I need a air spring/solenoid connections (arnott good), PLEASE HELP?

[93cartiertc]

Update:

I just inspected my 93 cartier tc, moments ago. As suspected my driver's side air spring is leaking air! The lower bottom section of the air spring has significant wear to the rubber section. Also the dryer had quite a bit of water in it, yet the compressor still came on? The car is on the ground, and will not rise at all. Also, I had replaced the original one about 2 years ago. My other issue is the disconnecting of the air line from the current water logged dryer, however, I don't want to damage the connector, because it will be needed for the next dryer connection. Also, this defective dryer lost it plastic connector to compressor, it had a lot of play where it twists onto the compressor. The little connector notch snapped off, I could hear air escaping from this connection while the compressor was running, and upon turning it off. Overall my lines look good, in addition to all of my connections and or solenoids. My passenger side air spring is supple and intact, with no wear factors. I just need to get this line disconnected from the old dryer:confused:! I really need this car, I have no transportation:(! Might a water logged dryer, and partially dripping compressor, with one leaky air spring keep the car from rising, even though, the compressor appeared to be working diligently? I think the leaky air spring was a secondary factor to the newly discovered air leakage at the compressor dryer connector? All the same, I would like to order another air spring and a new line, my old one won't release from the dryer, also, would it be a good idea to pickup some new solenoids? I thought about ordering from Arnott, however, are the other vendors on this forum's link reputable? The air spring removal and install looks pretty straight forward, what are the do/don'ts when one takes on this project? Please all reponses would be greatly appreciated, as this is my only transportation. Ironically, I had one car that just developed a severe headgasket problem, and my third car's radiator just kicked the bucket:mad:! ALL IN THE COURSE OF A WEEK:eek:! And then my tc's suspension dropped:(!Thanks in advance!


260,000 plus 93 cartier tc

[SignatureSeriesOwner]

go to eBay.....type in Air Spring...there is a seller on there that sells brand new Firestone (made for Ford) OEM Air Springs......i believe 1 is $78.00 and by the looks of the pics, It comes with a soleniod. Try there :)

[Tman70]

If you're going to do it, then do it right, once. Gather all the parts and take 2-3 hours to install.
You're done for a long time...

[Kielbasa]

Who actually sells the Firestone air spring bag? We know that Arnott sells their own, but who sells the Firestone air spring bag?

[SignatureSeriesOwner]

Who actually sells the Firestone air spring bag? We know that Arnott sells their own, but who sells the Firestone air spring bag?

Wasnt firestone the original air spring on the car?

[93cartiertc]

Cool! Thanks again:)!go to eBay.....type in Air Spring...there is a seller on there that sells brand new Firestone (made for Ford) OEM Air Springs......i believe 1 is $78.00 and by the looks of the pics, It comes with a soleniod. Try there :)

[SignatureSeriesOwner]

Cool! Thanks again:)!

Not a problem :) they are the cheapest I've seen, and they are OEM, so hey... :D

[93cartiertc]

Thanks again guys! I really appreciate your quick reponses. I need to get my tc together quick fast.

Take care

[93cartiertc]

I found a air spring from Suncore for $69.00 # 40F-15R 1989-2005 Lincoln Towncar, might this be the firestone air spring? They are Florida based. American Egale has some decent accessories. How does one remove the air line to dryer connector. I replaced my dryer a few years ago and can't remember how I removed it? I don't want to damage the line itself. Also, I ahve another donor compressor with a air valve attached. Thanks!

[SignatureSeriesOwner]

I found a air spring from Suncore for $69.00 # 40F-15R 1989-2005 Lincoln Towncar, might this be the firestone air spring? They are Florida based. American Egale has some decent accessories. How does one remove the air line to dryer connector. I replaced my dryer a few years ago and can't remember how I removed it? I don't want to damage the line itself. Also, I ahve another donor compressor with a air valve attached. Thanks!

