95 TC with rear suspension problem

I have a 95 TC with the rear dragging. I have had the relays checked and the compressor, nothing wrong with them. I was told that there is a conversion kit to replace the air suspension with springs. Is this a good idea? I was told it would run me about $100 for the parts... would this be cheaper than fixing what might be wrong with the air ride system? I just want the back end off the ground, or I'll end up having to replace the exhaust soon! Oh and I recently had the original shocks replaced because the previous owner had clamps tightened around them... why would they have done this? Please advise about the air ride system. Thanks!

...I have had the relays checked and the compressor, nothing wrong with them...

Does the compressor run when you start the car? It's a semi-loud buzzing sound near the front left wheel. Check the ON/OFF switch in the trunk, on the right side wall.

...I was told that there is a conversion kit to replace the air suspension with springs. Is this a good idea?...

Yes, and No. Yes kits are out there, Yes their cheap and easy to install. However, the ride gets stiffer, hits bumps harder, and you lose the air spring leveling, if you ever had it working.

...I was told it would run me about $100 for the parts... would this be cheaper than fixing what might be wrong with the air ride system?...

Well, that really depends on what the problem is. If the ON/OFF switch is OFF, and flipping it to ON fixes the problem... then no. :)

...Oh and I recently had the original shocks replaced because the previous owner had clamps tightened around them... why would they have done this?...

This is the interesting part of this problem... I'm trying to picture "clamps" on shocks, what kind of clamps? Let's imagine muffler clamps for a moment, Why?? My guess would be to hold the rear end of the car up :screwy: so the previous owner could sell you a car that rides level until you replace the shocks. What ??

Could be the air springs had a problem long before you came along, and now you exposed the problem by replacing the shocks.

If you find the switch off, and flip it on, then hear the compressor running but the rear end fails to lift, chances are the bags are leaking.

Try that much if you havn't already, and post back.

Coil springs ride alright. If you don't want to deal with the air suspension ever again, just put them in and you won't ever have another problem.

Coil spirngs have been used on many panther cars and the ride is top notch. I'd reccomend getting rear coils from a Grand Marquis/Crown Victoria as they are the same as the Town Car (Chassis, Engine, Tranmission etc).