How to Lower a Crown Victoria
If you’re the proud owner of a classic Crown Victoria and want to give it a more aggressive and stylish appearance, lowering the suspension is a great way to achieve that. This article will guide you through the process of lowering a Crown Victoria, from gathering the necessary tools and materials to executing the installation.
1. Gather the Necessary Tools and Materials
Before you begin the lowering process, make sure you have all the necessary tools and materials. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:
– Jack stands
– Lug wrench
– Wheel brace
– Socket set
– Wrench set
– Jack
– Wheel lug nuts
– Lowering springs or coilovers
– Mounting hardware
– Grease
2. Prepare Your Vehicle
Park your Crown Victoria on a flat, even surface and engage the parking brake. Chock the wheels to prevent the vehicle from rolling. Set the emergency brake and place the transmission in park (for automatics) or first gear (for manuals).
3. Loosen the Lug Nuts
Using a lug wrench, loosen the lug nuts on all four wheels but do not remove them yet. This will make it easier to remove the wheels later.
4. Remove the Wheels
Using the lug wrench, remove the lug nuts and take off the wheels. Set them aside in a safe place.
5. Lowering the Suspension
Now it’s time to install the lowering springs or coilovers. Here’s how to do it:
– Place the lowering springs or coilovers in their mounting locations.
– Thread the mounting hardware onto the new springs or coilovers, making sure to apply grease to the threads for easier installation.
– Install the new springs or coilovers into the vehicle’s suspension mounts.
– Tighten the mounting hardware to the manufacturer’s specifications.
6. Reinstall the Wheels
Once the lowering springs or coilovers are installed, reinstall the wheels by placing them back onto the lug bolts and tightening the lug nuts by hand.
7. Lower the Vehicle
Using the jack, lift the vehicle until the tires are just off the ground. Lower the jack stands under the vehicle and remove the jack. Carefully lower the vehicle onto the jack stands.
8. Tighten the Lug Nuts
Now that the vehicle is on the jack stands, use the lug wrench to tighten the lug nuts to the manufacturer’s specifications.
9. Test the Vehicle
Start the engine and let it idle for a few minutes to ensure that everything is working properly. Test the vehicle for proper alignment and ride quality. If everything seems fine, you’ve successfully lowered your Crown Victoria!
Remember that lowering your vehicle can affect its handling and ride quality, so it’s essential to have the suspension properly aligned and to test the vehicle thoroughly after installation. Enjoy your new, lower Crown Victoria!
