I'm about to replace the front shocks on my 1996 MGM. Any recommendations? Rich W

 

Welcome to the Mercury Forums, Grand Marquis Division --
You didn't specify as to what the car will be used for, or the type of driving that you do -- HOWEVER:
I set up The 95 MERC for long-distance, high-speed touring through the deserts and mountains of the American West.
Your '96 Marquis has the same shock mounts (front & rear) as The 95 MERC.
Installation is E-Z on the fronts, a bit tricky on the rears.
I chose the KYB Gas-A-Just shocks because I have used them on several other vehicles, and they have proven to be of superior quality and value.
KYB Gas-A-Just shocks come with a LIFETIME WARRANTY -- and they back it up!

'96 Grand Marquis:
Front Shocks = KYB # KG5458.
Rear Shocks = KYB # KG5521
These particular shocks are designed for high-performance POLICE applications, and provide excellent vehicle control.
BEST PRICE is at: RockAuto.com

Sleeping Beauty, Rolling Thunder

 

Thanks. The type of driving will be around town and an occasional trip Richw

 

In that case, you may wanna just go with a popular brand, such as Monroe -- Their top-of-the-line (gas-filled) shocks should last you for several years.
To be honest widja, I haven't run "regular" shocks for decades -- I always go for the "severe service" and/or "high-performance" type of shock absorber.

 

With your type of driving I would go with Gabriel or Monroe, nothing special.They likely would last for the remaining life of your G.M. The shocks only control the oscillations of the springs and the springs have the biggest impact on ride quality, not the shocks.

 

I ran Gabriel shocks for many years, and they performed excellently -- but -- they are now Hecho en Mexico, and the quality has gone away.
I don't use them any more, or recommend them to customers.
The Monroes are a popular brand -- available everywhere -- they have evolved well over the years.
Regarding ride quality --
YES, the shocks control the springs' oscillations -- but we don't change the SPRINGS when the OEM ride quality goes away.
We change the shock absorbers -- to a type that affords the ride quality that we desire.
In actuality, we control our vehicles' ride quality by purchasing the type of shock absorbers that provide the ride quality we want.
During the course of a complete Marquis suspension restoration/modification, I replaced the front springs and the spring isolators,
The new springs had little to no effect on the "ride quality" -- the "tuning" of the suspension was done with shock absorber choice, as is the custom of professional suspension specialists and off-road racers.

 

When ride height decreases due to the springs getting weaker, ride quality goes down hill and alignment readings deviate from specifications.I would be surprised if original springs on a 96 would still be within specs as far as ride height is concerned. Worn shocks do not change alignment angles because they do not support the load. Most people change shocks since it is quick and cheap and think the car will ride like new. It won't if the springs are weak. The new shocks won't correct any alignment issues or bottoming out of the suspension.
I have replaced many pairs of springs on my Fords. Many times without new shocks because they were still functioning properly. The new springs always had the biggest impact on my ride quality than any shocks I have ever replaced.

 

Actually, the Grand Marquis springs hold their height very well -- the "worn" set that I removed at 110,000 miles measured only 1/16th- inch shorter than the brand-new replacement springs.The springs weren't "worn" or sagging -- I replaced them as part of a complete suspension rebuild/modification.
Changes in ride heights on the Panther Chassis cars is almost non-existent, with the exception being the Air Suspension models that lose air to the rear air bags.
You say that "worn shocks do not change alignment angles because they do not support the load."
That WAS true, but is no longer, since modern shock absorber technology has led us to GAS-CHARGED shocks -- which actually DO support the load, due to their 150-psi nitrogen charge supplying "lift" to the vehicle's weight.
Gas-charged shocks are certainly not new, as I ran gas-charged "Rancho" (Made by Gabriel) shocks on my off-road racer some 40 years ago.


Ridin' High in the Bradshaw Mountains