88TC Rear Suspension

[TownCarTechi]

My wife's 88TC has coil suspension in the rear and it normally sits lower than we like, and when any load is in the trunk, it is much lower. The top of the rear wheel well is normally about 1" above the rear tire. With a load, the wheel well drops to about 1-2" below the tire, depending upon the weight of the load.

I'd like some advice whether I should just replace the coil springs with new ones, or should I invest in adjustable air shock absorbers?

[98TC-Cartier]

Sounds like tired springs. What kind of load are you talking about for 2-3 inches of drop?

You just might need both new springs and air shocks.

[87 town]

My wife's 88TC has coil suspension in the rear and it normally sits lower than we like, and when any load is in the trunk, it is much lower. The top of the rear wheel well is normally about 1" above the rear tire. With a load, the wheel well drops to about 1-2" below the tire, depending upon the weight of the load.

I'd like some advice whether I should just replace the coil springs with new ones, or should I invest in adjustable air shock absorbers?

I had same issue, about 4-5 years ago now. Riding low in the back. Went with Monroe Matic Air Shocks. (Lifetime Guarantee). By passed the factory air system. I pump up the air through a spot under the rear bumper now. Pump em up for a different look or heavy loads. Less air for more comfort and level ride.
I can tell you from my experience that they have been GREAT. Got rid of the sag completely with zero negative effects. I love em. Only negative is that they tend to ride a little harder. I try to keep em pumped up about mid way and no more than like 32 lbs of air in the tires and is pretty good.
You may hear many opinions here with some people suggesting new coil springs instead. Which is also a good idea. I can just say from my experience, 4-5 years later, it was a good decision for me.

[Elemino]

I had this problem, new springs will solve the issue. If you're like me and carry some heavy things in the trunk you can upgade your shocks to Monroe Sensa-trac load adjusters. You get the smooooooth ride of sensa-trac with the extra weight support. I had new springs and those load adjusters installed on all 4 wheels. I always brag (and the guys on here can tell you) that I can load up my car with ppl, stuff in the trunk (including my 150 sub and amps) and the car sits level now.
with zero negative effects... Only negative is...Don't worry, we all have our moments. :D

[87 town]

I had this problem, new springs will solve the issue. If you're like me and carry some heavy things in the trunk you can upgade your shocks to Monroe Sensa-trac load adjusters. You get the smooooooth ride of sensa-trac with the extra weight support. I always brag (and the guys on here can tell you) that I can load up my car with ppl, stuff in the trunk (including my 150 sub and amps) and the car sits level now.

Monroe sen sa trac shocks are Dynamite! I have em on the front and they are the best. Yeah, if he goes with new coil springs i would go with the monroes. if not, then the monroe matic air shocks would be my choice.

[gadget73]

New springs. They're cheap and easy to install yourself. Add air shocks to it if you'd like but I would definitely say replace the springs even if you do add air shocks, that way the spring is carrying the majority of the weight under normal circumstances and the air shocks are only used to add load carry capacity, which is what they are supposed to be used for.

[Scruffybeast]

Proceed with caution about replacing rear springs. I own a 1988 TC with the factory air shocks and compressor. One of the shocks is ruptured, and the air system is inoperative also. It is easier and cheaper to go with good aftermarket air shocks you fill manually. If the car sags slightly at the rear, it would seem that new springs would make things right with no extra load, but I tried new factory springs, and the car still was low in the rear. Apparantly the original intent was to maintain normal hight with a little air in the shocks. Scruffybeast

[gadget73]

You can get an adapter for about $10 to tie aftermarket air shocks into the factory load level system. I did it with my car and it works fine.

[Ivan D.]

You can get an adapter for about $10 to tie aftermarket air shocks into the factory load level system. I did it with my car and it works fine.
I'm with Gadget here, if ya got a factory air system there ain't no reason why ya want to replace it with a manual-operated one - just get a pair of air shocks, the $10 adapter, and ya'll be back in business.