1999 Navigator air suspension conversion + new parts

[wyo_vr4]

My Navigator's ('99 AWD with 120k miles) air suspension died again last week so I decided to convert to a traditional set up. I am gathering the necessary parts. So far, I've purchased the following:

Monroe 90010 Suspension Conversion Kit
Moog K8695T Lower Ball Joint (x2)
Dorman 520-215 Control Arm
Dorman 520-216 Control Arm
Moog K8740 Cam Bolt Kit (x2)

Apart from the sway bar links which were replaced at 100k, the suspension/axles are all original. I was thinking about replacing the tie rod ends (Moog ES3366T, ES3367T, ES3369T, ES3370T) sleeves (Moog ES3368S), and possibly the idler arm (there appears to be 2 different idler arms: 2.48" Bolt Pattern K8739T & 3.43" Bolt Pattern K8747 - do I get 1 or both?).

Are these parts worth buying or am I good to go? I guess I won't know for sure until I tear into it. I plan on keeping the Navi for at least a few more years and don't want any more problems. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,
Nick

 

[wyo_vr4]

A very big "Thank you!" to Robert aka Expeditionary who took a day out of his life to help me install the Monroe system!! Dude, you rock!!

The Navigator no longer drives like a wet sponge. Handling has improved about 200% vs when the air suspension actually worked. I really like the higher ride height and plan on raising up the front a little more. Right now I am going to soak in my hot tub and smoke a cigar. Shit was hard work but worth it!

Before:

After:

 

[wyo_vr4]

I performed the torsion bar twist today which raised my front end approx 1.5". The rear is still slightly higher but I like how it looks. The ride stiffened slightly and I get a touch more body roll around corners but overall I'm happy with the result. Overall ride height is 2-3" higher than stock. Next up: new front ball joints, upper control arms, and finally an alignment to resolve my camber issue.

 

[Expeditionary]

ooooh wee looks good, im surprised it still rides ass high after the torsion twist.
did you tighten the bolts all the way or just partially?

 

[wyo_vr4]

ooooh wee looks good, im surprised it still rides ass high after the torsion twist.
did you tighten the bolts all the way or just partially?

I tightened them all the way but the passenger side was 1/2" higher so I loosened that bolt a little until it leveled things out. Maybe the taller rear is a result of using the 90010 vs the 90006? It's not noticeable like it was after we got done so it's all good. Another inch higher and I don't think it'd clear my garage door, lol!

 

[Expeditionary]

lol thats a good thing! im glad your happy with it. Now lets go out and wheel that thing and really test out the suspension! haha

 

[wyo_vr4]

lol thats a good thing! im glad your happy with it. Now lets go out and wheel that thing and really test out the suspension! haha

Sounds good! Just shoot me a message next time you're heading offroad and we'll meet up.

 

[Expeditionary]

Sounds good! Just shoot me a message next time you're heading offroad and we'll meet up.

ohh yeah for sure

 

[colemanwhite123]

THAT WOULD BE PRETTY SWEET! BUT IM TRYNG TO "GRIP THE GRAIN" CUZ MY FORD PARTS LEATHER IS WORE OUT UP TOP CARID HAS THEM FOR $275 BUT THERES A $150 CORE DEPOSIT,

 

[jbanks]

Hate to reopen this old thread....but...

I have a 1998 Navigator and want to do the same conversion.

I'm thinking I will do the 90006 Kit and the same lower ball joints. I prefer the lower ride and don't want to have to do the torsion bar adjustment.

My question is....how come all of the upper control arms say "W/o Air Suspension"?

I was looking at the Dorman 520-215, 520-216 but I might go for the Moog K8722T , K8724T ....but they both say "Without Air"

I know I will be removing it but this concerns me....

 

[wyo_vr4]

Hate to reopen this old thread....but...

I have a 1998 Navigator and want to do the same conversion.

I'm thinking I will do the 90006 Kit and the same lower ball joints. I prefer the lower ride and don't want to have to do the torsion bar adjustment.

My question is....how come all of the upper control arms say "W/o Air Suspension"?

I was looking at the Dorman 520-215, 520-216 but I might go for the Moog K8722T , K8724T ....but they both say "Without Air"

I know I will be removing it but this concerns me....

I'm not sure why they say that. Control arms are completely separate from the air suspension. To do the conversion, all you really need is the Monroe kit. The rest is unnecessary unless the parts are worn out.

 

[jbanks]

Wow that was quick.

I'm guessing at 150k they are worn out. I figure it's very little cost to go ahead and do it while everything is apart.

Do you think it's a waste to get the Moog control arms over the Dorman?

 

[wyo_vr4]

Wow that was quick.

I'm guessing at 150k they are worn out. I figure it's very little cost to go ahead and do it while everything is apart.

Do you think it's a waste to get the Moog control arms over the Dorman?

I don't think it's a waste but $$ was a factor for me so I opted for Dorman and they seem to be of OEM quality. Moog products have an excellent reputation. Both have greese fittings that require manual lubrication.

 

[Proprojects]

Did you replace the keys, or crank the factory keys?