Mark VIII quirks?

[Black87LSC]

I am looking into buying a Mark VIII, and I was wondering what problems I should look for. What are some common problems or even nightmares with these besides the suspension? I have heard that the coil spring conversion is easy, is it bolt in?

Thanks guys!! -Brian

 

[scott9050]

On gen 2's the blend door arm is a problem. Chain rattle on startup is common. The alarm system can be buggy and the non HID headlights on 1st gens suck. Some consider the 96 LSC to be the best of the group. Some of the experts here should know better than I.

 

[formerknown]

Go for a 1998. Better transmission components, HID's, etc.

Only problems I've had so far are from the original wheels and tires, which I replaced with the Cobra R's, the neon tail, which I replaced, and I replaced the original battery. Could use a new belt tensioner and pulley, but that's an easy fix.

The drawbacks- the lightshow is expensive to fix; I dropped $400 on the neon tail. HID's have been good to me, but I think the original owner replaced them before I bought it, so I should be good for a few years.

The air suspension is fine, but I'll be going coil once I pay some bills; I just need something that can handle my driving style. The intake manifold kinda sucks, but I'm replacing mine with a 97 Cobra intake next month. The gas mileage on mine kinda sucks, but that;s because I drive like an a$$hole...

But all around; I'm extremely pleased with my 1998, and will buy a Mark VIII again of I had to...

 

[fossten]

Besides the suspension, expect for every movable plastic part in the car to wear out eventually. The usual suspects are: Driver's door handle($84), interior console lid ($25 at junkyard), shifter knob ($25 at jy), interior door panel (warps). Door hinge ($25 for kit), chrome bumper trim ($100 for front/back total), alternator, water pump, O2 sensor, throttle control sensor, idler pulley.

Those prices are parts only.

If you don't mind replacing parts one at a time, the car is unmatched for its combination of power, comfort, look, and fit. Be prepared to sink at least $1,000 into it in the first year. I'm not saying you will spend that much, but be prepared. And learn to do it yourself. Don't pay that high labor cost.

And coil conversion is bolt in, but be prepared with good tools and good work space. It's not as easy as it looks. See my post on coil conversion. I'm a total newbie when it comes to working on cars, and I did it in one day. But it's not easy.

 

[Joeychgo]

I cant really improve on this list. - except to add that the buttons on 1993 and 1994 lincoln mark viii tend to crack.

 

[scott9050]

I forgot to add that the OD button tends not to work because the metal that the wire is up against tends to saw through it. Some people solder the wires but others prefer to replace it (I will be doing it soon). The accumulator pistons in the 93-97 need to be updated and Mercon V fluid added. If a pre 96 then the 96+ pan is a good replacement and only $15 or so on the net.

 

[Jporter]

I forgot to add that the OD button tends not to work because the metal that the wire is up against tends to saw through it. Some people solder the wires but others prefer to replace it (I will be doing it soon). The accumulator pistons in the 93-97 need to be updated and Mercon V fluid added. If a pre 96 then the 96+ pan is a good replacement and only $15 or so on the net.

Body panels and trim are expensive too. Unless you know what you're doing or know someone that does it'll cost for labor. Afterall 200-300 bucks for a good grill is insane. $500-600 for headlights if HID. $100-300 for a directional/cornering light and to replace my bumper skin because it was torn was $688 and if you live in a state where front plates are mandatory the brackets are pricey too. Most of the stuff you MAY be able to get on e-bay if you're not outbid,but I've found on more than one occasssion descriptions are a little general and you don't know what you got until you see it. You're better off asking around here if any one has about extra parts and price,it usually costs you less and you won't get screwed 'cause everyones family. Right?

 

[JoeyLincolnMK8]

If a pre 96 then the 96+ pan is a good replacement and only $15 or so on the net.

are you talking about the tranny pan or the oil pan? just curious, that this is actually news to me. thanks

 

[MonsterMark]

Oil pan rots out and leaks.

 

[scott9050]

are you talking about the tranny pan or the oil pan? just curious, that this is actually news to me. thanks

Tranny pan. The 96+ have more fluid capacity and are usually wanted.

 

[Blackout]

If you get a first gen make sure it has HID's and not halogen's. Halogens = the suckage

 

[Black87LSC]

Oil pan rots out and leaks.

Do you need to pull the motor to do an oil pan like the VII's?

 

[GMAN]

I have the Gen I and so far I love it. Not counting the idiot that hit me and caused me to spend 1K to fix it. It is an absolute dream to drive. No matter if you drive a Gen I or Gen II.

 

[badbolr]

Rotors

Only thing I didn't see are the rotors warp easily. I've owned 3 and all three warped and the steering wheel shook when I braked. Upgrade to a quality slotted rotor to help cooling and that is that.

Oh, they mentioned trans fluid... if you test drive it and it the trans shudders... like running over road bumpers, you'll need this flush procedure. It usually works. Why the trans wasn't a recall I'll never know!

Good luck