AIR suspension

K-FAN

K-FAN

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im looking to convert back to airbags on my 1997 lincoln and dont really know where to start to i priced out a couple of places
1.arnott industries
- new compressor
- front(left) strut
- front (right) strut
- rear bags(both)
- all new soleniods (grand total $ 812.00)

2. strutmasters
- new compressor
- front(left) strut
- front(right) strut
-rear bags(ech94.00)
- all new solenoids
- rear shock mounting plates ( grand total 798.00)


SO what do you all think of this products and i missing anything SERIOUSLY
 
if you buy air struts from strutmasters you will get arnott struts anyway!! just a few bucks cheaper.
 
I'll be doing this myself, sooner or later.

I'd look at American Air for a rebuilt compressor and a new version spider valve.

I'd check out Max at Five Star Ford for the other stuff, especially front bags! The plastic style Ford units are bound to be better than the Arnott ones.

Other things you may want / need are: new 'O' ring seals for the solenoids, possibly a new compressor relay, possibly new compressor mounts.

I'm sure more people will chime in with more info.
 
i have 2 low milage 97-98 style front struts for sale on ebay right now, they are the nicest pair i have had in quite some time, even used, i'd take them over arnott garbage!
 
Well, if you are changing shock mounts, I'd replace rear shocks too, if they're original.
 
Depends on what you still have from the air ride that is usable.

Air lines still good?

Height sensors and their mounts still good?

Still have the correct upper control arms with the mounting studs for the front height sensors?

Still have your compressor cradle and all associated wiring?
 
just came from outside with a flash light
it has the compressor still in plays. the upper control arms are still there, the hieght sensors are there the airline cut . but i can double check in the morning
 
94BLU8 said:
just came from outside with a flash light
it has the compressor still in plays. the upper control arms are still there, the hieght sensors are there the airline cut . but i can double check in the morning
Click to expand...

That would be and easy thing to check ... upper control arms are still there ...

what he's talking about is the nipple that the height sensor mounts to ... which must be there if the height sensor is there.
 
93' Blue on blue said:
I'll be doing this myself, sooner or later.

I'd look at American Air for a rebuilt compressor and a new version spider valve.

I'd check out Max at Five Star Ford for the other stuff, especially front bags! The plastic style Ford units are bound to be better than the Arnott ones.

Other things you may want / need are: new 'O' ring seals for the solenoids, possibly a new compressor relay, possibly new compressor mounts.

I'm sure more people will chime in with more info.
Click to expand...

Does the spider valve protect more then the compressor?

It's darned expensive, and more then a new compressor. If it's just keeping the compressor running longer, it doesnt seem worth the price. If it's protecting a lot of down stream parts (which, frankly I don't see) then I guess you could justify it.
 
the nipple on the control arms are there and the air lins look cut i just returned from out side
 
Kstills said:
Does the spider valve protect more then the compressor?

It's darned expensive, and more then a new compressor. If it's just keeping the compressor running longer, it doesnt seem worth the price. If it's protecting a lot of down stream parts (which, frankly I don't see) then I guess you could justify it.
Click to expand...

That thing is worth it's weight in GOLD, and is priced accordlingly

Consider this..
I put 200K on a frankenstien compressor that we put together out of 3 broken compressors. ( the three compressors are what carried me TO 200K)
At 200K I installed a spider valve and at 400K that frankenstiend compressor was still going strong.

Today Frankencompressor is in my 98, and STILL going strong.

The Spider Valve abliet expensive will double or triple the life of your compressor.

it is DEFINATLEY worth the cost.

ALSO, if your air ride fails, the spider valve gives you a means of introducing compressed air INTO the system to pump your car up and get you "off the side of the road".. or whereever it leaves you stranded at.
 
94BLU8 said:
how do i self test the compressor to see if it works?
Click to expand...

Pull it out, and bench test it.

There are 4 wires in the connector.
two are for the compressor motor
the other two are for the vent solenoid

Just because the compressor "runs" doesnt mean it's good
The "Vent solenoid" often fails long before the compressor portion does.

you need to test both.
When you put 12 V to the soleniod wires you should hear it click.
 
XLRVIII said:
That thing is worth it's weight in GOLD, and is priced accordlingly

Consider this..
I put 200K on a frankenstien compressor that we put together out of 3 broken compressors. ( the three compressors are what carried me TO 200K)
At 200K I installed a spider valve and at 400K that frankenstiend compressor was still going strong.

Today Frankencompressor is in my 98, and STILL going strong.

The Spider Valve abliet expensive will double or triple the life of your compressor.

it is DEFINATLEY worth the cost.

