I have a 4WD 1998 Ford F250 XLT Extended Cab with a factory installed load-leveling suspension that has stopped working completely. I took it to a shop to see about getting it repaired and they told me it can't be fixed because they can't get parts. According to the mechanic Ford only used this suspension system for a couple of years and it was specific to the F-250. Ford doesn't make replacement parts anymore so they can't get what they need. I asked about taking the system out and replacing it with a regular heavy duty towing suspension since I bought the truck specifically to pull a 26 foot travel trailer. They said that wasn't even an option. Am I basically out of luck and should I just look at selling the truck "as is"? I like the truck and it only has 85K miles on it so I'd like to hang onto it for at least a couple of more years.

 

I don't see why you shouldn't be able to adapt a aftermarket load leveling kit into the truck. There are plenty out there to choose from, and all do the same basic thing, by increasing air pressure to a set of air bags when it reads the truck not being level.

 

I agree. I think you stumped whatever garage you sent it to. Perhaps they didn't know much about it so they found it easier to just push it back out. I'd take a trip to the dealer and see what they say.

 

98? heavy half ton? 7 lug? good luck man. thats gona be interesting

 

It depends why the system failed.

The compressor and the leveling sensors are not truck specific and were used on Town Cars, Crown Vics, and Marquis. The difference on the sensors are the arms that attach to the axle, spring, or however ford attached them. So when you swap the parts, retain the old arms (they're about 3/8" square, long plastic things with ball clips on the end).

The air bags on each side can be replaced with generics and there are tons of aftermarket companies offering those. There are two kinds - ones that have a tire inflation valve which you don't want, and the kind that has an NPT port (sometimes two) and you'll have to adapt the NPT port to the hard lines that are part of your factory system using a flare tool and probably a couple of adapters.

All the leveling system does is is if the sensors are flexed down (lots of weight), an air valve opens to add air. As the pressure drops in the system from filling the air bags the compressor kicks on and backfills that pressure. When level, the valve closes and shortly thereafter the compressor shuts off.

When too high, a different valve opens to allow air out of the air bags to lower the rear of the truck to level.

The compressors for the town car/marquis/CV are the same however the mounting is a hair different but that can be solved with a few bolts and a piece of flat steel. Not a big deal.

 

^^^ Sounds like the guy to listen to.