Air ride service questions

R

Road Warrior

Registered
I have a '95 Mark VIII with 175K. Air ride in the front recently died. Have read through the relevant threads here, went through the FAQs on americanairsuspension.com and spoke with Eddie and have pretty much determined I need new struts and a compressor.

Questions:

Does anyone know of someone in the DC metro area who can/will do the replacement for me? My regular guy won't install remanned parts and I just can't justify shelling out what Ford wants for new ones.

Should I consider converting to coil springs? Seems like a cheaper option and I'm not too concerned about ride, but just don't feel like I know enough about the potential ramifications.

Thanks in advance.

CL
 
RE: Air ride service questions

It's up to you whether you want to retain the air ride or swap to coils. At that mileage, you may just want to go with the cheapest option possible.

The swap isn't that hard. You shouldn't have any trouble finding someone who would do that work.
 
RE: Air ride service questions

I've been researching it since I posted above and have pretty much decided on the conversion. My guy said he would do it for $280 labor. Seemed a bit high since everyone seems to think it's pretty easy.

Another thing. Will I have to do the front and back or is it possible to just convert the front. It's only the front that's low right now, although as of last weekend, I think I finally killed the compressor since it won't kick on to lift the front up anymore. Does this mean it's only a matter of days before the rear end falls forever?

Also, does anyone have a recommendation between Arnott, Strutmaster or Struts-R-Us?

Thanks,

CL
 
RE: Air ride service questions

I'd search the archives, i know a few people have posted opinions on the swap. Don't know what brand they purchased though.

You can do just the front if you want, but i'd go ahead and do all 4. If your compressor is dead you'll have no way to lift the back up when the rear bags do eventually go flat.

$280 isn't that far out there. That's like 4-5 hours labor they're quoting. With a lift and air tools a professional should be able to do the job in 2-3 hours, if it's just the front. Tell them to quote it in labor hours, and stick around while they do the work. If they're not wrenching for the number of hours they estimated, make them adjust the bill.
 
RE: Air ride service questions

[div class="dcquote"][strong]Quote[/strong]
I've been researching it since I posted above and have pretty much decided on the conversion. My guy said he would do it for $280 labor. [/div]

The guy "wont" install "warrantied remanufactured" parts on
"YOUR CAR"?

But he will install Tbird struts on "your car".
In otherwords, he WONT install the CORRECT PARTS, yet WILL install "WRONG PARTS?

You might want to re-iterate that this is "YOUR CAR", especially since he's taking you to "THE CLEANERS" on the conversion install.

280.00 is high!!!!
replacing air struts shouldn't cost more than 75.00 per side.
{IMHO that is high)
If you were here, I'd put whatever parts you wanted ON YOUR CAR.. for 50.00 per side.

It should take LESS than 30 minutes per side for anyone that is a CAPABLE mechanic.
That's how long it takes me to do it..
with the stock mark VIII jack, sitting in my driveway.

If I were you.. I'd find "another guy".
 
RE: Air ride service questions

[div class="dcquote"][strong]Quote[/strong]
At that mileage, you may just want to go with the cheapest option possible.

[/div]

at 200,000 miles I replaced literally ALL of my air ride!
cost was less than 600.00

at 300,000 miles I have a fully functioning air ride and am very pleased.

next stop.. 400,000 miles!
 
RE: Air ride service questions

Thanks for all the info and guidance.

I am going ahead with the conversion, since it's cheaper. It's heartening to read how many miles you have on yours XLRVIII, makes putting the 800 clams into it a little easier.

I do have a gearhead buddy that lives out of town that offered to come in and do it, I just assumed it was too big of a job and he'd have to bring a ton of jacks and tools with him, maybe I'll rediscuss it with him.

Thanks again.

CL
 
RE: Air ride service questions

[div class="dcquote"][strong]Quote[/strong]
I do have a gearhead buddy that lives out of town that offered to come in and do it, I just assumed it was too big of a job and he'd have to bring a ton of jacks and tools with him, maybe I'll rediscuss it with him.Thanks again.CL
[/div]

a gear head buddy is PLENTY!
You should be fine.


Give it a shot and make sure to follow up and let us know how you came out.
 
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