I invite all members to read this!

[biobug1]

Don't be fooled by the expensive coil conversion kits online.For those of you that don't know,the Mark8 is based on the 89-97 Thunderbird chassis.The struts,rear shocks and coils are a direct bolt in.The only thing missing is that square plate with stud in the middle.You make that yourself by those of you that have tools and the fabrication skills.For y'all that don't,have somebody make them for you or buy the plates online.(I have seen just the plates but I don't have the link at this time). These cars are in lots of salvage yards and auctions.There's just 3 alone in one Pick Your Part here in my town for example(they have the best price)or buy from salvage yards online too.The best way to go is buy the complete strut assembly and rear springs off the Bird and replace the shock parts.The fronts are Monroe-801845 at Rockauto,$41.79 each+shipping($8-$12 for the pair)The rears are Monroe-33134 for $14.04 each+shipping(7-11)this fits 93 T-Bird with 5.0(3.8v6 uses same #'s). Acquire the rear plates and you just saved some cash.(insert "applause"emoji here). WANNA PUT A SBF IN YOUR 8? Yes you can be the first on your block to have a 289,302/5.0,351W/5.8,or a CLEVELAND in your Mark.The motor mounts from a 91-93 Bird 5.0 fit the Mark.Use the stock Trans mount with the C4,C6,82-92AOD or FMX(I don't why anyone would but maybe that's all they have),the Marks AODE does not bolt to the SBF's.There's is also the 6 speed kit on LOD.Also get a rear sump oil pan (available online from several companies). Rig up your own electrical or mechanical cooling system and bracket assemblies.Modify the driveshaft also(Depending on what transmission you use will dictate yoke,u-joints and length).IF YOU LIVE IN EMISSIONS TESTING AREAS-you must have (cat)s and or smog pump on this and can only do this on the 93,94,95(pre-OBDII).the only way to do it to the 96,97,98 is to use the 5.0 or 5.8 motor with an OBDII compatible FI and Ignition systems and(cat)s.If you dont have emissions testing THEN RUN WILD!Supercharged or Turboed with a set of Borlas or Magnaflows sound good to me.I have a 4V Cleveland and a 93 that are eyeballing each other.(I feel a "Hey!You got your chocolate in my peanut butter" moment coming on).all covered like a Twix bar in 62 Lincoln "Black Cherry"glaze.Yum! Thanks for reading,hope somebody learned something new.(the best shadetree on Fords since 1978).:wave:

 

[Bangster]

That is all probably not news to many here. What about the upper rear shock mount? What about the lower rear spacer? My car was way too low using the eibach lowering rear springs without a perch. I will probably get the energy suspension ones and try again. Even with the air assist bags my tires hit the fenders just with a single occupant.

I agree that the conversion kits have less than stellar parts, air ride is so nice, but a decent set of springs and shocks are okay, but not what the conversion kits have, pretty poor setup.

 

[biobug1]

shock mounts are easy to fab,JC Whitney has rubber spacers.lots of yall know about the conversion but the motor mounts not many know about.

 

[BlackIceLSC]

V6 shocks are not a good idea in the Mark VIII.
Monroe part number 5965 for the rear ($28 each)
you can modify the upper shock mounts to accept these Monroes
As for the top plate, find a T-Bird center cap off the wheel, drill a hole dead center and install a bolt w/nut facing UP and they make the right top plate plus fit right over the top coil. They also lift the rear of the car 1/3" just like the rubber spring isolators do. You can also slide 5/8" heater hose around the bottom coil of the rear spring to isolate it from the lower control arm surface.
Been doing these conversions for years.
Keep in mind, when you go to a JUNK YARD, you are usually buying JUNK...aka...old, used, weathered parts. Installing used, old parts in your Mark VIII will save you money, but it is not exactly what many of us are trying to do = save money but end up with a horrible ride that will adversely effect the other suspension components, thus costing you MORE money in the end.

Cheap = expensive.

But thanks.

 

[tixer]

Those are some great little hacks.

I love the hubcap spring-seat. Great idea..

 

[chris2523]

V6 shocks are not a good idea in the Mark VIII.

thats not really how shocks work.
pretty much all aftermarket manufacturers spec the same shocks for the v6 and v8 tbirds/cougars.
rock auto lists the 5965 for the v6 bird.
the nose weight of the two is not really all that different, and the rear setup is the same.

plus the V6 super coupe shocks are way better/stiffer than the v8 ls shocks as well.