air ride Converison ???

R

RonB

Registered
My (check air ride) comes up every now and then I think my compressor is on its way out. Im sure the bags arn't leaking (yet) because the car sat in my driveway for a week and didnt drop but my ? is. Is the converison kit worth it. I know to replace the air ride its going to cost and the conversion is cheeper but is it a good thing to do and has anyone here done it and if so how is the ride and handling thanks Ron
 
Ron,

From what I've seen people that have converted kicked themselves for not doing it sooner, and they wouldn't go back because the ride is the same or smoother, and the peace of mind knowing you're not going to drag butt all of a sudden when a bag blows was a huge bonus.

I bought my car with the conversion on it, and immediately cut the springs to lower my car. When my stepdad bought his 98 LSC(stock air suspension), my grandpa took a ride in it and didn't like it because it was too rough. Later that month he took a 2 hour trip up to my moms(his daughters) and the entire trip he was loving how smooth my car was.....even dropped 3 inches.

Anyways....there are going to be people out there that are gun hoe about sticking with the air suspension, but for the price of the conversion, and the benifit of NEVER having to wake up to a low rider is well worth the money in my honest opinion.

J
 
Im thinking the same thing but I never road in a converted mark yet and wanted the apinon of others Thanks
 
My opinion:

I enjoy the air ride on my Marks. I've installed Module VIII's on them so I can adjust the ride height anytime I want to.

I also installed Spider valves so I don't have problems with the factory vent valves. If I do have a compressor problem, I can inflate my airsprings with any home or shop air compressor.

I enjoy diagnosing and repairing my air ride systems. I've replaced my front airsprings, compressors, and rebuilt my dryers myself (check my mileage in my sig).

I had a wire problem with my red Mark (a cheap but challenging fix) and just today I had to replace a relay on my green Mark. Luckily, I had a spare that I bought cheap.

Springs are cheaper and should need no maintenance but, I enjoy the options I have with my air rides.:cool:
 
Mine were blown when I bought it, well one was. I converted and love it, no problems at all. I sold off all the working parts that were left to augment the cost of the conversion. Shouldn't cost more than $400
 
Ron,

I bought the lowered conversion kit from strutmasters and I have to tell you that it was easy as hell and the ride is very solid. Watch out for big speed bumps and train tracks if you get the lowered version. Although it rides excellent and handles the corners like its on rails, it does become a PITA every time you hit a big bump or dip in the highway.

Good Luck,

Bob Armer
Davie, Florida
 
billcu said:
My opinion:

I enjoy the air ride on my Marks. I've installed Module VIII's on them so I can adjust the ride height anytime I want to.

I also installed Spider valves so I don't have problems with the factory vent valves. If I do have a compressor problem, I can inflate my airsprings with any home or shop air compressor.

I enjoy diagnosing and repairing my air ride systems. I've replaced my front airsprings, compressors, and rebuilt my dryers myself (check my mileage in my sig).

I had a wire problem with my red Mark (a cheap but challenging fix) and just today I had to replace a relay on my green Mark. Luckily, I had a spare that I bought cheap.

Springs are cheaper and should need no maintenance but, I enjoy the options I have with my air rides.:cool:
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I just sold my Mercedes S320 LWB a few weeks ago and your response reminds me of a response I heard on the Mercedes forums. Those cars are well known of super high repair costs and frequency of repairs. Anyway, one guy said he enjoyed his Mercedes because of the fact that it brokedown so much. Said it felt more like a machine because of all the troubles and expenses. So, I ask you what I asked him........WTF is wrong with you?.
 
I have been a "convert" for 3 years now. I have both a sprung 94(lowered, with fat sway bar) and a 97 LSC on air...I can, and do form an educated opinion.

no matter what you decide to install, the ride will improve over what you have now simply due to replacement of the front worn shock portion of your air ride.

My coils are smoother than my air ride. My air ride still has the load levelling capabilites.

find your priorities, and go from there.

Eddie at Americanairsuspension.com will/can supply you with all your needs.
 
J said:
Damn....you ARE old. LMAO!

I LOVE working on my car, but I sure get tired of working on everyone elses BS.
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I even enjoy working on other people's cars. Recently I helped a friend pull two Mark engines and install one.

I'm 51 and 1/2 years old.:D

I do understand why some people want to switch to coils though.
 
I don't mind helping friends or side work...but when you have to go to work and deal with peoples "garbage" all day, it takes the fun out of fixing cars. :)
 
I wouldn't mind working on mine but I wish I was more savvy at it, my "working on" includes learning how to fix something when it breaks then being real good at it because I inevitably have to redo something I have done wrong or forgot. So after 5 times doing the same thing, I get good.
 
Lmao Mike! Its called a learning process, thats how I did it, but I had a mechanic to ask questions when I got stuck and to double check my work. 10 years and running and we all make mistakes.
 
my brother is a mechanic and usually does it for me but is not "into" it cause he is busy with crap all day and since I dont pay I dont stimulate him, lol
 
Lmao...I know that feeling. You can only help so many people before you get fed up, and family members are the worst because they always expect a deal. :)
 
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