Air Ride Replacement Question
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Joined: Jun 2008
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Air Ride Replacement Question
I have a 1998 Ford Expedition 4.6L 4x4 Eddie Bauer. It has the Air Ride leveling suspension. Well the compressor stopped working the other day and I'm wondering on which route to go.
Either replace the compressor, maybe line leaks, etc..... OR
Buy rear coil springs and dont worry about anything failing.
What would you guys recommend. I have found a couple places online that sell rear springs from $190-$250.
The other question I have about the springs is what is the difference between a stock Expedition spring and these aftermarkets? Thanks in advance. Later Ryan
Either replace the compressor, maybe line leaks, etc..... OR
Buy rear coil springs and dont worry about anything failing.
What would you guys recommend. I have found a couple places online that sell rear springs from $190-$250.
The other question I have about the springs is what is the difference between a stock Expedition spring and these aftermarkets? Thanks in advance. Later Ryan
New User
Joined: Jul 2008
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Check out this link.
American Air Suspension- Air Suspension Parts and conversion kits
I bought from them a pain 2 disable check suspension light thougt...
American Air Suspension- Air Suspension Parts and conversion kits
I bought from them a pain 2 disable check suspension light thougt...
Cross-Country
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 66
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I have a 99 EB with 4 corner air suspension. It has 170,000 miles and I live in upstate NY, although the 1st half of it's life was in Mississippi. I have replaced the compressor once, and a rear bag solenoid once - other than that no problems and I prefer it's ride and hauling ability. I would talk to american air suspension and get a compressor from them if mine went bad.
4th Gear
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 4
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Replaced on my '97 Expedition
My then 16 yr old son and I replaced the air ride suspension with coils two years ago. Job went well and the company I bought the coils from even gave you what wire to clip for the compressor sensor alarm. You need to pull part of the dash for that but, very do-able. Pulled the boat 1200 miles round trip last summer - no problem. Coils are a little stiffer ride.
I'll look up who I bought them from when I get home!
Good Luck,
Euelllog
I'll look up who I bought them from when I get home!
Good Luck,
Euelllog
4th Gear
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 4
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I bought my coils from: Air Suspension, Struts,Shock Absorbers, Air Bags, Compressors, and Conversion Kits for Lincoln, Ford, Subaru, Range Rover, Cadillac, Lexus, Mercury, and more. They were also helpful on the phone.
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Tuned
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 290
Likes: 5
From: Greene County,TN.
The compressor on these vehicles are junk to begin with and we have to do 8 different modifications to the Exped/Nav compressors to make them last. When they start going bad, they pull allot of amps. This is EXTREMELY hard on the relays($110-$130 at the stealership). In other words, you could very well replace the relay and think you have it licked.....but find out a month later that the actual problem...or cause, was the compressor.
BTW, the air suspension isn't for everyone....but neither is the coils. Whats the better route depends on what you do with the vehicle. If you pull a boat or trailer, you may want to stay with the air...as it IS nice to have an auto leveling vehicle when pulling something with some weight. If you don't pull anything heavy, the air suspension is almost a waist(in my opinion) and the 4x4 system isn't exactly as troublefree as the 4x2's.
BTW, the air suspension isn't for everyone....but neither is the coils. Whats the better route depends on what you do with the vehicle. If you pull a boat or trailer, you may want to stay with the air...as it IS nice to have an auto leveling vehicle when pulling something with some weight. If you don't pull anything heavy, the air suspension is almost a waist(in my opinion) and the 4x4 system isn't exactly as troublefree as the 4x2's.
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 105
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From: W. Michigan
x2 on the strutmasters kit! You still need to get some front shocks to replace the fronts which are the air part in the front. I am happier with the coils than the ride of the air system. I've towed really heavy loads with springs and they hold up well. I still have the old compressor, I may use it for airing up my jeep tires on the trail.
Tuned
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 290
Likes: 5
From: Greene County,TN.
x2 on the strutmasters kit! You still need to get some front shocks to replace the fronts which are the air part in the front. I am happier with the coils than the ride of the air system. I've towed really heavy loads with springs and they hold up well. I still have the old compressor, I may use it for airing up my jeep tires on the trail.
(BTW, Strutmasters makes our kits)
New User
Joined: Jul 2008
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i replaced the air compressor on my 01 navigator. i also changed the air ride compressor relay and all is wrkn fine now hopefully nothn else goes bad well i just thought id mention it and now i love my suv all over again
Tuned
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 290
Likes: 5
From: Greene County,TN.
Especially if you have a 4x4, I strongly recommend replacing the line union that connects 2 lines together around the brake m/c. They are prone to crack, which allows at least one line to pop out. When this happes, no pressure can build and the vehicle will squat until it is fixed.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 105
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From: W. Michigan
Am. Air--
Coilovers eh? didn't have them a couple years ago when I got my stuff. I just got a good quality shock for some older ford that was recommended here. I did have to crank the bars a bit but haven't had alignment issues. I'll check your site and see the coilovers. Got anything good for rear shocks??
Coilovers eh? didn't have them a couple years ago when I got my stuff. I just got a good quality shock for some older ford that was recommended here. I did have to crank the bars a bit but haven't had alignment issues. I'll check your site and see the coilovers. Got anything good for rear shocks??
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