Got an AWD or 98 with air ride? I need YOUR help!

[Nitrous SSC]

Alright my "check air ride" came on today and I figured it would. Lately when I've parked my compressor kicks on for about 30 seconds, I hear a little hiss, then kicks on again. It does that cycle for like 3-4 minutes. So I took measurements of all 4 wheels. Amazingly my truck sits DAMN even measured from the ground up to the fenders. 35" on 3 and 35 1/4 on one. With the engine on and air ride activated I noticed a slight hissing noise from the front right strut. I left it on and the compressor stoped about 3 minutes after I turned the air ride to "off road" Re-measured. The fronts were still 35 and the rears were 37.5" I love the lift. However my front didn't rise up. I drove it around like that for a few minutes and re-measured. It was all the same.

I'm 99% sure I have air ride/lift capabilities in the front because I have the little sensors on each wheel and there is a little air line going to each strut.

I have heard 5 differen theories that the fronts just get harder but only the back lifts. Or that all 4 lift as high as 4 additional inches. Or that none of them lift but it gets harder. Blah blah blah. Lets get a freaking answer to this question and at the same time figure out if my front is screwed up. I need you guys to go do the same with your trucks. Just turn on the air ride into off road or put your trucks in 4-low till the compressor turns off and measure the difference between "normal"

If my front is screwed up does anyone have a diagram of the air lines? I might have to search for a break or something. I hope its not one of the struts because they are like 300$+ from ford I think.

Thanks guys. I really appricate any help.

 

[CDW6212R]

Hello, the confusion may be the two ARC systems that were on 2nd gen Explorers. The early(96-98) system was a four air shock system like you have. The height changed, all four, based on the dash switch. There is an automatic firmness adjustment, which supposedly only affects the offroad settting, having nothing to do with normal driving, or handling.

The later ARC system(99-01) is a rear two air shock only system, for leveling the rear height. Those shocks have no firmness control. I just bought the later rear pair for about $200 total. The early version shocks would cost me $209 each. I am looking for the later ARC module, to install the 99-01 system into my 99 chassis.

The front lines are not expensive, I bought them new for about $25. Your problem is probably one or more of the shocks.

 

[CDW6212R]

If you are sure that the front is giving you trouble, you might do well to try to buy them from Ford. I have read that ordering the early style only gets you an air shock, with no firmness adjustment. That would not be fair, to charge so much, for a non original part. If that is the case, I'd bet that the rear shocks that would be sent would be the same shock as the later 99-01 versions.

The air lines are easy to disconnect, just carefully push the plastic ring at the joint inward, and gently pull the plastic line out. Spray some spray lubricant on them first. If you can still buy the shocks, and you like the system, you should seriously consider replacing what you can afford.

 

[CDW6212R]

Remember that the firmness adjusts only in the offroad setting. To have it work any differently would take some modifying.

The early ARC system was standard on Limiteds and Eddie Bauer models. The later 99-01 ARC was an option on all four door Explorers, and not standard on anything. Good luck,

 

[Nitrous SSC]

I'm 2000% sure the front is the problem. It didn't rise at all in the front vs 2" in the back. Firmness I could care less about. I just want to know which system does what. I LOVE my air ride. I can't beat it with a stick for my application.

Do the front lines Y into a single front line and the rears into a single line? Maybe I just have a bad line that goes to the fronts. Otherwise If just one of the shocks was bad I'd still get a little bit of lift or some difference in the hard numbers from the tape measure. I guess I'll need to take some soapy water and spray down everything and look for bubbles. So what your saying is that the 99-01 shocks will work up front too?

 

[CDW6212R]

The front and rear are different. My suggestion is that Ford may be substituting the newer rears for all rear models, and be making a simpler version for the front. For over $200 I'd like the shock to be more than an air shock.

I bought most of a 98 ARC system. The front "T" fitting was broken, and to get that one piece, you have to buy the front section. It runs from that "T" near the left frame firewall area, to both front shocks. None of the air lines move, and the portion closest to the shocks are most vulnerable to damage. If you cannot find any damage to the air lines near the shocks, then I'd bet the leak is at the shock connection, or inside of the shock itself.

Your 96-98 ARC system has three solenoids in the air lines, but they don't move either. They could cause a problem, but the system disgnostic should point to that. Check that before assuming a shock is the only other choice. They should make a noise when they cycle, but making them cycle manually might be hard.

If you think the shock is the cause, run a couple of searches to compare prices of replacements from other manufacturers. Monroe I believe makes them, and may be the original supplier. Whether a new shock comes with the firmness connection is a good question. If Ford doesn't supplly the original features, I'd hunt the least expensive replacement. Good luck,

 

[Nitrous SSC]

Thanks for the detailed picture. Reason I say that is because I just got off the phone with ford and they NO LONGER make adjustable air ride front shocks. 269$ for "replacement non-air ride" and then you have to disable the system. HOW LAME!!! Also I asked him if they could fax me a print out of where the lines run (My friend works at the dealer) and he said he couldn't even find a diagram anywhere.

