1997-2002 Ford Expedition 4WD 4-Wheel Suspension Conversion Kit Rear Shocks Kit (FX14F)

1997-2002 Ford Expedition Replaced Components

The 1997-2002 Ford Expedition 4WD is built with the following suspension components:

1997-2002 Ford Expedition 4WD Air Springs (x2) - commonly referred to as air bags, a plastic and rubber bag that uses pressurized air as a cushion (instead of a metal coil spring) to support the weight of the rear of the vehicle. These rubber air springs are the number one cause of all air suspension leaks. Since all air springs go bad at about the same rate, if one is leaking, the others will not be far behind. For proper repair, all of them need to be replaced at the same time.

1997-2002 Ford Expedition 4WD Front Air Shocks (x2) - Air shocks dampen vibration and reduce bounciness in the front of the vehicle. They contain a rubber bladder that fills with air sent by the compressor.

1997-2002 Ford Expedition 4WD Rear Gas Shocks (x2) - a type of shock absorber; has metal tubing filled with gas-charged hydraulic fluid that works independently of the air springs to dampen vibration and bounciness.

1997-2002 Ford Expedition 4WD Air Lines - tubes that carry pressurized air from the vehicle's onboard compressor to the air shocks and air springs in order to adjust the height of the vehicle.

1997-2002 Ford Expedition 4WD Solenoids (x4) - This vehicle is equipped with 4 solenoids. These plastic components work along with the suspension control module. The solenoids are responsible for regulating the air pressure in each air spring or air shock. Solenoids are a small piece of the suspension system but they play a big role in how well it functions. If a solenoid is not working properly, it will cause the vehicle's ride height to be unlevel.

1997-2002 Ford Expedition 4WD Compressor - This vehicle is equipped with an onboard air suspension compressor, responsible for pumping up the air springs and shocks. When the air suspension starts leaking, the compressor is forced to run continuously to try and keep the air springs inflated. After a couple of days of running non-stop, the compressor will burn itself out. Replacing the compressor is a timely and expensive project to undertake.

1997-2002 Ford Expedition 4WD Dryer Assembly - This vehicle is equipped with a dryer assembly. The dryer assembly is responsible for getting moisture out of the airlines. Once the air suspension parts start to leak, moisture will build up throughout the air system. Moisture damages the air suspension components from the inside out. The dryer must be replaced whenever the compressor is replaced to prevent further damage.

1997-2002 Ford Expedition 4WD Suspension Control Module - This vehicle is equipped with a suspension control module. This module is the brain of the suspension system and it reads all of the signals that are being sent by the height sensors and determines if the vehicle needs to be raised or lowered.

1997-2002 Ford Expedition 4WD 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.

1997-2002 Ford Expedition Suspension Failure Signs

There are a few signs you need to look for when attempting to diagnose if your air suspension is leaking or failing on your 1997-2002 Ford Expedition 4WD. The most noticeable sign is a sudden loss of three to five inches in ride height in the rear of the vehicle. You may experience uneven height differences between different sides of the Expedition. Because steel torsion bars support the front of the vehicle, it is more difficult to notice when the front air shocks fail. Poor ride quality is the most common symptom of failed front air shocks. The rear will be sagging while the front remains up. An illuminated suspension warning light on the instrument cluster also indicates suspension total failure. If the air compressor has stopped working or is running too long (longer than 15-20 seconds maximum), a leak in the system is the most likely culprit. A visual inspection of the rear air springs will normally reveal cracks caused by dry rot and normal wear and tear.

OEM Replacement Cost

• Front Air Shocks ($837/air shocks) +
• Rear Air Spring ($253/air spring) +
• Rear Shocks ($189) +
• Compressor and Dryer Assembly ($270)

 = TOTAL: Over $2,820 (and that doesn't even include replacing electronic components that are known to fail such as the height sensors).