ALSO, if your air ride fails, the spider valve gives you a means of introducing compressed air INTO the system to pump your car up and get you "off the side of the road".. or whereever it leaves you stranded at.
Click to expand...

Would a PM program of regenerating the dessicant work just as well? My understanding is the spider valve keeps water out of the working bits, and I'm assuming it either replaces or compliments the dessicant. If so, then it would seem that the dessicant (or the failure thereof) is what would cause the failure of the air compressor.

I ask because I pulled the ac off the 98 and regenerated the dessicant, and I'm planning on doing the same (with the lower air box delete) to the 97.
 
Kstills said:
Would a PM program of regenerating the dessicant work just as well? My understanding is the spider valve keeps water out of the working bits, and I'm assuming it either replaces or compliments the dessicant. If so, then it would seem that the dessicant (or the failure thereof) is what would cause the failure of the air compressor.

I ask because I pulled the ac off the 98 and regenerated the dessicant, and I'm planning on doing the same (with the lower air box delete) to the 97.
Click to expand...

Not really. Air still comes into the compressor and then into the desiccant and then onto the bags. The spider valve is for venting and prevents "backwash" of condensed water inside the desiccant from backing into the compressor.

So basically it turns the dryer into a one way street.

Now the new valve does dry the air before it gets to the compressor, I think, by using standard compressor water separators. Its still vents the same way - again, I think.. not sure. Maybe the separators are just in addition to the dryer and are down line. Dunno but I know they were added.
 
Just to clarify, the new Spider Extreme V3 goes both ways. You have your choice of venting the air through the dryer(quieter, but "helps" keep the desiccant dry) or vent the air straight from the lines(louder) through the water separator, through the vent solenoid and to the atmosphere.

One of the more important features is the ability to not only add air to the air suspension system in an emergency, but by using an attachment hose(not included), you can pump up a flat tire or even a raft/mattress using your air suspension system.

Another important feature is the diagnostic help. Because the Spider Extreme V3 comes with a gauge, it helps diagnose problems with the air suspension system. I've helped people over the phone diagnose their system using the gauge on the Spider. Being able to find out quickly if theres a leak in the lines, or if the compressor is putting the needed pressure to raise the car is a real plus when things go wrong.

BTW, starting next week and for a limited time, I can sell you these items for:

- Rebuilt O.E.M. compressor
- New (Arnott)front(left) strut
- New (Arnott)front(right) strut
- New (Arnott)rear bags
- 4 (rebuilt O.E.M.) solenoids TOTAL=$731
 
American Air-1 said:
Just to clarify, the new Spider Extreme V3 goes both ways. You have your choice of venting the air through the dryer(quieter, but "helps" keep the desiccant dry) or vent the air straight from the lines(louder) through the water separator, through the vent solenoid and to the atmosphere.

One of the more important features is the ability to not only add air to the air suspension system in an emergency, but by using an attachment hose(not included), you can pump up a flat tire or even a raft/mattress using your air suspension system.

Another important feature is the diagnostic help. Because the Spider Extreme V3 comes with a gauge, it helps diagnose problems with the air suspension system. I've helped people over the phone diagnose their system using the gauge on the Spider. Being able to find out quickly if theres a leak in the lines, or if the compressor is putting the needed pressure to raise the car is a real plus when things go wrong.

BTW, starting next week and for a limited time, I can sell you these items for:

- Rebuilt O.E.M. compressor
- New (Arnott)front(left) strut
- New (Arnott)front(right) strut
- New (Arnott)rear bags
- 4 (rebuilt O.E.M.) solenoids TOTAL=$731
Click to expand...
.

Eddie, as long as you're on, are your coil overs modified T bird units, or are they designed for the Mark?
 
....."Eddie, as long as you're on, are your coil overs modified T bird units, or are they designed for the Mark?"


The coil conversion kits for the Mark VIII are designed for the Mark VIII. A T-Bird is not used anywhere in the calculation of spring rate or anything.

A spring that would be perfect for the Mark VIII wouldn't be right for a T-Bird.
 
American Air-1 said:
BTW, starting next week and for a limited time, I can sell you these items for:

- Rebuilt O.E.M. compressor
- New (Arnott)front(left) strut
- New (Arnott)front(right) strut
- New (Arnott)rear bags
- 4 (rebuilt O.E.M.) solenoids TOTAL=$731
__________________
Click to expand...

THAT is a great price Eddie, thanks for supporting the community!
I paid right at 650 a long time ago. 731 is a good price, and isn't too far from the cost of a conversion.

"I" would pay the difference and keep air ride.
 
Eddie's conversion kits might not be T-bird parts.
I guarantee the Oreilly Auto Parts conversion IS T-bird parts.

I wont debate eddies products, Oreilley on the other hand..
100% T-bird Junk.
 
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