91 PA air ride shocks

[lesgrt]

I just replaced the dyna ride shocks because they were worn out, but the als is also bad. The compressor seems to work, but the shocks won't air up any more. The als is disconnected, and I had to air them up by shorting the circuit, (bypassing the als system). Can I install air lines on these shocks and air them up manually to the level that I want, like old fashioned air shocks, since the als is disconnected? What parts would I need if it were possible and the best place to purchase them. Thanks.

[HotZ28]

If you want to elimate the compressor, order Monroe part # AK29. This is a kit to install a manual fill setup for the air struts. It will work on original struts as well as Monroe. Cost about $5.00 and has everything you need including instructions. Installls in about 30 min. Put 20 lbs of air in the struts to start with, and take it for a ride. If you need the rear higher or carry a heavy load you may want a little more. Pull the fuse on the compressor and forget it. I did this on mine and would never go back to the auto leveling system. Below are two links where you can get the kit. Do a search for AK29 and it will pop up. Some Monroe dealers keep the kit in stock.

http://www.partsamerica.com/

http://www.oreillyauto.com/B2C/vehicle.ecatalog
O'Reilly Auto Parts - Professional Parts People

[lesgrt]

Thanks for the info. I will give it a try.

[lesgrt]

Just a quick note of info. Bought the AK29 kit at O'Reilly Auto PArts for 4.99, and installed it, took about 30 min. Aired it up to about 60 lbs, (it really sags), and it works great. Tried it at 25 lbs, just wasn't enough clearance. Wish I had known about this kit a long time ago. Thanks abunch for your help and info. Hopefully one day I will be able to post an answer instead of asking questions. Thanks again.
Les

[HotZ28]

I put 32 psi in mine and it was so stiff in the rear, it made the front struts seem worn out. (new Monroe Sensa Track). I lowered it to 22 psi and had a level car and a ride like a new PA. I know all cars are different, but I can not imagine how mine would sit & ride with 60 psi! I guess the heat in Texas has caused your springs to sag. I know how hot it gets there, I lived in Dallas & SA for sometime.

[lesgrt]

Think I should look for some spring boosters? Are they available for this car? Mine rides pretty smooth. Took it over a lot of bumpy streets to see if it rode like a log wagon, but surprisingly, it rode pretty good. Not as stiff as I expected it to be.Very pleased with the results, maybe worried about having that much air in the shocks though. Will that much air hurt them in the long run. Don't want to replace them anytime soon. They were pretty expensive. Thanks.

[HotZ28]

If your happy with the ride, 60 psi won't hurt anything. What kind of struts did you install?

[lesgrt]

I am not sure, I didn't ask my mechanic. Probably got them at Pep Boys,
since he works there. They are blue in color. Not sure if that means anything or not. I am happy with the ride, even if they are at 65psi. More happy that it doesn't drag over high spots now, and I can pull my utility trailer. Just when I think I have everything fixed on this thing, something else goes out. I have it at my mechanics again, to replace the water pump. I read on this forum how to install it, and what a nightmare it is for those of us who aren't real mechanics, and decided to pay him the $50 labor to install it. I have replaced the alternator before, myself, but after reading that I had to un-buckle the motor mount and jack the motor up, to get to the bottom bolts of the water pump, I said that I should let a real mechanic do it properly. Probably well worth the labor price. Plus he is going to replace the drive belt and check the hoses also. Thanks for all of your input, and the others guys input on the other Buick forums. You don't know how useful some of this info is, unless you are like me, and don't know a whole lot about the newer cars.

[HotZ28]

If you got the struts at Pep Boys, they are Monroe. The blue color is also a sign that they are Monroe. You got a deal on the water pump install!!! I would not take the motor mount off for $50.00. lol Sorry to here you are having other problems with your Buick, however it is close to 16 years old and not many cars last that long! Routine failure such as water pumps, struts, brakes, tires etc., happen to all cars. It is still much better than making payments on a newer car. It helps to seek good advice in order to keep a Buick running, and that is what is so good about this forum.