I have a 99 Expy 5.4L with rear LLS. Well after 214K the back end is starting to sag abit. Some where on hear I saw a post that made reference to some place that made coil springs that will directly take place of the air bags. For those of you that may have done this how do you like it and if you were to do it again would you put the air bags in. I like the fact that the truck levels itself when I carry a load. What is it like with the springs instead of the air bags.

And does anybody know where I can find some reliable replacement air bags. Ford wants $298.00 ea for them and that is a bit much. But if that is what I have to do then so beit.

 

ttt

 

Johnny,

I have driven both Expeditions with and without bags, and honestly I like the bagged version better. To me the regular suspension feels too much like a truck. I found a place at one time that sold replacement bags for around $75 ea., but I cannot find them any longer. I believe that the bags are Firestone bags, and a look under them shows retail prices anywhere from $75 to $100 ea. Maybe you can call the local Firestone dealer near you and see what the replacement bags cost.

That being said, are you sure that the bags are the problem? I have found that with the LLS, the bags are normally not the problem. Problem area's are normally with the fittings on these vehicles. I would suggest looking at two connectors before replacing the bags. First connector is under the hood in front of the master cylinder, next to the black box on the fender well. This connector is the union that takes air to the rear of the truck, and is a very common failure point on these. The replacement connector is much more robust. The next connector is near the rear where the main line spits to provide air to each bag. This one is normally ok, but can break. What you want to look for on each of these is small cracks at the ends. These cracks will expand when under pressure causing a small leak.

Also, how often is your compressor running?

edit: when does it sag? All the time, after sitting for some time? BTW, here is a site that sells all the parts you need, either way you go.

http://www.strutmasters.com/ford/expedition.htm

 

Thanks for the info. When the truck sits for about an hour the *** end will be sitting low. Start the truck and it will level itself after after a minute or so. The compressor does not seem to be running any more or less. Twice the check suspension light has come on and all I do is stop on the side of the road and turn the truck off and back on and it will level itself again. The reason I am thinking the air bags is you can hear air leaking from the driver side when the compresor is running and due to high mileage. Also the ride has become real soft and bouncy in the back end.

Thanks again
Johnny

 

Just sounds like you have a leak. I'd find it and fix it. I've never heard anyone say they liked the non LLS beter than LLS. I towed a 7500# boats and it was awesome leveling back out. It's something I wish my Excusirion had.

 

I agree. You said you can hear air leaking from the drivers side. I am guessing you hear it in the rear? If not and you hear it in the front, then check that one union I spoke of. If it is in the rear, put the back on some ramps get under it and feel for the leak, see if its on the bag(s) or not. The system is really simple to work on and you can get to pretty much everything with ramps in your garage.

What side of town do you live?

 

I live over on the Southeast side of Houston in LaPorte. I will be getting up underneath to check it out. I have friends and employees in need of help in Mississippi and I need to get this fixed to head out that way. This morning I went out and the truck was sitting up like it should be. Guess it realizes the it if fixin to go on another road trip.

And yes it is from the driverside rear I hear the leak. But i only hear it when the compressor is running.

Well thanks again for all the help.

Johnny