99 Crown Vic Rear Air Suspension Questions

[mikesw]

My 99 Crown Vic has apparently developed a leak somewhere in the Air Ride Suspension system. When I come out in the morning to go to work, the back end of the car sits very low. It will come back up with the onboard compressor pump, but will go down again when the car is not running.

Anyone know if there is any particular part of the system that is usually the culprit when it starts to leak air?

Also, I've seen coil spring + shock kits designed to replace the air suspension. Has anyone tried one of these kits and been satisfied? Strutmasters sells one for about $300.

Thanx,
Mike

[gypsydaze]

Hi Mike, I'm new here too, and have a 1997 CV that has a "low rider" issue...

First thing was shut off the air compressor switch in the trunk so it wouldn't burn up. In my case, the Rear Suspension Air Spring Bag (behind the R tire) was shot...rubber rot.....I am assuming the L is the same... I don't know what else maybe problematic, but with 90,000 miles it is well overdue for maintenance.

Bought it a year ago and now I know why my usual mechanic has been dragging his feet to "replace the shocks"..... To keep it original I would replace everything.....Suspension Air Springs, Shocks, Solenoids, & Compressor Kit......online around 400.00....as usual, forget the dealer.

But, after considerable research and not able to get a clear cut answer from forums I am opting for the conversion kit you mentioned above. Not sure whether to go with Suncore, Strutmasters or American Air Conversion, the three who carried the kit for about 300.

Spoke with several mechanics and this is a popular, inexpensive solution. So, since I don't care about maintaining original parts, haul trailers or stuff bodies in the trunk, I'm going for the conversion kit.

Good luck and if anyone has an opinion on the best place to get the conversion kits, I won't order until the morning....

[je2000]

I replaced mine with conventional for about $350 if I remember right. At the time it was waaay expensive to get the stock shocks back running.

Was working fine, I park the car in the snow on the street, come back that evening to find my back end dragging!!

I am not sure what impact this will have on towing. My 94 LX was used to two a horse trailer. The only thing I'd be towing is the occasional dirt bike or two so I think a conventional shock kit should hold up fine.