Towing with Automatic Ride Control Suspension

[Osangar]

I have a
1998 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer
5.0L V8
4 Door
Air Ride Suspension

Towing:
1999 Frontier 24' Travel Trailer that is within the towing capacity by a few hundred pounds. I am also using a equalizer hitch.

Problems:
Air lines leading to shocks are leaking, Ford doesn't seem to be able to find new hoses and fittings. Can these be replaced aftermarket or are they proprietor like the shocks?

I still don't think fixing the lines is going to take away the amount of sag I have (compressor didn't seem to want to come on while under load), so I am also wondering would the Timbren Kits work or would the F150 spring swap be better?

Thanks for your suggestions.

 

[CDW6212R]

I retrofitted the entire ARC system from a 98 Limited onto my 99 Limited as a rear only system(99-01 module).

The actual plastic air lines are still available from Ford. I bought almost all of them, I still have the new front lines. They come in several sections.

Usually the leaks will be at the connections on the shocks or valves, or the shocks internally. Find the leaks with a spray bottle of water and dishwashing soap. The plastic lines typically become deformed where each connection is. The locking ring of each connection squeezes the line near the end. If it isn't the original diameter, it should leak there.

How is the compressor, does it run, and how often? There is a company who services some things like that compressor, I bought an air dryer from them.

Let me know if you might like to buy the front lines from me, these run to each front shock and back to the solenoid valve on frame next to the transmission. Good luck,

 

[Osangar]

Hmmm .. well I will have to go and talk with the parts guy at Ford and see what he has to say about the air lines. The mechanic and the service guy didn't feel they could get them for me.

I will definitely get out the soapy water to check the lines myself to find where the leak(s) are. I am assuming that replacing these lines is fairly simple then??

The compressor is doing great as far as I can tell. I have been keeping it turned off for now because I don't want to burn it out. My only concern is that it didn't seem to want to start up under load.

It appears to be just the rears that are leaking, but if I get any problems with the front I will be in touch. That is if I keep the truck.

Thanks.

 

[CDW6212R]

Good, when it all works it's nice to have. The air lines are easy to install, removing old lines and dealing with how dirty it all is, that's the real job. Regards,

 

[jimvia76]

I just replaced my air ride system with standard shocks and an air lift air springs system - it works better and is more reliable.

 

[Osangar]

Very good idea Jim, probably a lot cheaper than replacing the Ford OEM Air Ride Shocks, which I did earlier this year. LOL

Well I went out and got myself some Super Springs (www.supersprings.com) to help beef up the back end until I can get the ride control parts from Ford or have someone look at them. These things worked fantastic. Probably lifted the back end by a couple of inches and I got a 1/2 inch sag once I loaded the trailer onto the back.

Going to have to post a picture of my X towing now that it actually did it.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=176963