NO!!! do NOT buy the Suncore one unless you feel like it., It is REMANUFACTURED Firestones will last 10+ years..REMAN's will last 2-5 Suncore is a remanufactured Air Spring....the eBay one is OEM...go with that (IMO) thats what I plan on doing :)

[93cartiertc]

:eek: got it, thanks:)!NO!!! do NOT buy the Suncore one unless you feel like it., It is REMANUFACTURED Firestones will last 10+ years..REMAN's will last 2-5 Suncore is a remanufactured Air Spring....the eBay one is OEM...go with that (IMO) thats what I plan on doing :)

[SignatureSeriesOwner]

Sorry for the big letters :o just wanted to make sure ya saw it :)

[BillyBob TC]

I bought on a sunday night, had them IN MY HAND fed ex ground on tuesday. I left him glowing feedback, and they are perfect OEM Firestones WITH new solenoids. I have been deleriously happy!!!
Heres the detail of my purchase:

Payment Details

Purchased From:http://images.paypal.com/en_US/i/scr/pixel.gifnccincTransaction ID:http://images.paypal.com/en_US/i/scr/pixel.gif95G13510NE940970W
Item #Item TitleQuantityPriceSubtotal220192357375Brand New PAIR Grand Marquis Town Car Air Spring/Shock (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220192357375)1$145.00 USD$145.00 USD
Shipping & Handling via UPS Ground to 010XX
(includes any seller handling fees)$10.00 USDShipping Insurance (not offered):--http://images.paypal.com/en_US/i/scr/greyline.gifTotal:$155.00 USD

[davzog]

I also bought the true Firestone air springs on ebay...came with new solenoids for $156 shipped

wonderful deal and cheaper than a lot of coil spring conversion kits...not a reman job, either

[93cartiertc]

I checked and it seems as though they are out of stock, unless of course there is another online vendor with Firestones? I have tried to search for such, but I can't seem to locate firestones, any suggestions? Thanks:)!I bought on a sunday night, had them IN MY HAND fed ex ground on tuesday. I left him glowing feedback, and they are perfect OEM Firestones WITH new solenoids. I have been deleriously happy!!!
Heres the detail of my purchase:

Payment Details

Purchased From:http://images.paypal.com/en_US/i/scr/pixel.gifnccincTransaction ID:http://images.paypal.com/en_US/i/scr/pixel.gif95G13510NE940970W
Item #Item TitleQuantityPriceSubtotal220192357375Brand New PAIR Grand Marquis Town Car Air Spring/Shock (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220192357375)1$145.00 USD$145.00 USD
Shipping & Handling via UPS Ground to 010XX
(includes any seller handling fees)$10.00 USDShipping Insurance (not offered):--http://images.paypal.com/en_US/i/scr/greyline.gifTotal:$155.00 USD

[93cartiertc]

Did you buy your Firestones from a different vendor, other than, where Billy Bob TC got his from? Thanks:)!I also bought the true Firestone air springs on ebay...came with new solenoids for $156 shipped

wonderful deal and cheaper than a lot of coil spring conversion kits...not a reman job, either

[93cartiertc]

Not a problem. What is your take on American Egale products? I am just considering them for one air spring and seals etc, in case I can't seem to locate any firestones on ebay? I realize that they maybe be a bit more expensive then what the Firestones are going for, but just for the sake of time, because I have no transportation:), thanks again. Sorry for the big letters :o just wanted to make sure ya saw it :)

[93cartiertc]

Does anyone have any suggestions on line removal from the air dryer? I replaced my air compressor once before, but I can't seem to remember how I extracted the line, initially. I have a spare dryer with no line in it, would this be a problem? There is no line at all, could I possibly run another line down into the dryer and somehow secure it? I noticed some type of brass fitting that encircles the line and sort of screws down into the line connect, I am missing that on the dryer that I am to install. (to install with good compressor). And another dryer with a torn off line, all the same the dryer is good, but the line is damaged. I was on the american egale site and it appears that they have a line repair kit, where one could join 2 lines together, but I not quite sure how that would work for a line to dryer connection? How far down does te tubing go into the dryer insert, I really don't need another dryer, I am sure there must be a more feasible solution to this minor debacle. But I guess it warrants some thought:confused:? What say you? Thanks!;)

[SignatureSeriesOwner]

Not a problem. What is your take on American Egale products?
:dunno: I would e-mail the eBay seller and ask him when he is getting another shipment in....
Does anyone have any suggestions on line removal from the air dryer? I replaced my air compressor once before, but I can't seem to remember how I extracted the line, initially. I have a spare dryer with no line in it, would this be a problem? There is no line at all, could I possibly run another line down into the dryer and somehow secure it? I noticed some type of brass fitting that encircles the line and sort of screws down into the line connect, I am missing that on the dryer that I am to install. (to install with good compressor). And another dryer with a torn off line, all the same the dryer is good, but the line is damaged. I was on the american egale site and it appears that they have a line repair kit, where one could join 2 lines together, but I not quite sure how that would work for a line to dryer connection? How far down does te tubing go into the dryer insert, I really don't need another dryer, I am sure there must be a more feasible solution to this minor debacle. But I guess it warrants some thought:confused:? What say you? Thanks!;)

I believe with the air line, you push it in, and it releases the clip, then you pull it out :)

[93cartiertc]

Thanks! I will contact them, Now that I think of it, that is how I remember removing my line, when I replaced my compressor the last time:):dunno: I would e-mail the eBay seller and ask him when he is getting another shipment in....


