CAN Town Car AIR RIDE HEIGHT BE ADJUSTED ?

[MIKEY-777]

This is one aspect I have not researched yet. I find that the average Town Car's rear s usually about 1-2" too high IMHO. I'm already adjusting my car that I don't have yet..but I might soon

 

[Action]

Maybe. However you do not state which year Town Car. The system changed over the years.

There is a height sensor in all variations of the dynamic suspension systems.
On Mark VIII the sensor had a slot for small adjustments for the height sensor.

Newer models incorporated the dynamic suspension with the PCM. Which means the system may need to be calibrated when replacing parts. And there may be some adjustment available in the software. Just not large adjustments. You will NOT be able to make a lowrider with the stock dynamic suspension system, no matter which variation.

A modification might be made with changing the sensor mounting.
I have not done this. But it would be a way of making the sensor report a different vehicle height position.
Or in some variations, changing the length of the height sensor rod.

Action

 

[alumarine]

I can adjust the height in the back of my 07 but the front of course is non adjustable.

 

[MIKEY-777]

The 2007 is the year I hope to buy. How do you adjust the rear ? I watched a YT video on a Mk8 where he drilled new holes for the brackets. I won't do that. Maybe I need a sensor out of a junked car that I can take apart.

______________________________

 

[Action]

Pictured is what a ride height sensor looks like for an 07 Town Car.

This link is what appears to be a page out of the shop manual.

https://charm.li/Lincoln/2007/Town%20Car%20V8-4.6L%20VIN%20W/Repair%20and%20Diagnosis/Sensors%20and%20Switches/Sensors%20and%20Switches%20-%20Steering%20and%20Suspension/Sensors%20and%20Switches%20-%20Suspension/Ride%20Height%20Sensor/Service%20and%20Repair/Suspension%20Height%20Sensor/

The rod end snaps to a mount with a ball stud that has slots. That would be a minor adjustment that could be played with. Before doing that, I would mark the original location.

The shop manual will give additional detail. And speaking of the shop manual, buying the set would be a very prudent thing. Ebay will be your friend there.

If you want to play more, it appears the rod is metal with plastic snap ends. Cutting and/or welding can be an option.

And know that the rear end of these vehicles tends to be soft. The vast majority of the weight is in the front.
Add weight in the trunk and the rear end may or may not be lifted to the original position.

Good luck in your search.

Action

 

[MIKEY-777]

Thx.
But I'm confused...
"Add weight in the trunk and the rear end may or may not be lifted to the original position."
Does this mean it's not 'load leveling' but only air ride ?

 

[N1ASS]

Thx.
But I'm confused...
"Add weight in the trunk and the rear end may or may not be lifted to the original position."
Does this mean it's not 'load leveling' but only air ride ?

It does level out,when you put gas in the tank the rear air bags fill with more air to level it.

 

[Action]

The system pumps up or lets out air for an approximate position. This is based on a (modified) signal from the height sensor.
Which operates like a fuel sender.

If a 20 gallon fuel tank reads1/2 full, do not expect there to be exactly 10 gallons in the tank. The reading is a suggestion.

Action

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[MIKEY-777]

I thought as much. It can't work otherwise unless the pump has a sensor for max pressure and then just stop.

Either way, overnite I thought of there are several ways to make it adjustable;
- turn the pump off when it gets to the right height (which will reveal leaks too)
- drill holes in the sensor bracket (or make it an oval?)
- add a switch to both R sensor circuits, so it can be told when it's at the right height
- take apart the sensor & figure out how to make it adjustable (this is the most challenging)
- add a switch to the air pump's power input (I like this the best)
- add a mercury ? switch which is adjustable and then tie this into the air pump power iinput

IMHO, to make a car as refined as the Town Car and then not make the ride height adjustable is criminal, and reason for some firings.

 

[oktowncar]

add a switch to both R sensor circuits, so it can be told when it's at the right height

The system is designed to shut off /turn on, on its own. Engineers did this for safety and comfort reasons.
Keep in mind that alterations to the stock platform, especially electrical alterations, can and eventually will bring in electrical gremlins.
If you ever have an issue that needs solving/repairing, those added on electrical gremlins can hinder your attempts at getting it resolved

 

[MIKEY-777]

Thx for the advice...but, those Engineers are wrong IMHO. Just the fact that the Town Car isn't being made anymore indicates a failure on Lincoln's part. It is/was such a good car, there is no excuse. I'm a retired scientist-engineer too. The Lincoln Town Car is worth double what any new Lincoln sells for today IMNSHO. Rules are made to be broken, and companies live and die like trees for reasons.

 

[oktowncar]

Ok so those Engineers are wrong IMHO. I'm a retired scientist-engineer too. Rules are made to be broken.

Correct.. but to a certain extent. IF it was me I would either:
A. take the ride height sensor and slightly bend the arm a bit to give you a little extension
B. reposition the sensor to get you a little bit more ride.

Don't overthink it or it may come back to bite you.
Those bags can only take so much
Those rear suspension parts can only take so much

______________________________

 

[MIKEY-777]

I didn't know bending the arm was an option. Not sure I like it though. Is it steel ?

 

[oktowncar]

I didn't know bending the arm was an option. Not sure I like it though. Is it steel ?

