1988-1994 Lincoln Continental 4 Wheel Air Suspension Conversion Kit (FB14F)

Replaced Components
The 1988-1994 Lincoln Continental is built with the following front suspension components:

1988-1994 Lincoln Continental Air Springs (x2) - commonly referred to as air bags, a plastic and rubber bag that is fitted on top of the strut that uses pressurized air as a cushion instead of a metal coil spring to hold a vehicle off of the ground and off of its wheels. These are the number one cause of all air suspension leaks. All air springs all go bad at about the same rate. If one is leaking, the others will not be far behind. For a proper repair, all of them need to be replaced at the same time.

1988-1994 Lincoln Continental Struts (x2)- a type of shock absorber; has metal tubing filled with gas-charged hydraulic fluid that is connected to the wheel of a vehicle in order to reduce the effects of vertical travel on a rough surface which controls the bounciness, and therefore comfort, of a vehicle.; the air spring assembled on top of the strut is commonly referred to as an air strut.

1988-1994 Lincoln Continental Height Sensors (x2) - a linkage located near each wheel of a vehicle with any electronic suspension that, either mechanically or electronically, constantly measures the height of the vehicle, and reports this information back to the control module so that the computer can identify if changes in height need to be adjusted accordingly. The ride height sensor is a moving part, and like all moving parts, they will eventually wear out.

1988-1994 Lincoln Continental Air Lines- tubes that run from a compressor to the air which carry pressurized air to the air bags in order to adjust the height of the vehicle, respectively.

1988-1994 Lincoln Continental Solenoids (x2) - usually L-shaped, these plastic components connect the electrical connection and lines of suspension components to the suspension control module on vehicles with active suspension. The solenoid regulates the air pressure for each air spring. Solenoids start to leak as they wear out causing the vehicle to sag or to lean. This will cause the ride height sensor to send a signal to activate the compressor in an attempt to inflate the air suspension and level out the vehicle. This excessive work load will eventually lead to total failure of the compressor.

1988-1994 Lincoln Continental Compressor Assembly- creates/sends pressurized to active suspension components. When the air suspension starts leaking, the compressor/pump starts working harder to try to keep the system inflated. By the time air suspension leaks down completely, sitting the vehicle on its tires, the compressor will either have failed or be well on its way to full failure. Buying replacement struts and taking the time to install them only to find out the compressor still needs to be replaced can be very frustrating, time-consuming, and expensive.

1988-1994 Lincoln Continental Dryer- prevents moisture build-up inside of air suspension parts.

1988-1994 Lincoln Continental Suspension Control Module- a computer which is responsible for the operations of the air suspension system and maintaining the vehicles correct ride height.

1988-1994 Lincoln Continental O-rings- Although they are the least expensive parts of the air suspension, they are responsible for maintaining the seal where all of the air lines connect. Be sure to replace the O-rings when repairing any air suspension system.



Suspension Failure Signs

When a suspension warning light comes on in your vehicle, you know something bad has happened. Maybe the suspension has failed, or maybe it’s just leaking. Either way, do some investigating and get the issue figured out before you experience total failure of your vehicle. Look at the ride height- sagging or inflated? Not good. Check the air compressor- is it working too hard, or not working at all? Also not good. Overall, your vehicle should sit at the proper height consistently. If it’s not, you know something needs a repair or replacement.

OEM Replacement Cost
'+ Front Electronic/Air Strut Assemblies ($400/strut)
+ Compressor ($460)
+ Dryer ($190)
= Over $1,400 (but that doesnt include replacing electronic components that are known to fail such as the height sensors).

Aftermarket Replacement Cost
'+ Front Electronic/Air Strut Assemblies ($200/strut)
+ Compressor Assembly w/ Dryer ($220)
= Over $600 (but that doesn't include replacing electronic components that are known to fail such as the height sensors).