Air Bag Replacement Options / Sensor + Watts Link

[Svashtar]

Sorry to be using so much bandwidth here lately. I'm catching up after 10 years or so, so have been spamming the list a bit. I promise to slow down, but have been learning a lot.

Combining both issues in one post here:

First, been reading past posts about air suspension issues. Yesterday when I had the back of the car up on jacks I saw identical fraying on the back air bag "covers." I could see the rubber bag underneath the frayed outer skin. Both bags were worn identically. The fronts of the bags looked OK, but each rear had about a 3-4" area where the bag skin was damaged and fraying.

In 2015 folks were buying replacement bags; are those still available? Everything is working fine for now, just looking ahead.

Related, where is the air ride sensor located? If it's where / what I think it is, I moved it 12 years ago...

Second question, kind of a survey one actually; I installed Metco control arms in the car 3 weeks after I bought it new in 2004. Front and RSB soon after. The Quickor rolled steel RSB is especially rigid. I can take a hard flat banking turn at 70 and the car feels like a train on a track.

I was also going to get Metco's Watts link but I recall a few guys thought it made the rear end too stiff when combined with the above mods. (?) I'm considering this mod, assuming Metco still makes it, but don't want things to feel too harsh back there.

So, looking for impressions from folks who have them. (It's natural for people to recommend what they bought, but please give an honest opinion if you would buy again.
I have a few mods I wish I could go back and never do, but you go with what you know at the time!)

Thanks for your help.

Norm

[RubberCtyRauder]

Factory air springs still avail..but who know for how long..they are pricey, over $300 each so if you want them, better get them now as later may not exist. There are 2 aftermarket places with air springs..Arnott and Suncore..mixed reviews oif the "marauder" ones are truly the same rating..Some say use the towncar limo ones, but othere s say they are too stiff. it's a ymmv.


Sensor is on the watts link in front of the axle driver side.

[Svashtar]

Damn, over $600 for what should be a reasonably priced OEM part. Available from Ford?

I love how they discontinue part after part, then bend you over because they've been discontinued and are in short supply.

Thanks for the info on the sensor; not what I was thinking.


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[RubberCtyRauder]

arnott and suncore air springs, much cheaper


tascaparts.com has them for like $289 and $265 depending what side..left or right

[Svashtar]

Thanks again.


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[Svashtar]

Lol! The air suspension system has been working perfectly, now after working on the car for the past week it refilled 3x on a 5 mile drive this morning. Shouldn't have asked about it I guess. :-)
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2 hours later: drivers side is definitely a little lower, and overall rear of car is sagging. Don't know how I didn't notice it before.

As I'm the only one who rides in it my mechanic recommended springs that are close to airbag feel, if such exist, so I need to start doing some research.

[Svashtar]

So, I must have done something to make this thing want to inflate constantly.

First thing I did unusual was let it sit for two weeks while I ordered parts and worked on it part time. Longest it has sat since new. (?)

Then jacked up a front wheel and let it sit on a jackstand overnight (air suspension on), then one rear wheel for a few hours and another for an hour (both air suspension on). Then both rear wheels on stands (air off).

Any suggestions, or should I just start looking at new bags? Anyone go to standard spring options? Is replacing the bags a driveway job?

I don't want to burn out the compressor with it running more than usual so have to deal with this asap.

Thanks.


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