Folks:

I'm new to this group and am looking for some advice.
I'm quite familiar with air suspension problems on the expy ('99 xlt here). During the time of my warranty I went through multiple compressors, relays, solenoid, height sensor, etc.

All the while, the problem was a leak in one of the lines. I'm obviously a patient person.

Well needless to say, warranty has expired and lo and behold, the filter dryer canister exploded (300 miles past warranty). This is the 2nd time this has happened.

So my dilemma is the following. I figure I can replace the dryer canister and (hopefully) drive on, or should I consider other options like a third party compressor.

Strutmasters has a rebuilt dryer for $35.

I've read through some of the threads, but any advice would be appreciated.

Cheers!

 

Welcome aboard. I don't have a clue about the LLS suspension but know of the associated problems. For $35, I'd be all over that dryer and not look back....be thankful it's not the compressor or some other high $$$ component.

 

My crystal ball says your future will include many headaches and expensive repairs to LLS based on the numerous warranty repairs already performed to your 99 xlt.

Based on my experiences with my '98 I wouldn't spend a dime on that system. I would put it toward the conversion kit and fix it ONE LAST TIME.

 

Go with aftermarket, its cheaper, and a lot of times, aftermarket is better quality than OEM. *cough*sway bar linkages*cough*

 

OK, aftermarket sounds reasonable for now. I'm still looking at total conversion as a last resort, though tempting it is...

Is there a drop-in compressor replacement? Is there much involved in the retrofit? Any feedback from someone who's gone that route would be appreciated.

 

Ok...the FIRST thing that I recommend is ****CAN the LLS. That is a SUREFIRE FIX!! You will ELIMINATE the problem once and for all...or you can make the same mistake I did and spend lots of time and money trying to make it work...your choice.

Which ever method you choose...I've been there!

It's been awhile but here's how to replace compressor/drier (I had to do it twice):

1. If you have a battery cover, remove cables and cover.
2. Unclip wire harness to windshield washer pump motor
3. Remove Washer reservoir (I think there's 3 bolts...I know one bolt requires a loooong extension with socket. Have to run it all the way to the back between battery and reservoir into side of right fender).
4. Remove wire harness for compressor
5. Cut air lines into/out of drier with a sharp razor knife. I cut mine as close to the drier as possible to ensure I still had plenty of hose to reinstall. (I tried and tried to pull them out of the drier but the clips are very effective at holding them into the drier and I chose to just cut them - try to make a nice clean straight cut)
5. Remove Drier - there's a phillips screw under it that attaches it to the compressor mounting plate that has to come out first then it just twists a 1/4 turn counter clockwise...be careful not to lose o-rings. Keep in mind it's plastic so DON'T FORCE IT!
6. You now can get to the bolts that attach the compressor mounting plate to the truck...I think there's 4 to remove. Once those are out you can manhandle the whole unit out.

Now, put the new one in in reverse order. Then...after a few thousand miles picture the same thing going wrong again and ordering another unit. Then finding that the relay was bad instead...blah, blah, blah....

Now imagine spending about $300 to have your suspension converted to coil springs. You will never have another LLS problem...PERIOD!

Good luck!

 

I have owned a '97 Expedition (traded with 70K miles) and currently a '99 Expedition (with 106K miles). Both had the four corner load leveling air suspension. The only problem I ever had with either trucks was a air line fitting breaking on my '99 when it had ~90K miles. I am looking at a 2004 F250 Super Duty Diesel because I now tow a larger trailer. But if I were to get another Expedition, I would order one with the LLS!

 

Thanks Sturge, I appreciate the feedback.

I'm gonna try the dryer replacement first.

When you replaced the compressor, did you use an OEM or aftermarket?

 

OEM...$380
Struttmasters...$175

I went with Struttmasters - good luck dude!

 

Quick question Dudeman. I dont know too many people that use the word "Dudeman". I only know 1. Did you live in OR?

 

lol nope Illinois, apparently dudeman is already taken, thus the (2).

 

LOL The Dudeman I know moved to Bloomington. Small world. Have a great day.

 

If you recall from the original message, the dryer exploded and I was quick to shut down the LLS before losing air. This served me well as the suspension stayed aired up until I started to work on it.

Ok, so installed the replacement dryer today.
Well, the compressor started running normally. But, then the bag air bags emptied...

Now the compressor is running through it's cycles, but the rear is staying sagged and the bags aren't airing back up.

I'm I missing something, do I need to reset the system, or is something more obscure wrong?

Help!

 

oops, trash that last message...

After pondering a moment, I did the ol' soap and water check.
It was leaking heavy at the dryer air line connections. So I cut them back to smoother surfaces and reseated them. All is well now.

Thanks for all the feedback folks.
$35 dryer got me going again.

 

have you done the conversion kit?
i wold love to do this as i do not really tow and would like to have fewer moving parts to break and pay for down the road as i might have to keep this ride for a long long time