I believe with the air line, you push it in, and it releases the clip, then you pull it out :)

[SignatureSeriesOwner]

Thanks! I will contact them, Now that I think of it, that is how I remember removing my line, when I replaced my compressor the last time:)

No problem :)

[Tman70]

Press IN on the orange ring, pull out air line...

[mechaniclese]

I bought my 92 TC with air springs already gone and judging from the amount of time spent on air spring discussion and the prices involved. I think I consider myself lucky that they are already gone. The compressor is still under the hood and the switch is in the trunk. I think I'll pull them and toss them so I can take a few pounds off the car.Either that or buy air shocks and use the compressor and switch to pump them up as needed. On all three of the caddys I had the level ride was removed and air shocks installed. I sometimes wonder if anyone at any R&D department at any car company tests the durability of this stuff before they stick it on a car. All the technology is really cool until it starts breaking.

[BillyBob TC]

I bought my 92 TC with air springs already gone and judging from the amount of time spent on air spring discussion and the prices involved. I think I consider myself lucky that they are already gone. The compressor is still under the hood and the switch is in the trunk. I think I'll pull them and toss them so I can take a few pounds off the car.Either that or buy air shocks and use the compressor and switch to pump them up as needed. On all three of the caddys I had the level ride was removed and air shocks installed. I sometimes wonder if anyone at any R&D department at any car company tests the durability of this stuff before they stick it on a car. All the technology is really cool until it starts breaking.
This post belongs under rear spring conversion? (http://www.lincolnsonline.com/forum/showthread.php?t=56609) thread, for regular car owners. THIS air spring thread seems to be for Lincoln owners. Please dont thumb your nose or compare our air suspension to that of GM's or coils. If R/D was used upon buying ANY car, there would be ZERO cars on the road. :rolleyes:

[98TC-Cartier]

mechaniclese,

The engineers know the expected life of every little part on the car. All it is supposed to do is last about 2-3x the normal warranty period. If you designed a new car to last 20 years without anything breaking, you'd be paying at least 50k for a subcompact, and it would weigh another 1000 lbs.

Why do you think there are no grease fittings on new cars any more, it's because they cost a few pennies each. Not withstanding that due to the ball joint design, there isn't a thick enough piece of metal to screw one into.

[mechaniclese]

I was only trying to make the point that is seemed that there is alot of problems with the airbag suspension on ALL models of Lincolns. As to comparing it to the Cadillac level ride suspension I don't see why I can't. Gm used regular coils with airshocks and Lincoln used regular shocks with air bags. They are the same system otherwise with compressors, airlines, height sensors etc. I would say eight out of ten older Cadillacs or Lincolns I see are either modified or dragging on the ground because their "great" level ride system is broken. To me that says that the system dosen't hold up on either brand of car. It was a great idea I'm not saying it wasn't, but not everyone can afford to run to the dealer everytime their car hiccups or spend 300-400 hundred bucks because their car is dragging on the ground. My statement stands, I'm glad the air ride is gone on my 92 TC, less hassle, more enjoyment. Hmm, I have a 92 TC I guess I'm not a "regular" car owner and thusly can post about Lincolns in a Lincoln forum.

[CartierBear]

you guys need to stop acting like stuck up jerks. he merely made an observation about the NUMEROUS threads bout the air suspension and said he was glad his didn't have it. only thing i heard bout GM is his caddies didn't have it and now his town car doesn't have it now. Every model has its flaws, poor designs or common problems .

"This post belongs under rear spring conversion? thread, for regular car owners. THIS air spring thread seems to be for Lincoln owners. --HE IS A LINCOLN OWNER and why not this thread jsut for air suspension owners in that case.

