97 F250 Light Duty Rear Air Suspension - HELP!
 

Thanks for looking!

I've got a '97 F250 LD w/ the factory air bag load leveling rear end. Had a leaky bag for a while that was making the compressor work harder, now I need a new bag AND a new compressor.... :-( The local Ford dealerships couldn't believe Ford even built this thing, evidently they're not too common...

FYI, the SUV system of the same era does not fit unfortunately...

If I go OEM equipment, where are the lowest cost online alternative for Ford parts?

Has anyone switched the springs out of a non-air bagged suspension on one of these? If so, from what model and what year?

It appears that Firestone *may* make an acceptable replacement, although of all the companies selling this kit I can only find one website that lists the 97 F250 LD as a fit.

Typical ad for the part:
http://www.suspensionconnection.com/...ml?id=Y4Izaokq

The ONLY company that I could find that actually identifies my model as being compatible w/ this part:
http://www.ultimateautoaccessories.c...t_Code=2320__2 (note same part number as above)

The companies are of little help when I called in, I do have a message into Firestone themselves to see if it will fit.

Surely someone has encountered this problem before, a search of the archives found a few w/ the same problem but no answers and the original posters never followed up....

Any other forums I should be checking?

Thanks a million!

John in Iowa

I have a 2001 F150, which I added the Firestone kit to. I believe your frame is different, so that particular piece probably won't work. However, I think that Firestone Industrial does make the piece that you need.

Although they would not sell directly, their tech service people were very helpful and connected me with a supplier for the right parts when I did mine. I hope they haven't "streamlined" their service! I would suggest you phone them. They are NOT the same as Firestone Tire, which as you probably know, is a subsidiary of Bridgestone.

Good luck!

I also have 97 ford 4x4 with the same air bags factory. I have blown both air bags before giving up on the bags all together. The bags are 200$ from my local dealer. I changed one about a six months ago and like clock work the other blew about 2 months later. I have a near new air bag and my factory compressor I would sell to you for 1/2 price of new if you want. My # 530 673 6506. Or you can call local junk yard and try to find f-250 lt duty leaf springs and change out your air bags. This is what I did and they bolted right in with no problems.