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Automatic Ride Control rear suspension?

Trefty

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December 20, 2008
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Year, Model & Trim Level
99 XLS
Just a quick question. My '99 XLS has the rear "air bags" but they have a leak and looking through some threads on here I discovered that they can be replaced with a set of non-adjustable shocks from monroe. I took a look at my truck and there are already a set of non-adjustable shocks right besides the "air bags". Is it possible that a previous owner installed these shocks or do vehicles equipped with ARC systems come with the "air bags" as well as a set of shocks in the rear? Thanks for any help.
 



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You must ne confusing the fifth shock with the main two. There are five on 95-01 Explorers. The ARC shocks have the air bladder inside of them, it is barely visible at the bottom of them. Be sure that you need the shocks to fix a leak, and not the air lines, which cost about $25.
 






I'll have to take another look again tommorow when it's light out, but I'm pretty sure I only have four shocks on this, two on the front, two in the rear and then the "air bags". I don't have a picture of my vehicle, but the air bag things that are on mine look like the ones in this picture. I can't recall if the setup with regards to the leafspring and frame are the same, but the actual air bags look like the ones in the picture. There is then a shock absorber that is mounted on the bottom of each set up leaf springs. Could this maybe be a custom set-up?
 






I'll have to take another look again tommorow when it's light out, but I'm pretty sure I only have four shocks on this, two on the front, two in the rear and then the "air bags". I don't have a picture of my vehicle, but the air bag things that are on mine look like the ones in this picture. I can't recall if the setup with regards to the leafspring and frame are the same, but the actual air bags look like the ones in the picture. There is then a shock absorber that is mounted on the bottom of each set up leaf springs. Could this maybe be a custom set-up?

Thats an aftermarket system. That is an spring helper with an airbag rather than a leaf. They also sell coil spring helpers , they increase your towing weight.
 






Ford Explorer ARC shocks

You guys know your shocks! Help! My Ford Explorer has gone down at rear - I think I need new shocks. The numbers and types on web are bewildering - what is best type to replace existing ARC shocks please? Can you give actual part numbers?
 






Thats an aftermarket system. That is an spring helper with an airbag rather than a leaf. They also sell coil spring helpers , they increase your towing weight.

Ahh ok. So if I were to take them out I would just go back to having a stock rear suspension?
 






Rear shocks

My problem is I go to suppliers and all the Ford Explorer shocks say "not for ARC". So will ordinary shocks do? Will they fit? And which ones?

Also if anybody can help I cannot get spare wheel down. Long spanner type tool does not seem to be engaging. Seems I may have to take off floor - looks more of a job than I would like. Any ideas?
 












Try using a regular "tire-iron" with a flat head on the end of it. It works much easier.
 






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