1988-1994 Lincoln Continental Front Air Suspension Conversion Kit (FB1FB)

Replaced Components
1991-1994 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.

1991-1994 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.

1991-1994 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.

1991-1994 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.

1991-1994 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.

1991-1994 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.

1991-1994 Lincoln Continental Dryer- prevents moisture build-up inside of air suspension parts.

1991-1994 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.

1991-1994 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
Your 1988-1994 Lincoln Continental may have a failed or leaking air suspension if it exhibits any of the common signs. The most noticeable is a sudden uneven height difference or lean between the right and left sides of the Continental. Often, the front end fails first causing it to sag or the rear may sag, while the front remains inflated. The Continental might look like it’s squatting down too low to the ground, or more dramatically, like it’s sitting on the ground. In the event of suspension total failure, you will need to get it fixed immediately. Look for an illuminated warning light or message on the instrument console to indicate the need for repair. Listen for a noisy air compressor (running too often), or an air compressor that has completely stopped working. All of these are signs that the air suspension system has gone bad. Lastly, keep tabs on the overall ride height of the Lincoln Continental. If you have a bad suspension it will not be able to meet and maintain its proper ride height.

OEM Replacement Cost
'+ Front Electronic/Air Strut Assemblies ($400/strut)
+ Compressor ($460)
+ Dryer ($190)
= Over $1,400! (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! (That doesn't include replacing electronic components that are known to fail such as the height sensors).