Air Suspension Switch

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Jan 22, 2004 | 11:50 AM

Where yat

Thread Starter

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Joined: Sep 2003

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Air Suspension Switch

Although there was an active topic yesterday about air suspension, it appeared to be a 4x4 arena. I discovered an air suspension switch under the dash, passenger side of newly acquired 2000 5.4 Expy 4x2. Will some members kindly enlighten me on what this is, and what air suspension I may have?
Thanks.

Jan 22, 2004 | 12:12 PM

hceptj

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Joined: Aug 2003

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You have rear air suspension (my last exp was 4x2) only...no front (for which most of us think you should be grateful

).

The switch is mainly used for working on the system if there is something wrong. So if you get a leak and the compressor keeps running constantly you can shut it off before it burns itself up.

Hope that helps

Jan 22, 2004 | 12:23 PM

FarmLaw

Senior User

Joined: Sep 2003

Posts: 327

Likes: 1

From: Midwest

The switch is also used when you're setting up the vehicle for towing with a weight distributing hitch (see manual if applicable to you) and when lifting the vehicle with a hoist (you shut the air ride off prior to lifting the vehicle).

Jan 22, 2004 | 06:17 PM

tsdrallyer

Elder User

Joined: Nov 2002

Posts: 736

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From: Texas, USA

If you have an owner's manual read it. If not, be aware that you should not attmempt to jack up vehicle to change a tire for example, without turning off the system. If you do not turn it off, the vehicle will attempt to level itself and can push itself off the jack. Remind any tire or other car service personell that you have the air suspension when you take it in for work to be done. That might save a life, or a lot of body damage to your truck.

Jan 23, 2004 | 11:32 AM

Where yat

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Joined: Sep 2003

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Thanks very much. Farmlaw, I do plan on towing my camper using my weight-distributing hitch. Although I read the owner's manual from cover-to-cover the first day, I did not recall or probably thought it did not apply to my vehicle. When, towing, are you saying that I should not use the air suspension?
Thanks again.

Jan 23, 2004 | 01:09 PM

tsdrallyer

Elder User

Joined: Nov 2002

Posts: 736

Likes: 1

From: Texas, USA

when I bought my trailer i asked my dealer about it. He towed the same model with a 2001 Expy. He said on the way to the camp ground 250 miles, he used the air suspension with the weight distributing hitch. On the way back he turned off the air. He claims he could tell no difference in the ride or handling .

I tow 5200lbs of 8x26' with the air suspension on and no wd hitch, just two friction anti sway bars. It's fine in gusty winds up to 40 mph, and speeds up to 85 mph. Beyond that I don't know.