Please don't thumb your nose or compare our air suspension to that of GM's or coils. --WHY NOT???you don't think Lincoln compared their suspension to GM I'm sure they compared and figured out ways to make it better he only compared the amount of air suspension failures.

Did the 98 town car even have the air suspension? if not then why not criticize 98TC-cartier
for putting his 2 cent in i mean what gives him the right to talk or post in a air suspension system thread if he doesn't have one. let alone in the 90-97 Section of the forum.

I just feel you guys jumped all over mechaniclese for no reason and thats wrong. I may of completely misunderstood this entire thing but its strikes my nerve when people attack one another or criticize what somebody post thats the moderators job to privately let a member know if he went out of bounds or posted inappropriately cause nobody is perfect. I would think this board is to share ideas, knowledge, ideas or experiences and not fear being judged or criticized

[mechaniclese]

Thank you cub for seeing what I meant. I am not knocking the air suspension system nor am I knocking those who choose to keep it. I was merely pointing out how many of them fail regardless of brand and my personal experiances with them. I also think designers should have tested the durability of the systems better given the diverse climates and road conditons these cars faced depending on what part of the country or world they were delivered in. I bought my car modifed, I didn't do the conversion myself. Had I bought it with the air ride and it failed I might have repaired it and not converted it to springs, because just once I would like to own one that actually worked.This is my first Lincoln so all I had to compare it to was the previous Cadillacs I've owned with a similar suspension set up. I wasn't trying to start some sort of argument. I was just posting my personal thoughts on the situation.

[CartierBear]

only problem i have is i think they last a along time we are talking cars 10-17 years old and for them to last that long airing up letting air out everyday with typically no maintence from owners on the most stressful part of the automotive body thats pretty good. and its rubber tires dont last that long. the thing is Lincoln and cadillacs are bought by people that will trade it in every 3 years and can afford maintenance. so lincoln isnt going to worry bout their cars lasting 10-17 years when chances are those owners wont be buying a new one and making lincoln money so why should they care how long parts last. and each case is different my 1992 Towncar still had perfect air bag suspension and the engine went before the suspension i dunno i think ive ruffled ebough feathers :) <<Steps off soap box>>

[rj]

Each to his own. However, my opinion is that the air springs/regular shock combination provides a better ride and provides dynamic load leveling, much in the same manner as air ride trailers, which also use air springs supplements.

I also believe that air springs are inexpensive enough to be considered a routine maintenance item, just like shocks, brakes or tires. I found replacing the springs to be easier than changing the shocks or brakes, so maintainability was considered and achieved.

There was a time when the air springs and compressors were only available at the dealer, at an exaggerated price. Now plenty of aftermarket sources exist. Regardless, if someone wants the coils instead, more power to them.

[Newave Dave]

I bought my TC with 49K. It had metal springs. I have seen used car dealers routinely just put in metal springs for air springs to eliminate any troubleshooting or other costs associated with air springs.
I replaced my metal springs with OEM air springs/solenoid, an aftermarket rebuilt compressor and dryer, only to find the computer was also bad. After the junkyard computer was installed no more trouble. Better ride.
Many if not most people who buy 15 year old cars don't have $1000 to throw at a car for a "slightly nicer" ride so metal springs or dragging are the common results.
Cars and Women, when they get older the maintainance costs go up if you want them to keep lookin good!

[BillyBob TC]

Didnt mean to 'ruffle feathers'. There are two threads going this moment, pro air springs, and pro coils. The OP wants help to save his air system, which we try to help and along comes mech. I wasnt being fresh, his post was better served in the pro coil thread. There are different types of car owners and ones that decide to hack up systems to save $20 or $50, or save a few pounds weight (WTF?) are not Lincoln lovers. I want to replace my 2 cornering lamps, but buy one of those cheap epay knock offs with no emblem? Never. Im FAR from wealthy, it took my entire Paypal account ($130) plus $30 from my charge to get my air springs and do it right.
Mech is perfectly free to install and love coils, I just dont agree and thats my perogitive as well. He can down air systems, but I cant down coils?? I see this cycle over and over between coil and air posters.
BTW, we are only talking of 'air suspension' on a TC, I'm more inclined to agree with mech on air 'leveling' systems, but thats not an issue for us here.
93cartier - I hope someone here can get you up and running buddy! :)

[Dereck]

There are two threads going this moment, pro air springs, and pro coils.

Hi

And now there are no threads. :)

Regards

Dereck