How to Determine if a 1998 Ford Explorer has the Automatic Ride Control Feature

Question

Question:

how do I find out if my 1998 ford explorer has a factory air leveling kit

asked by: Terry G

0

Expert Reply:

The easiest way to determine if your 1998 Ford Explorer has the factory air leveling system (automatic ride control) is to call a Ford dealer and have them look up the VIN in their computer system to see how that vehicle was equipped.

If the system is supposed to work automatically then I would think that you would have heard an on-board air compressor kick on at some point to level the vehicle. You also may want to check the vehicle owners manual because sometimes they will list the character in the VIN associated with a certain feature.

If you are looking for extra support for carrying heavy loads in the Explorer another option is to use Timbren springs, # TFXF1004A for a 4x4 or # TGMFK10 for 2-wheel drive. Then the load leveling system would not matter.

If you are experience sag at the back when towing a trailer then the best solution is going to be weight distribution, not suspension enhancement. To choose a weight distribution system you will need to go by the total tongue weight of the set up. This is calculated by taking the tongue weight of the trailer, when loaded and ready to tow, and adding to that the weight of anything loaded behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle.

expert reply by: Michael H

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Answer 1

Unfortunately Timbren does not make their Timbren Active Off-Road Bumpstops #TABSOSR kit without the axle bracket, so if you don't need it you'll just ignore it and install everything else. To figure out if you need a spacer kit #T68MR…

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Answer 2

For your 2018 Chevy Colorado ZR2 Diesel I recommend RoadActive Suspension #RAS4617. This system will provide extra support when towing and/or carrying loads in the truck bed as well as help with overall stability all without affecting the unloaded…

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Answer 3

For your 2015 Nissan Frontier I would recommend the SumoSprings Solo Custom Helper Springs #SSR-610-40, which are the blue SumoSprings. Although SumoSprings are pretty good about not affecting your unloaded ride quality you're right, the others…

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Answer 4

The Timbren Trailer Suspension Enhancement System for Underslung Axles #T92MR is 5-1/4" tall. Timbren recommends The spring be in constant contact with the frame at all times. So ideally you will want exactly 5-1/4" from your axle tube to…

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Answer 5

The total height of the Timbren Active Off-Road Bumpstops part #TABSOSR which are a fit for a 2011 Nissan Frontier is 4-5/8". If you want to add spacers you'll use the Timbren Spacer part #TA25722-90P00 and or part #A25723-90AH00. In regards…

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Answer 6

Drop axles don't drop the distance between the trailer frame and axle as basically the drop is after the suspension and between the spindle. So the SumoSprings Trailer Helper Springs w/ Line Relocation Bracket #TSS-106-40 would install just fine…

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Answer 7

As the max working load of your 48" x 96" Harbor Freight Haul Master utility trailer is 1,720 pounds, the Timbren Trailer Suspension Enhancement System Light-Duty Trailers 1,000 lbs #TTRA1702 will have no issue working with it. However,…

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Answer 8

The bottom portion of the Timbren #TTRA1702 Aeon spring that would contact the axle beam measures 2-3/8 inches in diameter, according to my contact at Timbren. I've linked to a product description video featuring the #TTRA1702 Timbren Aeon…

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Answer 9

Based on what you are saying and your photos, it apprears you have springs that are double eye springs. The springs will need to be based on the load of your trailer. The axle capacity may be difficult to know as you said it appears to be custom. I…

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Answer 10

The Timbren Trailer Suspension Enhancement System Light-Duty Trailers 1,000 lbs #TTRA1702 will be a great help in reducing body roll and helping dampen the bounce. Based on your measurements this will immediately take on load and stabilizing while…

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Answer 11

The instructions for the SumoSprings kit part #TSS-106-40 do not specify whether they should install in front of or behind the rear axle but I would recommend in front of the axle since most shock is going to be first on the front portion of the axle…

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Answer 12

For sag from towing a trailer the best recommendation I can make is actually a weight distribution system. Suspension enhancement will help level your truck while towing. But the advantage to a weight distribution system is that it levels the vehicle…

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