Air ride height question????

[LSC CE 82]

Hey, I was wondering if I can adjust the height of my air ride when the car is vented while parked??? If you look at the pic of my car in the avatar, the rear end seems to sit alot lower than the front. When the car is running, the air ride makes the car level at all corners, no sag. Per an invoice from the previous owner, the L/M dealer installed 4 air ride bags in 2009 for $2200. There are no leaks that I can tell. I've driven the car around w the air ride off to check for leaks, none found. The car vents when you shut the door and you can hear the solonoids click.... the rear sits too low IMO. Can I change this some how? Look like I'm storing Rosanne Bahr and Rubin Stoddard in my trunk....



I know the driveway is slanted a little, but on flat ground the rear wheels are only about 1" from hitting the rear wheel wells, and the fronts are 3" from hitting the wheel wells.... It this is normal, that's cool. the car rides and handles fine from what I can tell.

 

[chris2523]

here is the article on Sensor Lowering from the tech articles.

 

[Right on the Mark]

What you should do it lower the FRONT to match rear for the lowered look. We all do it.

 

[NoLimit95]

What you should do it lower the FRONT to match rear for the lowered look. We all do it.

I thought the same thing. The rear looks good to me and more normal than the front does.

 

[Hot*Mk8]

...
I know the driveway is slanted a little, but on flat ground the rear wheels are only about 1" from hitting the rear wheel wells, and the fronts are 3" from hitting the wheel wells.... It this is normal, that's cool. the car rides and handles fine from what I can tell.

This is exactly how the '98 is and I'm constantly thinking something's wacky because of how much lower the '97 is.

I also battled with this when I did my sensor lowering. The front wheel well definitely has more finger space than the back though. I have about 1 3/4" clearance on the front and kinda none on the rear, but I put a level on the door sill and the car sits correctly. It's good to take note IMHO of how the car naturally sits before starting. The parked height and driving height can make things a little goofy in the process, but it is SO worth it, especially if you're gonna ride stock rims. It's also a matter of preference and some people like the nose down a little so that the wheels have equal clearance front to back.

BTW, that is one sexy ride!!!!!!

Maybe this will help a little. 98 Stock on the right, 97 with my adjustments on the left.

 

[Peterk]

Beautiful car .. enjoy !

 

[wkokaneeman]

Me like 97! 98 not bad either!

QUOTE=Hot*Mk8;2037302202]This is exactly how the '98 is and I'm constantly thinking something's wacky because of how much lower the '97 is.

I also battled with this when I did my sensor lowering. The front wheel well definitely has more finger space than the back though. I have about 1 3/4" clearance on the front and kinda none on the rear, but I put a level on the door sill and the car sits correctly. It's good to take note IMHO of how the car naturally sits before starting. The parked height and driving height can make things a little goofy in the process, but it is SO worth it, especially if you're gonna ride stock rims. It's also a matter of preference and some people like the nose down a little so that the wheels have equal clearance front to back.

BTW, that is one sexy ride!!!!!!

Maybe this will help a little. 98 Stock on the right, 97 with my adjustments on the left.

[/QUOTE]

 

[Hot*Mk8]

Me like the 97 a lot, too! That's my baby for sure. My heart and soul lives in that car. Best work and long-term project I've ever done. I will never say completed, though. This car makes all the dreams I had for my first 97 come true, especially with the sweet sound system. When I park her to go in somewhere, I could be run over in the parking lot for drooling over my own car instead of paying attention.

 

[chris2523]

fun fact.
ford set the rear lower than the front from the factory.

 

[Warden]

fun fact.
ford set the rear lower than the front from the factory.

Amazing how that 1/4" makes all the difference. Good to know. Is that the same for all years?

 

[chris2523]

Is that the same for all years?

not sure, this particular picture and measurements are for a gen 1.

 

[Hot*Mk8]

Ya. I would say that the factory difference between the front and rear wheel well to tire clearance on the Gen IIs is at least an inch. That's why sensor lowering it to level without realizing this makes you feel like you're in a fun house and can't find the door. Cool find on the diagram, Chris!

 

[wkokaneeman]

Maybe this will help a little. 98 Stock on the right, 97 with my adjustments on the left.

[/QUOTE]

Laurie;

Are both of those cars yours? We need to get together. I'd like to hear how you did your sensor lowering. I think I can handle it no problem. I've replaced both front air struts, and the air pump myself on my 98 LSC, and am familiar how they are mounted, and to deal with. just want to hear it from someone that has already done it, and hear the steps taken to arrive at the end result.
Man, when you post, you usually do it late at night, or early morning. you must be a night owl! Lol!

 

[NoLimit95]

It's simple to do. Just turn off the air ride switch. Since it's the first time, jack it up and remove one or both wheels. Loosen the sensor at the top. You will see room for adjustment at the top of the sensor bracket. Push it all the way up and then snugly tighten again.Not too tight, just enough to hold it in place. It's not in a bind by anything. Do both and then put the wheels back on, lower it down, turn the air ride switch back on. Crank the car and test it out. turn the car off, get out, close door and let it vent. Measure both sides.

 

[LSC CE 82]

Thanks for the pic. I like how the one on the right looks. I wish my driveway wasn't at a 45 degree angle so I could actually jack my car up and work on it. I'm glad she's normal even if it is squatting down. I figured the DF dealer messed something up when they installed the replacement bags. The dealer the PO went to went out of business and was known for crap service. I'll have to get around to adjusting the height sensors. Thanks fellas.... I absolutely love my car.