Ford Expedition conversion from air ride to normal

[William Patterson]

I have a 2000 Ford Expedition with 120k miles. It has all 4 air suspension. It has never had the shocks replaced. It sometimes starts the air pump at first and then off anon as you drive but not all the time. The pump is really load. My sense is that the whole system is worn out and to replace is pretty expensive just for the parts…about $500. Has anyone out there done the conversion to standard shocks and springs? i see Monroe has a kit for about $200 on Rockauto.
Is it OK? The only reason for the air was for pulling a trailer but that is not being done anymore.

Thoughts?

Topic

[Mike]

I would think that converting to a standard shock/spring suspension would be pretty pricey too, once it’s all done. For instance, would you need different spring seats to accept the coils?

I’d be inclined to keep and fix the factory air system, rather than trying to retrofit another system. However, if it’s a simple “unbolt and swap” thing, then go for it.

[William Patterson]

From the videos I have seen it is pretty easy. It does require new springs in the back but not hard todo from what I can see in the monroe video on youtube. I’ve done lots of auto work so the mechanical task is not an issue. Just wondering if anyone had done the change over and what they thought about the results. Fixing the air system is pretty expensive for the parts. If not towing anything i do not feel it is needed.

[Author]

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