here. Dorman is known for "re-doing" OEM parts to "more or less" OEM standards. I didn't know they made air springs, though it isn't a surprise. I have read no comments on their air springs. Other parts they've (re)made have varied in "public approval." I don't know about Parts Geek solenoids, either.
Not going with Motorcraft (new old stock) air springs and solenoids, I'd have gone with Arnott for both. I have yet to read of someone who regretted buying Arnott products. While I intend to buy Motorcraft units for my "re-springing," that is more because I'm trying to keep the car somewhat "original," as in "collector-car-original," while still being a somewhat well-cared-for daily driver.
The Arnott air springs should also be "fresher" than the Motorcraft items, assuming that the current Motorcraft stocks are "new old stock" rather than being made within the last year or so like the Arnotts. While being in the package on the shelf is not even remotely as hard on the air springs as being in service on a car, the air springs are basically textile reinforced rubber bags. So, "fresher" does eventually tend to be better.
As for finding "last-series" Town Cars in junkyards, they
are there, but you have to
look for them. Beyond wrecks, "black swan" incidents, and so on, the people who have them are taking care of them and keeping them on the road, just like you and me. And, they didn't exactly sell like hotcakes when built, either. You will "tend" to find them more frequently in "big" cities where they were burned-out in taxi or Uber/Lyft service. Since they are all too old for that now, the "supply" of dead donor cars has dropped.
You should have your "mechanic" pay for the damages he did. It's the same engine basically as a Mustang. If the mechanic can't work on it without causing damage, you should sue and have him pay the claim from mowing lawns in Phoenix, since he doesn't really seem qualified as an automobile mechanic.
In my case, the cover, "nut," and stud were all missing. I had to get the part number for the stud from Ford Parts Giant, and then order the part by number from Tasca. The cover itself, while an actual Ford product, attractive and functional, wasn't exactly the version that came with the car. But, it works until I find something "better."
Good luck getting "caught up" with your 2003. Please keep us posted on your progress.
Thanks.
I wish I could get dynamic 4 point suspension
