Help!Air Conversion Kit Installation 03 Navigator
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Help!Air Conversion Kit Installation 03 Navigator
I bought the conversion kit from strutmasters because I was sick of the expensive replacememt parts for the air suspension. The instruction are to un-bolt the air bag and remove and replace with the coil conversion spring by bolting it in. How in the world are you suppose to compress that spring inorder to get it to fit? The parts stores do not have a compression spring kit that will work on it. The problem is that it is almost impossible to start back over and let a real mechanic do it. The original air bag will not go back either. I want to do something myself instead of calling a tow truck! The instructions sux.
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Joined: Dec 2005
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From: Billings, Montana
Try steel banding, like what they use to band lumber together. I've heard that's one way to compress them. I installed the same thing on my wifes expy, I myself used the loader on my tractor to compress them, I then tied them with some wire in a compressed state.
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Try putting a jack under the hitch and raise the body up to remove the air bags and put in new springs. You can get a lot of clearance this way. Just be extremely carefull not to let the body fall with you under it. don't ask how I got my arm crushed and me pinned under the truck. Thank god my wife was there to save me and my arm.!!
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********All of these responses are dangerous and should be taken with GREAT amount of caution. Can they work? Yes! Can you die or damage your vehicle by using one of the options? YES!************
If Ford Calls for a spring compressor, I would be using it...unless I had experience, which, from the sound of your question, you do not! Shouldn't you be able to contact the conversion kit manufacturer? I assume they don't want lawsuits by telling you these shadetree tactics. It seems like it would be easy enough (I have never done a conversion on an expedition, but have changed rear coil springs before) --- just removed the shocks then jacked the vehicle until the tire is up off the ground. Then the coil should just slip right in (out) because there will be no pressure on it.
*****Again, proceed with caution******
Let us know.
If Ford Calls for a spring compressor, I would be using it...unless I had experience, which, from the sound of your question, you do not! Shouldn't you be able to contact the conversion kit manufacturer? I assume they don't want lawsuits by telling you these shadetree tactics. It seems like it would be easy enough (I have never done a conversion on an expedition, but have changed rear coil springs before) --- just removed the shocks then jacked the vehicle until the tire is up off the ground. Then the coil should just slip right in (out) because there will be no pressure on it.
*****Again, proceed with caution******
Let us know.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,218
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From: Parkville, MO (KC)
Very old dead thread, so doubt the original poster is still following. I can tell you that folks are generally pleased with the results of getting rid of the air shocks. I used a Rancho set, which were a little cheaper and have me a bit of a lift.
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03, 2003, air, bags, coil, conversion, expedition, ford, installation, kit, navagater, navigator, problems, replace, strutmasters, suspension
