DIY: Air Spring Replacement

[z168]

So I must be a glutton for punishment. Despite of all the writeups to convert it to coil springs, I still decided to keep the air suspension running.

After inspection, other than the leaking bags, all parts of the air suspension are in running order. It would be a waste to abandon this feature because of 2 air springs.

I was lucky to be able to source an aftermarket brand for $185 shipped (pair).

Heres what they look like










With the jack positioned under the chassis, I was able to pull the 1st air spring. Nothing to it, just pull the C-clip on the top with needle-nose pliers and remove the clip locking the air nozzle to the air spring and it falls off. the bottom part of the bag isnt even locked to the transaxle. its merely cupped

Pics of the old bag (made by firestone)







Here is what they look like side by side with the new



And while it took me 2.5 hours to do the whole thing, with the right tools this couldve been done in 30minutes. So before I tossed the bag in the trash, here is what they look like inside







aahhh...now shes back to her normal running self

 

[msmith7]

Where were you able to get the new bags?

 

[Racenut]

You can get them from the site sponser STRUTMASTERS for $198 pair, plus shipping. That is the comon price that I have seen them for unless you get a steal on EBAY.

 

[z168]

Where were you able to get the new bags?

$185 from ebay. Seller is thepartsdealer123. Made offer of $185 shipped and I got it.

 

[msmith7]

Thanks bro found some

 

[z168]

Thanks bro found some

replacing it is easy as pie. Wish I had more detailed pics but its so easy that the hard part is jacking the truck up. you dont even have to take the tires out or any of the suspension components off (unlike the how-tos in youtube)

Wish I knew what was normal or factory acceptable with regard to how often the compressor runs. with the new bags I was expecting it to not run for days. but it seems it runs almost every other time I drive it. Good news is it takes a mere 4-5seconds and it shuts off unlike how it used to run for 10-15seconds.

 

[Racenut]

replacing it is easy as pie. Wish I had more detailed pics but its so easy that the hard part is jacking the truck up. you dont even have to take the tires out or any of the suspension components off (unlike the how-tos in youtube)

Wish I knew what was normal or factory acceptable with regard to how often the compressor runs. with the new bags I was expecting it to not run for days. but it seems it runs almost every other time I drive it. Good news is it takes a mere 4-5seconds and it shuts off unlike how it used to run for 10-15seconds.

I do not belive there will be a ( normal or factory acceptable ) amount of time for the compressor to run or that it would run only every few days ( unless the compressor never shuts off due to a bad leak).

The air ride system on these expeditions is an ACTIVE SYSTEM so any time it senses a weight change or un-even ground it will air up/down to keep the vehicle level at all times.

 

[z168]

I do not belive there will be a ( normal or factory acceptable ) amount of time for the compressor to run or that it would run only every few days ( unless the compressor never shuts off due to a bad leak).

The air ride system on these expeditions is an ACTIVE SYSTEM so any time it senses a weight change or un-even ground it will air up/down to keep the vehicle level at all times.

So its normal for the compressor to run a few times everyday? (depending of course on where and how you drive)

well im happy then