O/T 01 ford Explorer air shocks

37chief · Feb 25, 2012

I need a little help on this. My daughter has a 01 ford explorer. The rear suspensisosn is held up by some type of air shock system. The car can't maintain it's rear rid anymore as the the air pump can't keep the suspension up. Someone told her there is a kit to replace the air shock system with stock springs. Any thoughts on this problem, and a repair? Stan

bobs old iron · Feb 25, 2012

Stan: i have a 01 XLT model, no air shocks on it, was that a special order model, or does it look like a after market system, now they make a air ride system after market system that is sold at 4x4 shops, r-v shops for p/u that haul campers..maybe they might have replacement parts.. i would like to see pics on it]..unless it"s a factory model with compressor in the engine compartment like the big luxury cars have..check with ford dealers if parts are available if so equipped...it"s a stumper

37chief · Feb 25, 2012

I believe it is stock from ford. I will be able to tell more when I look at the car. Stan

dave9252 · Feb 25, 2012

I have the same system on my 99 model here in Germany, its a standard fit to a few models.. With mine i've noticed the linkages to the 'load sensor' have a habit of coming apart. They are just small ball joints which are supposed to pop together and stay that way, i ended up having to use cable ties to keep it together.
There's also a switch inside the left hand panel in the boot/trunk, by where the jack is kept, its supposed to be turned off if you lift the rear of the vehicle, preventing damage to the air shock system. That might have been knocked and turned off by mistake..
Not sure about swopping them for a normal shock thou...

John M · Feb 25, 2012

All they are for is to keep the vehicle level. The problem is the air shocks are shot, or theres a leak in the line(s). All the so called kits Ive seen cost near as much as repalcement parts, but they do last longer. Monroe was selling standard placement shocks for that application, but I dont see anything on it any more. What I have done, is to buy the replacement shocks, get an air line kit, and just pump them up with an air compressor.

barnE · Feb 25, 2012

Monroe load leveler shocks have big coil spring on them. Not adjustable. Have used even on Cadillac with success. Dave

Hobo,NC · Feb 25, 2012

I have never seen one converted that road well... My advice is to find someone who knows how to work on them,,, trial and error can be expensive..
10 to 12 years is the life span of most ford rear air ride systems,,, the electronics are not the issue its the air bags and the pump... I still keep a pump in stock for Lincolns and merc's... I have never seen a bad controller, are height sensor,,, only one that had a wiring issue,, most issues are leaking shocks/bags are pumps that draw to much current are the solenoid in the pump that bleeds off the system when it gets to high in the rear sticks (its part of the pump and not serviceable )...

So I would price the shocks/bags,,, the pump and labor if I did not want to go their price a pizz poor riding conversion kit.. And yes make sure the links are connected at the height sensor... Gm systems are kin to the ford system,,, so much you can mix and match the parts with a little modification... I had had to do that...

O/T 01 ford Explorer air shocks

37chief

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bobs old iron

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37chief

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dave9252

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John M

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barnE

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Hobo,NC

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