Question: Although this "77" Maverick I recenlty obtained drives and runs straight, the suspension is somewhat........well......"roady". I mean I can feel every little bump in the road, and being here in Ohio...we have our share of bumps. The maintenance history on the vehicle shows a recenlty new set of front shocks, but it still rides rough. Any suggestions on an improved suspension ride without putting in an entire updated system....you know just to get me through this summer/fall season before she goes in for the winter and who knows what will happen then....Thanks.
Excessive alignment angles can cause "road shock" without driving "bad". Also check your tire pressures. A lot of cause could give you a rougher ride
Thanks I will check the aligment out....but I still think I may be adding a stronger, heavier Sway Bar.
A stronger bar will increase the feel of the road - not reduce it. Softer springs, softer shocks, rubber bushings and less air pressure in the tires will soften the ride and cut down on the harsh road feel when driving. All of that will also reduce the performance of the car in turns and under acceleration and braking.
Have you driven a 34 year old car before? It's just the way they are, I have rebuilt everything on my car, and it's no where near my 2010 F150 for ride quality, there are limitations to the technology.
That's what I was going to say to him too. No matter how you rebuild it, it'll never ride and drive like today's cars. Suspension tech has come a long way in three decades.
Well I guess my wording was taken wrongly....obviously I realize the age of the car, todays technology and the comparison factor.....I was simply asking what others have done to their Mavericks to improve suspension performance...you know it can be improved. So my question or comment was directed towards areas to be addressed.....front end, shocks, rear suspension....not asking based on lack of knowledge...just seeking opinions....
One of the biggest improvements, is the addition of a rear sway bar. Some people including myself, have replaced most of the bushings with "Poly" only to find it's too stiff, and noisy. Good quality parts (moog) are your best bet, just never use anything other than rubber with the stock strut rods.
Very good. This is the type of "response", "discussion" I was looking for. Again, this isn't my "First Time Around The Block", simply wanted to hear and see what others have done to the "stock" somewhat "outdated" Maverick suspensions. Appreciate it.
Reading this discussion reminded me of what a man at this car show recently said. "Yeah I had one of those Mavericks in my younger days, nice cars. Just kind of primitive for their time. I remember you could tell the difference between a nickel and dime if you drove over one."
If ur car has worn out springs, those shud be included in suspension restoration. In my opinion they shud be high on the priority sheet.