Should be some type of metal steel/aluminum

 

[N1ASS]

The system is designed to shut off /turn on, on its own. Engineers did this for safety and comfort reasons.
Keep in mind that alterations to the stock platform, especially electrical alterations, can and eventually will bring in electrical gremlins.
If you ever have an issue that needs solving/repairing, those added on electrical gremlins can hinder your attempts at getting it resolved

You got that right, been there done that.

 

[driller]

I thought as much. It can't work otherwise unless the pump has a sensor for max pressure and then just stop.

Either way, overnite I thought of there are several ways to make it adjustable;
- turn the pump off when it gets to the right height (which will reveal leaks too)
- drill holes in the sensor bracket (or make it an oval?)
- add a switch to both R sensor circuits, so it can be told when it's at the right height
- take apart the sensor & figure out how to make it adjustable (this is the most challenging)
- add a switch to the air pump's power input (I like this the best)
- add a mercury ? switch which is adjustable and then tie this into the air pump power iinput

IMHO, to make a car as refined as the Town Car and then not make the ride height adjustable is criminal, and reason for some firings.

What is the end goal here? Are you looking to alter the height when driving or when parked? Or are you just looking to 'level it out' (taken from your initial post that you thought it was too high in the rear)?

Having multiple Mark VIIIs over the years, I have seen and experienced a multitude of air suspension modifications and I will tell you the most successful approach is to work 'with' the factory system, not against nor superseding it.

______________________________

 

[Action]

Thx for the advice...but, those Engineers are wrong IMHO. Just the fact that the Town Car isn't being made anymore indicates a failure on Lincoln's part. It is/was such a good car, there is no excuse.

Town Car is no longer because sales fell off! Sales fell off because the consumer change buying. In no small part to SUVs and Crossovers.
Other domestic car manufacturers pulled out of full sized car market long before Ford did with the Panther platform. (Crown Victoria/Grand Marquis & Town Car)

The Panther platform WAS successful. Beyond anything that Ford had expected. Ford was going to end the Panther platform several times earlier. The first time was in the 1980s. However sales were still good even though that consumer was shrinking. Given the consumer base was getting smaller the competition left leaving the market for Ford to sell. The entire platform was changed to reduce costs over the years. In the beginning the platform could handle larger trailer. That was down played as CAFE requirements were bearing down. The modular engine used in later years was the cheapest and lower power version. Options got lumped into packages to reduce manufacturing costs. In the end a lot of cosmetic things were done, but under all of that, the car was rather cheap to build. This was done to sustain sales as long as it did.

The Town Car not being made today isn't a failure. Many models are no longer being made. The Town Car and the Panther platform were a big success! It was built for 30 years. Not a common thing in the ever-changing car market. And car companies HAVE to change because the consumer changes. Some time on a dime. The car companies that do not change or change away from the consumer go the way of a De Soto or Packard.

And the best engineered car isn't made by any mass production car companies. It is unaffordable because the mass public isn't going to pay for that kind of engineering, It takes money and that money comes from the consumer. In addition to that, it costs money to comply with all of the regulations. Money that could be spent on other areas of the vehicle.

The Town Car had a good run. But so did the Model A

Action

 

[Lincoln777]

I'd go with repositioning the sensor bracket if you can - seems like the safest way to get a little drop without messing with the electronics. Just don't go crazy with it or you'll be dealing with airbag problems down the road.

 

[Freeman]

Town Car is no longer because sales fell off! Sales fell off because the consumer change buying. In no small part to SUVs and Crossovers.
Other domestic car manufacturers pulled out of full sized car market long before Ford did with the Panther platform. (Crown Victoria/Grand Marquis & Town Car)

The Panther platform WAS successful. Beyond anything that Ford had expected. Ford was going to end the Panther platform several times earlier. The first time was in the 1980s. However sales were still good even though that consumer was shrinking. Given the consumer base was getting smaller the competition left leaving the market for Ford to sell. The entire platform was changed to reduce costs over the years. In the beginning the platform could handle larger trailer. That was down played as CAFE requirements were bearing down. The modular engine used in later years was the cheapest and lower power version. Options got lumped into packages to reduce manufacturing costs. In the end a lot of cosmetic things were done, but under all of that, the car was rather cheap to build. This was done to sustain sales as long as it did.

The Town Car not being made today isn't a failure. Many models are no longer being made. The Town Car and the Panther platform were a big success! It was built for 30 years. Not a common thing in the ever-changing car market. And car companies HAVE to change because the consumer changes. Some time on a dime. The car companies that do not change or change away from the consumer go the way of a De Soto or Packard.

And the best engineered car isn't made by any mass production car companies. It is unaffordable because the mass public isn't going to pay for that kind of engineering, It takes money and that money comes from the consumer. In addition to that, it costs money to comply with all of the regulations. Money that could be spent on other areas of the vehicle.

Yes, the consumer has changed. Not for the better. Or rather, other social groups have become predominant.

 

[Freeman]

There's a standard adjustment mechanism. Start by using that. Loosen the two small nuts and shift the mounting bracket to effectively lengthen the rod. I would advise you against making any rash modifications to the design of this car, as everything is already meticulously thought out. Or, if you absolutely must tinker with it, proceed with extreme caution.