How can I make it do a system check? Btw I appricate your help Don.

 

[CDW6212R]

The system check I'm not sure of. I have some of the pictures, given to me by a technician. I don't recall a diagnostic check. Search through a Ford service manual for that, for your vehicle. I'd get the code, if there is one, before spending a lot on shocks. There are shocks listed in some internet sites. I was hunting for normal shocks for my 99, and saw many references to the ARC shocks. Good luck,

 

[Nitrous SSC]

****! :fire: I just went out and did a detailed inspection. (Discovered the hissing in my work clothes) Filled a bottle with soapy water and sprayed everything down with the compressor going (Man it was hot under there with the engine on!!) Well I didn't find a single leak and I just keep hearing a hissing sound from the front passanger side shock/strut. How hard is it to pull these out? can I just let the suspension droop and pull it out or do I have to take the torsion bar out?

At least I found the problem. My truck looks so damn goofy with just the back 2" higher!

I'm going wheeling tonight and tomorrow but its mild stuff so I should be fine.

 

[CDW6212R]

Other than the air line and firmness connector, they are just like a normal shock.
Spray the threads of the nuts and bolts first thing. Shocks can be a pain. The main shaft usually spins when you turn the nut. If the nut isn't frozen on they are no big deal. Take your time, apply pressure slowly, and pray.

Obviously disconnect the air line and electrical connector before removing. You might be wise to baby it until you get a replacement part. Driving it with an open line might be risky. The pump would run even more I think, and the line might get hurt. Best of luck with that.

 

[Nitrous SSC]

Sounds good. Thanks for the help. I'll update as my progress goes. I e-mailed fordpartsnetwork.com to see if they have one in stock.

 

[95limited]

Beware: The Motorcraft shocks for the early ARC system no longer have the dynamic shock damping. They are just repackaging the Monroe replacement shocks in Motorcraft boxes. The Monroe part is over $50 cheaper per shock.

 

[Nitrous SSC]

GRRR so am I gona have to try to find one in a junk yard?

 

[CDW6212R]

Hello 95limited, are you sure of that? I suggested to Matt that I had heard that before, but it's always been second hand info.

I have the four older shocks, but one rear one is locked up(useless), and one of the fronts had the top of the shaft twisted off. Thus I have three unknown quality originals, from a 98 Limited. I'd like to eventually get the 95-98 ARC system in my Mountaineer, but I'd like to be able to have the original features. Regards,

 

[95limited]

I spent a lot of time calling and e-mailing looking for a set of the original ARC shocks for my 95 Limited. A Ford dealer in Texas said they had the correct shocks. With shipping, the four shocks cost $849. The shocks were in Motorcraft boxes and had ASH-138, ASH-139, and ASH-140 for the part numbers. When I opened the boxes, they contained the Monroe after market shocks. I sent the shocks back and I'm still waiting for a refund. I was able to buy the Monroe shocks in the bay area for $550 including tax.

I would love to find a complete set of the Motorcraft shocks with dynamic shock dampining, but I gave up and will install the Monroe's.

 

[Nitrous SSC]

So then it totally disables the air ride? Do you just have to turn it off or plug the lines?

 

[CDW6212R]

That is dissappointing news. I was hoping to eventually get the originals myself. Those odd part numbers are listed on many parts websites who sell shocks. The Monroe numbers were like 400005, 400006, and 400007. They ran about $160 each.

The firmness feature is supposedly only different in the offroad/4WD setting. You really shouldn't notice the difference.

Did you actually get a Ford part number from Ford. Those numbers would be the only chance to find the originals. Have you heard of Green Sales, they sell obsolute Ford parts. I sometimes check with them when Ford discontinues a part. They are more than the new retail prices, but they are a good source. Good luck,

 

[95limited]

The arc system is constantly changing between firm and soft depending on inputs from front and rear suspension, steering, engine load, throttle, braking, speed, and transfer case. I have read that there is not much difference between the ride with the Monroe's and the original shocks. I would really love to drive both and see for myself. I wanted the originals just to keep my Explorer pure.

The Monroe's are an air shock so the leveling system still works. Monroe includes instrutions saying to tie up the electical connection used by the original shocks and that the computer will not give an error. I will let you know after I get them installed, in the next day or two.

 

[CDW6212R]

That's a shame, I had test driven a 95 Limited(black w/22k) in 1998. It sat two inches lower than a regular 4WD, and the ride was really nice. That's why I was interested in the ARC parts I have. Keep us updated, regards.

 

[Nitrous SSC]

So will the monroe's still lift the truck? Thats my #1 priority.