Air Suspension Vs Coil Over Strut

marlinpruett · Sep 18, 2019

Ok I have a 2007 Exp EL limited with air suspension.
My questions for those that have replaced the air suspension with a coil over strut system.
I really like the air system but with 123,000 miles I feel they should be renewed or changed to the coil over system.
Did you notice a change going from Air to coil? Was it objectionable?
Would you do it again?
I am leaning toward just replacing the air system with a new or rebuilt air system. I recently replaced the air compressor so that should not be an issue.
I will replace the front struts at the same time.

Frank Wilson · Sep 18, 2019

I have a 2007 EL limited 124k odo. I know the clock is ticking on the bags.

Some love the coil conversions and an equal amount regret it. Personally, Im sticking with air suspension for the reason my buddy regretted his conversion. ( ride, tow leveling, overall handling with the EL ).

Thats all i can offer.

marlinpruett · Sep 19, 2019

Thanks!

bloodhound · Sep 19, 2019

On my 2009 I could tell almost no difference in the ride when I went from air to coils. The only major difference was no more load leveling, but didn't really bother me.

marlinpruett · Sep 22, 2019

I can find the air bag springs everywhere but very little info on the shock/strut that goes with it. Can anyone enlighten me as to a part #?
Mos of the supply places list a rear shock but they all note "not for air suspension".

GaryB · Sep 22, 2019

Marlin,
I recently bought a limited with 160k on the odometer. I've pondered the same thing as you, but my bags look decent. I've been chasing a seemingly random "Check Air suspension" light. Using forscan, I reset the VDM module, and haven't seen it again (knock on wood).

I'm inclined to stick to the air suspension. If you've already replaced the compressor, why not?

And I also agree it's hard to find the matching rear strut. The only place I've seen it is ford-parts.com

Here is what they're showing for my 2010. https://parts.ford.com/shop/en/us/shock-absorber-assy-7897667-1

marlinpruett · Sep 22, 2019

Thanks, I also found those same ones this morning
They are a little better priced here....
https://www.carparts.com/details/Fo...007/EL_Limited/8_Cyl_5-dot-4L/MIASH12324.html

Magaliasram · Sep 23, 2019

I owned a 2006 Lincoln Navigator had nothing but issues with the full four corner system. The ride felt unstable to me. I opted for the coil overs and purchased all four corners for under $300.00 that included the struts and coils fully assembled. Took me just under two hours to complete the job. The ride height rose about 2 inches for a few weeks until the new suspension settled in the ride was a little harsh but I felt a lot more in control. My brother owned a 2000 Expedition EB edition with load leveling air suspension in the rear and replaced components several times. He swapped out the rear air suspension for coil overs and loved it. I now own his Expedition and it is a beautifull vehicle to look at and ride in. I say get rid of the air suspension.

Lorlainie · Sep 24, 2019

We have a 2010 EL (180,000 miles) and changed out the rear air ride to 2007-2013 Ford Expedition EL Rear Suspension Conversion Kit (FU3RB) from Strutmaster. WE also replaced the front struts because of the high mileage and figured it was time to change. So glad we did. Ride is no different. True, no more load leveling but worth it. No more trying to figure out where the problem is with the air ride system. We have a large car trailer and a travel trailer and so far no issues with height.

marlinpruett · Sep 24, 2019

Lorlainie said:
We have a 2010 EL (180,000 miles) and changed out the rear air ride to 2007-2013 Ford Expedition EL Rear Suspension Conversion Kit (FU3RB) from Strutmaster. WE also replaced the front struts because of the high mileage and figured it was time to change. So glad we did. Ride is no different. True, no more load leveling but worth it. No more trying to figure out where the problem is with the air ride system. We have a large car trailer and a travel trailer and so far no issues with height.

Which front struts did you use? Strutmaster tells me they don't have a front strut for the EL.
I am considering
Monroe 171138 Quick-Strut Complete Strut Assembly
they are on sale for $99.00 a set(one).

Air Suspension Vs Coil Over Strut

marlinpruett

Full Access Members

Frank Wilson

Full Access Members

marlinpruett

Full Access Members

bloodhound

Full Access Members

marlinpruett

Full Access Members

GaryB

Well-Known Member

marlinpruett

Full Access Members

Magaliasram

New Member

Lorlainie

Member

marlinpruett

Full Access Members

Similar threads

Latest posts

Members online

Forum statistics

Share this page