'88 TC PRC suspension on an '83 Cougar

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'88 TC PRC suspension on an '83 Cougar

March 11, 2006, 08:20:13 PM

Hello again,
I just got an '88 TC parts car (and I mean only a very few parts), for the primary purpose of using the 8.8 disk brake rear end on my '83 Cougar. I also got all of the PRC shocks/struts with the actuators. Assuming they actually work, how hard would it be to install the PRC stuff on the Cougar? It will not be an active system, just one with a toggle switch inside that lets me pick Sport or Normal mode. To me it sounds pretty straightforward. I know the ABS stuff is useless. Does anybody have any advice or suggestions about this idea? Does anybody know the color coding on the actuators that tell it Normal or Sport? Again, this system will not be relying on any kind of feedback, just a selector switch. Thanks for the help.

Fordman3

'88 TC PRC suspension on an '83 Cougar

Reply #1 – March 11, 2006, 09:42:40 PM

sounds like it will be more trouble the it is worth. assuming the struts are well worn as most are.

'88 TC PRC suspension on an '83 Cougar

Reply #2 – March 11, 2006, 10:35:32 PM

Well assuming it's just 12 volts to the actuators, with just reversing the polarity to switch modes, it should be pretty easy. But nothing is as easy as it should be. You will obviously be wiring everything yourself and you will need to know exactly the voltage needed to toggle the actuators. I guess it's time to research. :)

'88 TC PRC suspension on an '83 Cougar

Reply #3 – March 11, 2006, 11:46:46 PM

Your best bet would be getting an EVTM.

I considered doing this to my T-Bird but decided against it due to the age of the PRC struts and the fact they can't be bought new. Still, I think it could be done. Instead of a toggle switch, though, I would imagine that you'd be better off using two momentary pushbuttons, one for soft, one for firm. The solenoids that activate the PRC struts/shocks would likely overheat and fail if you fed them power all the time - they only need power to change position - once they've moved they'll stay moved.

What you would in essence be doing is replicating a power lock system, but instead of activating solenoids to lock and unlock doors you'd be activating solenoids to shift between firm and soft.

'88 TC PRC suspension on an '83 Cougar

Reply #4 – March 12, 2006, 01:21:21 AM

Its MUCH too involved. The PRC system works using inputs from the EEC, brake inputs from the ABS, accelleration inputs from the EEC, steering inputs from a sensor on the steering column, it has its own computer, own trouble code system, and is very complex.

Also, there is more than just firm and soft. Its Firm and Auto. Auto is constantly changing to your driving and road conditions, which is what makes it so complex.

'88 TC PRC suspension on an '83 Cougar

Reply #5 – March 12, 2006, 03:28:49 AM

If there was a way to get 'em in firm mode, and leave em, I'd put mine on the white 'Bird.....they're rather decent on the TC, at least, when I push down on either side of the front, it doesn't bounce like hell wouldn't have it...like the struts on the V6 car.

Too bad it's suc a PITA...

'88 TC PRC suspension on an '83 Cougar

Reply #6 – March 12, 2006, 09:35:56 AM

you can just put em in firm mode.

If the TC still is "functioning", like you can put a battery in it, and mess with all the electrical goodies, just put a battery in it, switch it to firm, then pop the actuators off

'88 TC PRC suspension on an '83 Cougar

Reply #7 – March 12, 2006, 11:35:13 AM

Quote

Its MUCH too involved. The PRC system works using inputs from the EEC, brake inputs from the ABS, accelleration inputs from the EEC, steering inputs from a sensor on the steering column, it has its own computer, own trouble code system, and is very complex.

Also, there is more than just firm and soft. Its Firm and Auto. Auto is constantly changing to your driving and road conditions, which is what makes it so complex.

that would be only so if you wanted the system to be computer controled. wireing them into a switch and eliminating all the other stuff basically makes them manualy switched between on and off......

'88 TC PRC suspension on an '83 Cougar

Reply #8 – March 12, 2006, 02:41:08 PM

Quote from: Tbird232ci

you can just put em in firm mode.

If the TC still is "functioning", like you can put a battery in it, and mess with all the electrical goodies, just put a battery in it, switch it to firm, then pop the actuators off

I'll admit to thinking of that, but wasn't sure if they'd stay in firm mode, or they had a default setting...
They (NWS) are calling for real severe Tstorms later, and we're under a tornader watch, and I have a birthday booze-up to go to, so it's unlikely that I'll get to mess with it today. I'll get to it this week after work.
On a side note, I really ought to push the TC in my tractor shed so this 4" hail they'er predicting doesn't beat it to hell.