Replacing Air Ride with Coil?

[NavyJim]

Hey Everyone. I have a 98 Expedition XLT, 5.4L V8, 100,788 miles. My rear suspension has been off and on. Sometimes it'll be fine, others it'll be slammed to the ground. I replaced the rear sensor and it still seems to do it. I took it to the Ford dealership, but because the suspension had kicked in and the car was at the correct height, they told me they couldn't do anything, and to bring it back if it happened again.

Needless to say, it happened immediately on the drive home. I took it back in it's current down position, and they told me that I need to have the air compressor replaced, as well as the relay. It's going to cost me around $700.

I like this truck, but it's been nickel and diming me to death. Since most of the problems happen to be with the air suspension, can coil suspension be put on? How hard of a process would it be, and what effects would it have on the computer system.

[expdude]

Changing the compressor is a snap and cheap. You can purchase refurbed ones on the internet for around $150 or you can get aftermarket ones from http://www.arnottindustries.com. I used the Arnott compressor and it took me about 45 minutes from start to finish on the compressor (which comes with the dryer.) I also replaced my air springs since they had over 100k on them and were likely leaking causing the compressor to burn out. Check your air springs to make sure they are not leaking. Soapy water may be able to show you leaks, but might not.

The only trick to changing the compressor is getting the hoses off. You have to push in on the orange ring and the hose then hold the ring and pull out the hose. It can be a pain. You can do it by hand and if you resort to tools to hold it be careful of the hose. The Arnott site has Crown Victoria instructions which are almost the same as for the Expedition.

Hope this saves you a trip to the dealer.

[ModMech]

Yes, arnott, they are a well-known and reputable firm.

You CAN change to steel springs, as with most Ford products the axle and spring seats are the same wether air or steel suspension is used. I think it will be MORE money to get steel springs installed than to replace the pump.

Another source for the pump is the local auto recycler. You can ususlly get great parts off low-mileage wrecks for next to nothing. The pumps are also easy to change.

As for your dealer, they are either crooks or incompitant. A quick hook-up of the factory scan-tool would have told them exactly where the trouble is. In fact, you probabally actually did pay for this, but either it was not done, or they lied about the results.

[NavyJim]

Well, I did go ahead and pay for it. They replaced the compressor and relay. Unfortunately, as I drove it away the back end dropped out AGAIN! I took it back, and it just kept happening over and over.

After having the relay replaced 4 times, I spoke with the manager himself and told him that I had paid to have this one issue fixed, and that it hasn't been. I also told him I wouldn't be paying another cent regardless of what they found until this issue was corrected as was promised to the first time I took it to them. He agreed with me and said he'd personally look into it.

They found that a metal connector for the relay was shotty, and when I hit a bump a certain way it would move and cause the relay to arch and it would short. They told me I could only have it replaced if I bought a wiring harness which was absolutely RIDICULOUS. I told them I wasn't going to be paying for one. They managed to find another piece just like it and welded it on. It's been going good for a while now. If it somehow happens again I'll just bring it back.

I originally decided against the coil suspension, because I was told the computer on board was configured with air ride, and would surely cause a problem. Either way I'm happy for the time being.

Thanks for all your help.

[DCDodge]

How much was the cost for you at the stealership?

[NavyJim]

Originally Posted by DCDodge

How much was the cost for you at the stealership?

Well, the $640 for the compressor and initial relay. They kept replacing the relays and then figured out how to correct the problem, with no cost to me. They said I had been hassled enough. I have been looking at my truck though, and it looks like it leans a tiny bit lower toward the driver's side. I don't want to take it to that dealership anymore though, lol.