[1994 SSE] Replacing air shocks to non-air shocks

[Mcmaker]

Hi, time has come to replace both of my rear shocks, they are frozing little below 25*F. Is it possible to convert self-leveling air suspension to a normal rear shocks without modifying anything (except dissasembling air hoses )?

I want to buy something like this:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Sensen-Rear-Pai ... 5U&vxp=mtr

[96 SSEi]

hi, yes, other members have gone with standard shocks so I would say it can be done - you just have to get replacements that match the mounting points on the original shocks

[RJolly87]

Please also be aware that the rear springs count on the load leveling. Adding anything more than a small child in the back seat will leave you in a very bad spot, if you don't account for it. You can either change out the rear springs to units that account for the lack of load leveling, or replace them with units that have the airbags fitted. Helper airbags and other solutions are available also.

I always recommend just keeping the load leveling operational if it's feasible. RockAuto has prices comparable to what you are about to pay for struts that have load leveling in mind.

I have never heard of APX Sensen, but an initial interwebbing suggests they are on the cheaper side of things.

[Pair of SSEI]

I would keep with Air shocks with a manual fill kit. Several threads on here on "How to change over". Not hard to do.

[Mcmaker]

Please also be aware that the rear springs count on the load leveling.

That's a good point, I was not aware of this. I think that previous owner rode my car with leaking shocks (mostly air leaking too) and caused springs to slightly collapse. Back of the car is quite a lot lower than front. Is it fixable by raising the suspension with a rubber pad?

I would keep with Air shocks with a manual fill kit.

My air suspension compressor is 100% fine and I think I'll stick with air shocks if I find ones in a decent price

[RJolly87]

Once you completely unload the car, the car should sit perfectly level. If not, you can level the car off with load leveling.

I didn't realize you were in Poland with my original reply. I will do some digging around to see if I can come up with anything.

[Mcmaker]

So if a rear of the car sits lower than front it's the matter of leaky shocks rather than collapsed springs? When air compressor is running I can hear hissing noises from both rear sides of my car.

I didn't realize you were in Poland with my original reply. I will do some digging around to see if I can come up with anything.

That's not a problem, I'm going to buy everything I'll need from USA

[J Wikoff]

The hissing is a sign of leaky struts.

[RJolly87]

The rear sagging could be a product of saggy springs, but the leveling should address much of the issue once it's brought back to what it should be.