SHOCKING! Front End Edition 2018

Wellp, after 12 years and 184,944 miles, the front shocks in Vic 2.0 were finally replaced.  A while ago I noticed a stain appearing on the driveway under the front passenger side of the car.  Then I noticed some odd handling characteristics.  Things finally got to the point I had to decide if I should replace the shocks ONLY, or the whole spring/shock unit... which I think is a strut.

After driving 1.0 for 15 years, I forgot that the front end of 2.0 is totally different.  In 1.0, you could easily replace the shock alone.  But after searching for new shocks online, and looking at my Ford shop manual, I came to the realization that no matter what, you need to take the spring and shock out TOGETHER, because to replace the shock you need to use a spring compressor.

SO, go with just new shocks to save money, but pay for more labor?  Pay more for parts, but for less labor?  I asked Taxi Guy and he said "get the complete units if you can", which I did.  The last 2 correct Motorcrafts that Rock Auto had in stock were shipped to me and the job was done on 5/28/18.

The maiden voyage with the upgrades wasn't what I expected.  The rest of the suspension was still worn, after all.  And I had to remind myself that this wasn't Ma's 1999 Town Car!  New springs and shocks on a police package car does not mean a "Cloud-like Ride"!  But I did notice improvements while banging over local potholes.  It was on the highway that I noticed the improvement more.

Bridge expansion joints are much better now.  And it seems that high-speed turns are better as well.  In fact, and I didn't tell you this, I managed to out-accelerate and out-drive a rather new Mercedes SUV in tight traffic.  He was attempting to make some stupid, aggressive moves and I sorta ruined that for him...................

While taking the photos for this post, I was surprised to see how clean things look under the front of 2.0.  I have had far fewer glances under this car than 1.0.  I only wish the body was as solid...

Nells Comments on a Vic Owner's Video

I don't look around YouTube too much.  Way too many people with way too many opinions I don't agree with.  But I did accidentally come across this video, in which a man describes 5 things he dislikes about his Crown Vic.  I decided to watch it and see what he has to say.

He mentions in the beginning that he doesn't hate the car.  Seems to me there's little he DOES like.  Watch for yourself:

Now, I believe everyone is entitled to their own opinion.  But I just HAVE to share some thoughts that popped into my mind while listening to this man's:

1 – I agree for the most part, sorta… When Vic 1.0 had its winter wheels on, it looked more police-y.  Vic 2.0 is dark blue and has police hubcaps and an antenna, so people sometimes are weary of it.  But with both cars, I'd think the fuzzy dice hanging in the window and vanity plate would dispel any incorrect thoughts...

2 – I disagree.  The car doesn’t feel big.  Maybe I am just used to it.  My '86 Pontiac Parisienne did more so, the '88 Grand Marquis a bit less than the Pontiac.  2b) Well, what do you expect?  A big car with a V8.  It's no Prius!  But MPG depends on the rear end you have and also varies depending on how you drive.  23MPG/HWY can be done with 3:55s, even better with others.

3 – I HAD a Vic with traction control and it was a horrible system.  Always drove with it off.  Not having it now is SO nice.  If you know how to drive, you don’t need traction control.   3a) RWD is for performance, whether people like it or not.  All wheel drive is of course very good for performance AND control.  BUT NOT all current Ford police vehicles are AWD.  3b) regarding the rear tires loosing traction, that is based on tires.  Goodyear Ultra Grips do just that.  Worn RS-As will loose traction more, as I found out when I took over Vic 2.0.  

4 – what do you expect in a police car for “necessities”?  The regular versions didn't have a whole lot more, granted.  But personally, I hate cars with too many gadgets.  I'm in it to drive, but watch TV or surf the Internet.  What you don’t get in luxuries you get in cool things like aluminum driveshafts, dual exhaust, bigger brakes, stab-shields in the Leer-made seats, fire suppression system, 140MPH gauges, etc.

5 – Suspension… sure, a Vic of ANY kind isn’t a BMW M5.  But I drove a ’98 with the Handling Package for 15 years.  Super comfy without being floaty.  I could throw that car into turns like nothing.  The regular versions I have driven were indeed a bit too floaty, but those cars were not made for the same hard use as the P71.  They also had different tires, with higher shoulders which I could feel made a difference.  

To his credit, the YouTuber also did a "5 Things I Love" video:  https://youtu.be/lo84XbTmcow