are the springs/torsion bars the same with ARC?..

[Riken]

specifically 97/98 5.0 AWD.
do they still use the same torsion bars and leaf springs as the xlt?
do all ediebauer and limited's use air ride shocks?
when replacing air shocks with standard shocks, do the springs have to be changed to standard ones?

 

[CDW6212R]

The ARC Explorers generally had softer springs, 4x4 models got the heaviest springs. ARC was standard on the 95-98 high end models. You can keep your original springs.

BTW, 99-01 had rear ARC as an option on all models, standard on none.

I have a system retrofitted, and as yet untested. If you remove your ARC stuff, can I get with you about spare parts if I need something? Good luck,

 

[Riken]

looking to buy a 98 5.0 awd. it'll depend on how dependable the system is.
if it's anything like the mark viii's garbage, i'll be converting.

 

[CDW6212R]

I've got Mark VII's, when they are kept up, clean etc. they work great. Inspect the area around the rubber bladder at the base of each shock. Good luck,

 

[Riken]

so the torsion bars are different also?

 

[justin146]

looking to buy a 98 5.0 awd. it'll depend on how dependable the system is.
if it's anything like the mark viii's garbage, i'll be converting.

even if the Explorer's system fails completely, it wont "drag ass" like the old Lincolns and Cadillacs do.

 

[asessnios]

it does so drag ass when your air shocks are gone. and your cab shakes too. and when it gets real hot outside, you hurt your neck from going over fractures in the road.

 

[CDW6212R]

It's harsh yes, but nothing like vehicles with air springs. Springs support the vehicle, shocks do not.

The ARC springs are softer because the OEM shocks have valving to obtain more control of the ride and handling.

I was able to get my used 1998 ARC parts to function yesterday. I slotted the rear height sensor bracket holes. With 1" lowering blocks I needed adjustment of the height. I finished with about 1/4" over minimal air pressure, so I have about a 3/4" lowering in the rear. Regards,

 

[ProjectAviator]

Can anyone show or explain where the ride sensors are. I can't seem to find the ones on my 96 Limited. I may just need put it on the lift at work and dig but it would help to know where and what I am looking for?

Tim

 

[CDW6212R]

Ride sensors, what part do you mean?

 

[ProjectAviator]

I mean the height sensors

Tim

 

[CDW6212R]

Okay, the 95-98 ARC Explorers have two height sensors, the 99-01 option has one.

The rear sensor is mounted between the differential housing(right of center), and above on the frame cross member.

The front sensor on 95-98 models is at the left front wheel, between the lower control arm(rear side) and the frame(near brake line).

I installed the 98 system into my 99, minus the front height sensor and lines, front shocks. I bought a 99-01 ARC module to operate just my rear system. The odd thing is that most of the 1999-2001 ARC parts, I believe that all of them will have 1998 or older part numbers. Parts references also show the 99-01 system as not different, they refer to the years wrong. Ford ARC Explorer parts numbers and their application references are also wrong(years and part numbers).

BTW, many leaks can be fixed by replacing the plastic lines, those are the weakest links, moving and vibrating etc. Before I decided on using only the rear system, I bought the front crossover lines.
Basically the 95-01 system has three part numbers to cover the lines, front middle and rear. Regards,