"Air Ride" on '97 EB?

[Pritch]

Hi All. When I was trying to get a price on Monroe Reflex shocks for my '97 SOHC EB, the salesman asked me if I had Ford's "Air Ride" system on the truck. I guessed yes because I've seen "Air Ride ok" messages when I've done the computer system check, and also because I usually hear what sounds like a little compressor go on for several seconds after I shut the rig down. (It seems to be comming from the back of the truck somewhere). The guy then quoted me a price of nearly $300 per shock!!!

I decided to try to figure out if I really had the air ride system, but the owner's manual was not very helpful. It did mention that if the vehicle had the system, there would be an accompanying "Air Ride Switch". The manual did not show where said switch would be located and I haven't been able to find it.

TWO QUESTIONS: First, does it sound like I have the Air Ride? How can I find out? Second, if I am so 'blessed', is it really going to cost me $300 per wheel?

Thanks,

John

 

[mrboyle]

Usually "air ride" equipped vehicles have an override switch that is used to shut off the compressor while the vehicle is lifted in the air. On Ford/Linclon/Merc passenger cars this switch is located on the left quarter pannel inside the trunk. Not sure where it would be located but I'd start by looking on the left side of the rear cargo area (check under the jack cover also). The switch is usually yellow.

 

[RytM1]

Mrboyle was right on. It should be located inside the jack storage compartment.

 

[95ExplorerLtd]

Yeah I think they're right, pretty sure its back there where the jack and all that stuff is at. And you can get those Monroe shocks for under 200 dollars easy, just look around. You'd be majorly getting ripped off if you payed 300 per. If you do decide to get the Monroes, might want to consider the guages and compressors and stuff so you can control it from inside the truck instead of having to air them up manually like a tire.

 

[Pritch]

Mike & Jack,

Thanks for the info. The switch was located inside the jack compartment in the rear. I guess that cinches it. I have the *!##@?!! air ride system, so I guess I'm hosed.

Grant,

Thanks, I'll look around for a better price.

Does anybody have any idea how long the factory air shocks are supposed to last, or how I can check mine to see if they're ok?

John

 

[RytM1]

John, I haven't seen too much info on here about the life of the air shocks. Like regular shocks, it probably depends on what kind of abuse they take.