1988 TC Air Ride Not Working

[DerekTheGreat]

Checked the system before adding air, 0psi. Added air until machine shut off, 0psi, car ride height still the same (Bob Seger is playing in background..). Ok looks like my car will need new bags and a compressor, guess the old bags leaked and then the compressor worked itself until it died, like you said. What bags can I buy that are most like the original bags? I see some compressors on EBay so I'll try to nab one.

[jaywish]

This is the 88 TC right? Shocks not bags right?

The selection is limited. Rock Auto shows two different Monroe air shocks. I can't remember which are in my wagon.

[DerekTheGreat]

Yessir!
Air shocks not bags, yeah... Monroe's sound like quality, which ones require the least modification to work? I read something about needing new tee fittings or something before...

Ashley's 89 will most likely need the same package though.

[jaywish]

if you have the original ford shocks they had a "t" mounted right into the shock. Monroe has a kit, nothing big here, the kits are mentioned on rock auto with the shock listing. Rock probably sells the kit but I did not check for that.

You run the existing air line to the new "t" then a new line, also from the kit, to each shock. The fun part is the removal of the top shock nut.

[DerekTheGreat]

Cool beans, I love "fun" lol. Thanks Jay, I'll get on rock auto and see what the dealio is.

[gadget73]

basically you get Monroe or Gabriel for air shocks. Not sure that one is much better than the other TBH.

[DerekTheGreat]

Alrighty, I ordered up a pair of Monroe MA815 shocks, the AK14 hose kit and a Motorcraft air compressor, part number E9AZ-5319-A (Hope that's the right one, looks like it is.). Now we just gotta wait. Going to check out Ash's car soon.. That stuff all sound right to you guys?

Looks like the compressor has a different part number than what was on the box. Take a look:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/281339407383...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
Looks like the thing in the car just without the black paint and such...

[AshleyTheGreat]

So we tested mine just a little bit ago and before we added air, mine was also at 0psi. Derek added air while I kept an eye on the rear. Within seconds, I was able to see it rising. As soon as he stopped adding air, it was again reading at 0psi and you could see it lowering about as quickly as it rose.
We also ordered up a pair of shocks and a compressor for mine, nabbing the hose kit shortly.

[gadget73]

Parts look right. Usually where these fail is the air bladders crack and won't hold air anymore. If thats all it is, no problem. Unfortunately sometimes the compressor dies too. Check the relay first though, its possible it burned out or the fuse link feeding it gave. I don't know where they moved the relay too. On an 86 its in the trunk, but mine also had the compressor and the control module back there. In 87 the compressor at least moved up front. I think the module is still in the back. Don't know about the relay, but it would make sense to live up front.

[DerekTheGreat]

All that stuff actually works on mine! We found out the other day when fiddling with the amp in the trunk. Thought I heard hissing from under the car and so I looked under the hood and the compressor was humming away with Ashley in the trunk. Odd it didn't do that at the meet-up several months ago. Looks like we have a spare compressor now though, lol.

[DerekTheGreat]

Thought I'd update this:
Shocks were put on, leaks at T-fitting addressed by pushing the hoses into their connectors more and everything works as it should!

I have a question about the sensitivity of the system though. Should it respond to small loads that drop the car only about 1/4 - 1/2"? Or does it only respond in steps? Seems as if I have to make it drop about 3/4" or more before it kicks on and adjusts the ride height.
I read this article:
http://www.slideshare.net/strutmaste...rairsuspension
Based on the content the system should respond to any extra weight added, so long as it's enough to cause the little arm on the sensor to move..

[porschpow]

A side note

Is there anything you could do to prolong the life of the rubber bladders on the shocks? armor all??

[IPreferDIY]

I've asked about that for my air springs and haven't gotten much response. I was thinking tire conditioner if it does anything more than improve the appearance, but I haven't tried it. I resorted to cleaning them with WD-40. They say it's safe for rubber, and I'm thinking maybe it would leave a film that would prevent the rubber from drying out. I just use it to clean the air springs and their plastic bases and wipe off as much as I can, particularly to prevent stuff from sticking to it. I recently saw someone recommend silicone spray for rubber bushings since it presumably seals them. I asked about air springs and was told to check with the silicone spray manufacturer. I haven't checked yet and can't promise that I will.

[DerekTheGreat]

When I got done fixing my line leaks I sprayed the bejeesus out of everything with Krown T40. Safe for rubber & plastic according to the label and so I kept up until I was covered with it and the car was dripping haha.

[porschpow]

someone tld me a while ago to spray rubber items with the tire foam stuff