This is to report on my experiences in rebuilding the front suspension on my '94 MK8.

Some while back, I noticed that upper ball joint boots were shot, and coming apart. So, I ordered from Eddie,received at promised date at a fair price. I set them aside for the upcoming rebuild.

Then I ordered a full poly-graphite bushing kit from MN12, also good stuff at a fair price.

Next, I began to hear a clunking in the front at slow speeds on uneven pavement. I traced this to sway bar links, which I got from local NAPA dealer.

Then, like most of us, I proceeded to procrastinate about doing the work.

The issue was forced when the air struts developed a leak. So I ordered a pair from Eddie along with a "Spider Valve". I also bought a pair of greaseable lower ball joints at NAPA.

Parts arrived on time as promised, and I proceeded at my somewhat leisurely pace to tear down and install the stuff I had accumulated.I had no need to hurry, as I had my 2003 Silverado w/Duramax diesel for wheels!

You definitely need the use of a good hydraulic press and accessories to install the lower ball joints and the bushings. The rest has been covered in many posts. Do a search.

The Spider Valve came with very good instructions and illustrations. About the only thing I would add is that after installation, and before reinstallation of RF inner fender panel and wheel, do a presure check of all the newly installed lines and the Spider Valve.

This can be done with the Air Ride switch off,. and also the ignition switch off. Use a spray bottle with soapy water and check all connections. If you have shop air, pump up at the schrader valve on spider valve. Check with a tire pressure gauge, wait about 30 mins. and check again. If you get somewhere around 1 lb. per min loss to 1 1/2, you are good to go, as the volume with all switches off is miniscule.

All in all , I can say truthfully that Eddie was a Prince through it all, as I called him at least 3 times, and he was quite patient with me and talked me thru all the rough spots.

The MK8 rides better than it ever has, and the Spider Valve is apparently doing its' job also.

Thanks Eddie!!!!

dirty old man

Eddie and American Air Suspension are a definite life saver. I can't begin to express just how helpful he was after I'd just bought my Lincoln and the advice he offered me. I'm a loyal customer from that point on.

The spider valve is very cool, and if not for it, I'm sure the crappy Arnott Compressor that was in my car would have failed many times over by now.

"good hydraulic press"
It seems like virtually everything on this Lincoln can be removed with a socket wrench, and if not- you'll need that hydraulic press. That's prevented me from doing quite a bit of work, and paying quite a premium. I have no faith in any mechanic shops now- in particular the chain ones like Midas or Allied Tire, or Firestone.

How much do these tend to run. What do I look for? Where should the be purchased? And, how large an air compressor would I need?

Thomas, I only ran across your reply to my post tonight. Two good places to get a decent deal on hyd press are Harbor Freight and
Northern Tools. I would not buy less than a 12 ton. I know Harbor Freight has an online site, and Northern probably does also.

Air compressors are a whole deal unto themselves, if you have 220 volts available, then go with a 5 hp with verticle tank, 60 gal., you'll find that it's difficult to get too big on air compressor, and if you buy too small, you'll always wish you had bought a larger one.

The same places are good to shop on compressors as are Home Depot and Sears. I have a shop with a business license and 3 phase electricity, so I use a 7.5 hp comp. and 2 tanks, 80 & 60 gal.

dirty old man

How do I get in touch with "Eddie" and American Air Suspension? A search through Google doesn't find it.

drtapp,

You won't make a good detective.

American Air Suspensions
Ford/Lincoln Certified Air Suspension Specialists.
Phone: (904)237-0775

Just after I posted that request, I found it. What a great site. I've already dusted off the old checkbook...Thanks, folks!