Ridetech Coilovers

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dmjarosz

New member
Its getting to be that time. The front shocks are shot and the springs are sagging. Since the Marauder front springs are no longer available, I was thinking about going with the Ridetech coilover kit. They list an HQ application for the 2003+ crown Victoria. Its a bit pricey at $800 but its really not that much more than OEM springs & shocks would run, plus I get all kinds of adjustability and a great warranty.

Does anyone have experience with these shocks? The one question I have is do I either buy the kit or individual shocks and springs? Do I trust ridetech to pick out the correct damping/spring rate/ride height combo for our cars or has someone here had a better experience picking that stuff out themselves?
 
I have ridetech, they will lower the front prolly inch and a half. Ridetech makes claim that tbey are not certain if they fit an actual Crown Victoria. The kit is designed for using the front suspension on a hot rod, early truck etc.

The kit comes with 650 lb springs, mine are 700 lb as i have a supercharger (added weight) ADAM has 650 lb springs in his, Roger (Motown) has 700 lb in his turbo car and 750 lb in his silver project car.

my car is not a daily driver and stored winters, only had them since Oct. I like them so far, firmed up the ride from my previous cut coil and stock shock which i felt needed improvement. it is not harsh though.

Not sure if i would get them for a winter car as they are aluminum and no shock boot., rain no issue.

get the kit, you can tell them what spring rating you want, they are not the same rating as stock. stock are progressive and these are linear or constant.
 
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I too have a supercharger so I might go with the 700lb springs as well. My car is not driven in winter so that doesnt worry me.

I'm going to call ridetech and see what I can learn. These shocks seem like a really good option.
 
I've had mine on for about a year. Although I don't drive my car year-round, I have not once regretted the mod.
 
I've been looking into coilovers as I can't find Marauder springs anywhere. How do these drive as fare as ride quality? I heard "not harsh", but am a bit concerned. I have neck and back injuries, and don't want something that will hurt when you're driving on expansion joints and such. I've been looking at the Ridetechs, and the QA1s. A little firmer is ok, in fact the improved handling would be nice, just worried about how they would transmit impacts in the road. Another problem is mine IS a daily driver, all year long. It will see rain and snow.
 
I think a good chunk of a "harsh" ride over an expansion joint is due to an overly high damping setting, which you can adjust with the Ridetechs.

I think Im sold on these shocks, just need to figure out what rate to go with, 650 or 700 lb/in.

Not that it matters a whole lot but what is the rate of the stock marauder springs?
 
Not very pleased with the product I will give you more details later this week. Currently working on another project. Returning to stock height.
 
daddyusmaximus said:
How do these drive as fare as ride quality?

Another problem is mine IS a daily driver, all year long. It will see rain and snow.
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I found the ride way harsher with cut coils. Most people don't even notice the ride suffering when they are in my car now. Not sure why merc is 'not pleased' but I guess to each their own.

Not sure how well they will fare in the winter - I would call RideTech directly and see what they say. RubberCity expressed what my concerns would be.
 
merc said:
Not very pleased with the product I will give you more details later this week. Currently working on another project. Returning to stock height.
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:( I'm about to get these as well. Hazards/drawbacks?
 
It is almost time for a upgrade. I too am interested in additional feedback on the Rideteck. Did anyone using the Rideteck change out camber bolts for more adjustment ?
 
burt ragio said:
It is almost time for a upgrade. I too am interested in additional feedback on the Rideteck. Did anyone using the Rideteck change out camber bolts for more adjustment ?
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Excellent point and yes! they are mandatory with the Ridetechs lower stance if you want to get your car aligned!
 
I've had the camber bolts ever since had cut coil, as Roger said, will be required with Ridetechs and your car will be lower than stock
 
Chris At ADTR.NET sells a complete front and rear RideTech coil over kit. For a Crown Victoria or a Mercury Marauder. With a option for rear air bag for the MM. Or none air bag CV. For $1395 complete. It is alot more then the $800 bucks from RideTech. But not bad being it is a complete front and rear coil over kit. I am going to buy a kit soon for my car. Once I get all the money together. Don't know if anybody has a kit From Chris on there car installed.
 
Taemian said:
:( I'm about to get these as well. Hazards/drawbacks?
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I have owned the RideTech's for almost a year. It's been a royal pain in the ass to get the right adjustments. My current setup has QA-1 adjustable shocks in the rear with new air springs. Ride quality harmonics (adjusting the front shocks to work with the rear) never seem as good as the stock setup. Lowering the front end caused me to hit the finders often at high speeds and low speeds. Yes I installed the camber bolts and had the car alignment done.

One of my problems is the TCE brake system that requires a mild spacer. Secondly the Weld 18x8.5 50mm offset wheels that are very close to the outside of the fender. A couple of weeks ago while cruising a 120 plus I noticed a bad vibration that is hard to describe. The vibration could be caused by having the car sit for the winter months creating flat spots. Maybe I should use jack stands during long term storage.

It's frustrating to have so many mirror problems when spending thousands of dollars in modifications. On the positive side, the car handles turns better then stock, with must less body sway. That's great for motor cross, but doesn't add any value to drag racing. At car shows people seem to like the altered look, but when loading on the trailer it now requires extended low profile ramps, more money.

I didn't cover all the problems associated with the RideTech setup, believe me, their are several more issues including the springs used in the kit. So good luck to everyone looking for something different as our cars age.
 
your 8.5 wide front rims with different offset did not help your issues. it is not a set up for everyone, nether is naake qa1 set up. Most people took thrm off because the front needed constant adjusting. their suggested spring rate of 450 was prolly too light.

I like mine, dont drive it daily nor autocross it. it feels better than a cut coil with stock shocks which is not so good. imo it's an improvement over that. if it gives me issues, i still have eibach springs nib. No, they are not for sale
 
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