suspension problems!! need advice in a hurry!

[toddious]

ok, so i'm riding a 1996 explorer limited, with air ride suspension. While having my oil changed today, the auto mechanic told me that one of the air bags for my air ride was blown out (on the driver side rear).

This puts me in an interesting situation. I was already considering lifting up the suspension on my truck, so i figure that (depending on cost issues) this might be the perfect time to do so.

The lift that i want for my truck would be mainly for aesthetic purposes, as this is a daily driver, but i would also like to be able to do off roading, and in my current situation, swamping (since i live in florida for the time being).

I am not as knowledgeable as most of you on mechanics, so please be kind....

I'm not sure what all would need to be purchased for me to achive the lift i desire (roughly 5 inches), and what i could get away with as far as costs. I'm sure that i would be looking at a decent amount of money just to replace the air ride in the back end though, so this seems like the perfect chance to spend a little extra, and get what i want.

Basically, if anyone knows the cost i would be looking at for parts and labor for a suspension lift of roughly 5 inches, and what the cost would be to replace the suspension in the back end with stock air ride. thank you for you help, i need to make this decision by tomorow!

 

[Robb]

2wd, 4wd, or Awd?


btw: not a 911, moving to Suspensions

 

[hydroxy]

That seems strange that the shock would blow and you wouldn't notice it... have you tried pushing down (or jumping on the bumper) of each side to see if there is a difference? My understanding is that if one of the rears blows, they both will lose pressure, if not all 4 shocks. To quote my mechanic "All of a sudden, one end will drop, then 1 second later the other end will drop. That is when you drive it to a spanish neighborhood and sell it as a 'SlAmMeD eXpLoReR' " (no offense to anyone)

One thing to check is put it in 4x4 hi (I think only 4x4 models had the ARC Robb - AWD had the 'load leveling' which was the rear shocks only, and was 98+) and close +lock your doors (put a window down...) so that the compressor turns on... Wait for the compressor to turn off, listen at the shock and see if you hear anything. If you do or dont - turn off the air ride suspension (left rear quarter panel, there is a switch) and let it sit overnight. if it really is blown, the car will either sag in the rear in the morning or be lopsided to the blown shock. Make sure to take measurements at night.


Lastly, If you do go for a lift, you're going to have to get a shock with a spring in it or something, because the ARC shocks in the rear have an internal spring. Without that extra support, you'll sag about 2".

 

[EBInterceptor]

Maybe you should also check the Dateline oil change scam thread. I don't know much about the air ride suspension, but I'd think that it would be pretty noticable, probably more than a normal blown shock.

 

[toddious]

what is a general estimate then for a springed suspension lift for the vehicle? by this i mean very general, but trying to stay cheap.

oh, it's a 4wd by the way.

 

[hydroxy]

Originally posted by toddious
what is a general estimate then for a springed suspension lift for the vehicle? by this i mean very general, but trying to stay cheap.

oh, it's a 4wd by the way.

you can get a lift for free w/ the ARC suspension. Look up AK LTD explorer.. he did it.

Did you test if the shocks are still working? Dont be so ready to ditch ARC, it is a very good system. and when you ditch it, you'll have 'check Air Ride System' everytime you start the car in the msg center.

 

[toddious]

there is no way to lift the truck though, and keep the air ride though is there?

 

[hydroxy]

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=96019&highlight=Air+Ride

use search button =P

 

[Ak LTD Xplorer]

yeah i lifted my limited with ARC got 4" out of it in 4x4 and prolly more in 4x4 low..and it rides alittle higher in 2wd also..i will get pic's of my new bracket's and such after i get home..

if you have any other ?'s just PM me