So Earlier this week I purchased a compressor/dryer assembly from American Air Suspension (Eddie really is a great resource for us!), and I also sprung for the Spider Xtreme. Can anyone give me any advice as to how I should approach installing these new upgrades in my car? Whats the best way to reach them? etc. Thanks in advance for all your help.
Air Ride Upgrade (SpiderXtreme)
- Thread starter Lugi20
- Start date
1wykdmk8
LvC Dues Collector
For me, the best and easiest way is to take the front bumper cover off and the compressor is on the passenger side behind it. To me that is the easiest way. If you remove the inner fenderwell it does not give you alot of room, and the ONLY time I did, I cut the livin hell outta myself on the sharp edges and such that are on the thing. Plus, you will need a bit more room to do all that you need to do anyways.
If you need help hit me off with an email or inbox me, I can walk you thru the whole thing.
If you need help hit me off with an email or inbox me, I can walk you thru the whole thing.
02LSE96LSC91SE84TC
Dedicated LVC Member
I think pulling the bumper cover off is the best way, it comes off easy enough, and your not working so blind. I never tried to do it with it on, but can imagine it being difficult if you don't know exactly what your looking for.
67Continental
Dedicated LVC Member
i've done it with it on, there is not a lot of room at all - and i cut myself as well. however, taking off the bumper cover can be time consuming, especially if it is the first time you are doing it and you have the possibility of rusted screws and bolts. if you take off the bumper cover, make sure you have a tool to pull out the ford plug-style plastic fasteners, it will make your life so much easier.
I've only done it by removing the wheel liner. Once the air silencer is removed, it's a quick swap. By the second time, you do swap that pump within a couple minutes. And, if you need to, you can also reach the compressor through the light hatch and under the air cleaner...
I have the original spider valve.
I have the original spider valve.
Sergmark
Dedicated LVC Member
I agree It is much better to pull the front bumper cover off. It has to be very difficult to do it through the fender well if not imposable !! You will be sure to put the air lines back on easier
Thanks for all your advice gentlemen! Seems as if pulling off the bumper cover is the way to go, so thats what I'll be doing....
By the way, This is a big upgrade weekend for me... Comp/Dryer, Spider Xtreme, 255 Walbro, Kirban AFPR, Rear air springs, and Yokohama Avid V4S's... should be more fun to drive after this is all said and done.
Next month (in other words... next paycheck), 1 1/4" Addco rear bar, Monroe sensitracs + solid upper mounts.
I'll keep everyone posted with results.
By the way, This is a big upgrade weekend for me... Comp/Dryer, Spider Xtreme, 255 Walbro, Kirban AFPR, Rear air springs, and Yokohama Avid V4S's... should be more fun to drive after this is all said and done.
Next month (in other words... next paycheck), 1 1/4" Addco rear bar, Monroe sensitracs + solid upper mounts.
I'll keep everyone posted with results.
1wykdmk8
LvC Dues Collector
What I would suggest to do since you are planning on so many upgrades, that before you do the Yoko's (if you have enuf tread on the old tires) that you get the poly front end parts for the suspension. It makes a world of difference, and will help the handling out quite a bit.:shifty:
mespock
Marxists - Socialists
I've done it both ways.. Much easier with the bumper off!!! And it only take about 5 min to take off the bumper..
1wykdmk8
LvC Dues Collector
Lugi20 said:
MN12 Performance used to sell the kit, you can still go there and see the kit. It is the kit for the front end. SuperCoupe Performance is supposed to be carrying the parts now. I can not find it on their website, but I know they are now carrying everything that MN12 Performance used to sel. Give them a call and find out.
1wykdmk8
LvC Dues Collector
You do not 'need' upper/lower control arms, but depending on how many miles you have I would think about changing the upper control arms (since you can not simply change the ball joint on the uppers), and then purchase a new set of lower ball joints and have them installed at the same time. I did the whole thing with just basic hand tools, no special tools needed. If you do not have anyway to get or have air tools it can be done. Will take a few extra minutes, but you can still do it. I did not use air tools either, but I suggest having an extra set of hands cause you will need it.
The only reason I suggest this, is you will hafta get the front end aligned, and no use doing it several times. Hope that helps.
The only reason I suggest this, is you will hafta get the front end aligned, and no use doing it several times. Hope that helps.