ARC Automatic Ride Control Reset / Recalibrate

[cloud2or3]

Can anyone send me (link) to any sort of write up or guide on how to recalibrate or change the 'zero' setting on the ARC?

I have a 97 Explorer Limited and pretty much all the corners are sitting at different heights. In general the drivers front corner is sitting the lowest.

I'd also like to play with the 'zero' level and see if i can creat a bit of a rake look. This is last priority over having everying level at least.

The compressors is working and the lines are fine. No warnings in the dash display either.

I bought the truck in February, and I had all the ARC shocks replaced in March with new, but the vehicle was sitting even worse before the switch.

Thanks!

 

[CDW6212R]

Hello Nathan. You can alter the ride height with the parts etc, which you find others doing. But the ARC system will add air or release air to attempt to return to the original height. That is controlled by the height sensors, you have three on your 97 truck. I know how to alter the back height, by moving the upper sensor mount on the chassis cross member.

You should begin by first measuring the front chassis height to the ground, not the body. measure from the ground up to each front bolt head of the lower control arms. Look under the front at the frame, find the very large bolt heads on each side. When you finish and get to an alignment shop, you should ask them to be sure those are level on their machine(level surface).

The body does not set on the chassis level or evenly. The vehicle will handle best if the chassis is level to the ground, left to right. You should make whatever changes you want for the front height(including the ARC sensors), and then get an alignment.

The back has an ancient suspension, leaf springs, you can't do much to mess that up or make it better. Typically people say that they have one side of leaf springs that are weaker than the other, making one back corner set lower. You might have that on yours.

Note that the ARC system Explorers have softer springs than other Explorers. The non ARC 4WD models have the stiffest stock springs.

So you need to decide on the height you want the truck, then turn off the ARC to mechanically change the height, and then alter the ARC height sensor mounting points to compensate. The rear is not hard to adjust the sensor mounting. I haven't looked at the front mounts, but I am familiar with Mark VII front sensors. I have had several of those, and they have three adjustment holes.

 

[cloud2or3]

Bump.

This is great info. Can someone take a photo of where these sensors are located? Or provide me with a description of what they look like? It would be a great help.

Or by all means, forward me to other threads that have info/pics on this topic.

Thanks!

 

[robert dow]

reset air ride control 1995 ford explorer

Can anyone send me (link) to any sort of write up or guide on how to recalibrate or change the 'zero' setting on the ARC?

I have a 97 Explorer Limited and pretty much all the corners are sitting at different heights. In general the drivers front corner is sitting the lowest.

I'd also like to play with the 'zero' level and see if i can creat a bit of a rake look. This is last priority over having everying level at least.

The compressors is working and the lines are fine. No warnings in the dash display either.

I bought the truck in February, and I had all the ARC shocks replaced in March with new, but the vehicle was sitting even worse before the switch.

Thanks!