I recently inherited a 1996 Lincoln Town Car Cartier Designer Edition that I love. The only issue is the air suspension system needs repair or replacement. I really don't want to lose the soft ride. I'm assuming springs won't offer the same quality ride as the air suspension. Am I right? What are the cost differences between repairing the air suspension and replacing with springs?
Differences -
Metal springs will last longer
Metal springs will be less money at least over the long term
Metal springs will not compensate for load or condition
Metal springs are a one size fits all
Metal springs react faster and harder to suspension movement
The ride quality is more about the shocks
In an air suspension
Will develop leaks at some point in the future figure 5 to 10 years for bag replacement
The air spring will react to different loading and conditions.
Have a softer smoother ride. The difference may not be decerned by everyone.
The air system is more of a part of the ride quality in addition to ride height. Where as the metal spring is only about ride height.
The choice can be more personal.
I have had three Lincolns with air springs on all four corners. One I changed over to metal springs and I did not care for the ride of metal springs. If I had the choice on other vehicles to have a factory air suspension I would want that.
I would suggest if you change over to metal, keep the OE pieces in case you (or if you sell it) want to change back.
My $.02 if a Town Car doesn't have rear air suspension I'm not buying it. That's one of the unique qualities of the smooth ride. Aftermarket air springs aren't that expensive to replace. I would expect minimum 5+ years on the replacement springs based on what I've read here.
I recently inherited a 1996 Lincoln Town Car Cartier Designer Edition that I love. The only issue is the air suspension system needs repair or replacement. I really don't want to lose the soft ride. I'm assuming springs won't offer the same quality ride as the air suspension. Am I right? What are the cost differences between repairing the air suspension and replacing with springs?
The rear air suspension has changed very little on the Town Car. This article dealing with the replacement of the air springs on a 1998 model should be the same for most all models.
lincolnforums.com
...though it's for the next generation Town Car. I remember getting new airbags for the rear of my Mark VII LSC years ago. It wasn't very expensive. Personally, I'd rather replace the airbags every 5 years than switch to springs...
While mine is a `88 I was happy to see I had found one without air suspension. It still feels like driving a cloud. Get the factory service manuals if you plan on keeping yours.
I've driven a 95TC for 15 years. My first one had metal springs when I bought it. I re-installed the air springs and I and my wife noticed a better ride. I bought another '95TC a three years ago (with original air springs). Last year I noticed my compressor was running occasionally while driving. I had the local garage remove the original OEM air springs and install two new Arnott air springs. Total around $300 parts and labor. No issues since. I guess fixing it every 20 years or so ain't too bothersome.
When my bags failed I replaced with Moog progressive springs. One and done. No discernable difference in ride quality. Minor downside-dash light stays on in my 2004. I kept compressor and solenoids in place for future option to return to air bags.
My $.02 if a Town Car doesn't have rear air suspension I'm not buying it. That's one of the unique qualities of the smooth ride. Aftermarket air springs aren't that expensive to replace. I would expect minimum 5+ years on the replacement springs based on what I've read here.
