Problem with my Air Ride Control Suspension, Replacing by Regular Shocks, Need Help!

[PSItuning.ca]

Hi guys,

I have a 1997 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer 4.0 SOHC.

Since a few weeks I kept of hearing a squeak squeak coming from the front passenger side. Since I was off work this week end and the ice is starting to melt here in Canada LOL I took a look at the truck.

My front passenger side shock is covered of oil, the shock is leaking I believe, its all black and tick and come from the shock. I checked locally for a regular ARC replacement air shock and they go for over 200$CAD and I am pretty sure the other one need to be replaced soon. The truck is very bouncy and the suspension is way too soft. I am obviously not going to pay almost 1K with taxes for this so I decided to replace the ARC suspension setup with a regular one.

I ordered a set of 4 KYB Monomax shocks:
Ford > Explorer 1995-01 ALL (Exc. Adjustable Susp.)
QTY:2 Front#561001
QTY:2 Rear#565003
Costed me around 450$CAD including taxes.

I searched alot on the forum, from what I have read. They will be a direct bolt-on replacement. I will simply have to disable my Air Ride Control system and unplug the air lines.

I also saw that my middle computer console will display a message to tell me that the ARC isnt fonctionning properly. I got the wiring diagram from another post which shows which wire to cut off to erase the message.

I also assume that I need to turn off the ARC switch at the back of the truck.

Everything seem pretty straight forward, the only thing I am wondering is for the ARC compressor. Do I need to disconnect/remove it? Or can I pull out fuses and it will be off. I just want to make sure that its not running and trying to supply air to an opened air line... Also where is it located exactly? and what do you guys think will be the best solution for this?

I got all my stuff ready to install, I only need to figure it out with the ARC compressor and I will head to the garage. Please help!

Also I will be doing a 3" PA body lift, Torsion bar twist, rear shackles and add a leaf kit in the next few weeks. Will the size of the stock aftermarket replacement KYB Monomax shock will be fine with these modification? I want to make sure before installing them, since I cannot return them after.

thanks
Pat

 

[PSItuning.ca]

please help???

how do I install reg shocks?
Do I just disconnect the air lines from my current ARC or I have also to turn off the compressor,

need your advice

thanks

Pat

 

[96limitedX]

the ARC compresser is located up above the spare tire. just go ahead and disconnect it and remove it.

 

[PSItuning.ca]

ok awesome

Then I just replace the shocks with the regular ones.

What else would be recommended to do?

should I pull out the ARC fuses in the box?
or remove the air lines

I got the wiring diagram of the console station, so I can cut that wire and the error message for ARC wont show up.

Anything other than that?

thanks alot for your help

 

[96limitedX]

well i'm just going by what others have done. for the message center i'm not sure what needs to be done. but what others have done is just cut the air lines/wires and removed the compresser and left it at that. wont cause any harm.

 

[ThePhoenix]

those KYB's a great shocks

 

[ProjectAviator]

You may want to replace the springs, & torsion bars as they are different from the ARC and Non ARC. they are softer. It will sit lower the When I replaced my ARC shocks with normal shocks. just replace the shock and turn off the compressor.

 

[danielt]

I'm thinking of doing the same thing on a '97 Explorer here in the UK. I'm getting the classic "10 minute warning" in that after 10 minues of driving, the ARC warning light comes on. I've seen these Shock Absorbers listed on Car Parts Wholesale and will be in CA next week so can collect:

Monroe Rear Shock Absorber - Monro-matic Plus
1995-2001 Ford Explorer Monro-Matic Plus Shock Absorbers, Rear, Nitrogen Gas Charged, Velocity Valving Give Smooth Ride And Safe Control In All Conditions, Improved Comfort At An Economical Price, Sold Individually, Self Lubricating Fluid Seal Maintains Pressure And Extends Shock Life
Fits: Except Automatic Ride Control, 4WD.
Location: Rear
Series: Monro-matic Plus

Do I take it that the ride would be lower from the previous posts? My thinking might be that if I needed to replace the springs & torsion bars for a proper job, I may be better off paying out for the ARC shock absorbers.

If any experts can advice I'd be most grateful.

Best regards,

Daniel

 

[PSItuning.ca]

Look on the forum, there is a post somewhere where they tell you which wire to cut from the computer to remove the annoying warning.

I went for the KYB shocks and I love them. Very comfortable and smooth.

It will be a bit lower. I did the torsion bar twist, shackles, body lift 3", rear add a leaf kit and I run some 33" BFG all terrain with no problems.