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*Air Ride Light Disarm Instructions are included in kit when purchased.
 Installation Guide

When servicing any vehicle be sure to follow all safety procedures. First, make sure that
when lifting the vehicle that you are using the appropriate jack for the weight of the vehicle.
Make sure before going underneath any vehicle that it is properly supported with sturdy jack
stands and on level ground so that the vehicle doesn’t fall or slide off of the jack and onto you. As
with any automotive repair, make sure you have the appropriate tools to do the job so you don’t
damage any parts on the vehicle. There is a list of tools needed included in these instructions.
Safety glasses and mechanic gloves should also be worn for your protection.

Be sure to follow the instructions in the order that they are given. The instructions are in a
certain order for a reason and improper installation could lead to damage to your vehicle or the
parts. Keep in mind that if you damage the parts during installation you will be responsible for
the replacement parts.

Take precaution not to exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), or the maximum
load recommended by the manufacturer. It is important that all vehicle's Owner Manuals
recommendations are followed for your own safety and to prevent damage to the vehicle.

Once you are ready to disable the ride light, you will need to disconnect the ground battery
cable (-) to prevent electrical shock/malfunction.

If you have any questions or concerns about the install of your conversion kit, please give your
salesperson a call at 866-597-2397.

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*Air Ride Light Disarm Instructions are included in kit when purchased.
 Quick Start Guide
Ford Expedition/Lincoln Navigator
4-Wheel Kit 1997 - 2002
XN44-R1-F1

Parts Included in This Kit

• (2) Fully assembled coil over
shocks (4 x 4 only)
• (2) #25 Coil Springs

Tools Needed For Installation

• Metric Socket Set
• Floor Jack
• Jack Stands
• Metric Wrenches
• Screw Drivers (Phillips and Flat Head)
• Wire Cutter/Stripper/Crimping Tool
• Level Work Surface
• Spring Compressor (If Applicable)
• Allen Wrenches

1. Read general service precautions

2. Support the vehicle
3. Remove air suspension parts
4. Install conversion
5. Disable the ride control light

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*Air Ride Light Disarm Instructions are included in kit when purchased.
Strutmasters LLC Expedition/Navigator 1997 - 2002 10/22/09

4-Wheel Kit Installation Instructions

Note: If you’ve purchased a 4wheel kit, install both kits before disarming the ride light.
Front Removal Instructions
1. Warning: The electrical power to the air suspension system must be shut off prior to hoisting,
jacking or towing an air suspension vehicle. This can be accomplished by turning off the air
suspension switch located in the RH kick panel area. Failure to do so may result in unexpected
inflation or deflation of the air springs which may result in shifting of the vehicle during these
operations. (See Figures #1 - 2)

Fig. 1 Fig. 2

2. Raise and support the vehicle. Remove wheels. (See Figures #3 - 4)

Fig. 3 Fig. 4

3. Hold the shock absorber stem and

remove the upper front shock
absorber nut, and washer assembly.
(See Figure # 5)

Fig. 5

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*Air Ride Light Disarm Instructions are included in kit when purchased.
4. For easier removal of the shock Fig. 6
from lower mount, disconnect the
upper control arm bolts.
Note: Support the lower control arm
while executing this step. (See Figure #6
- 7)

Fig. 7

5. Remove the shock absorber.

a. Remove the lower nut and bolt.
b. Remove the shock absorber.

a.

b.

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*Air Ride Light Disarm Instructions are included in kit when purchased.
Front Installation Instructions
Read instructions carefully before attempting installation, if you have problems during the install then
feel free to call our Technical Support Line. Please before calling for technical help, have your invoice
handy.

1. The spring on the shock must be compressed prior to installation using a spring tool readily
available at any local parts store. NOTE: Most parts stores will have this tool for rental use or
purchase.
2. Once the spring is compressed, place the top of the shock into the mounting location. (See Figure
#1)
Fig. 1

3. Align the bottom of the shock with the mounting hole and slowly jack up the lower control arm,
guiding the shock and control arm into place. (See Figure #2)

Fig. 2

4. Slowly release the previously compressed spring and remove the tool.
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*Air Ride Light Disarm Instructions are included in kit when purchased.
 5. Reattach the upper control arm to the vehicle’s frame and secure with the previously removed
bolts. Torque to specs. (See Figure #3)

Fig. 3

Note: The rear springs may settle some during the first couple of weeks of use. You may have to adjust
the front height sensors to match the level of your new rear springs.
The rear springs can sit a little low if your rear shocks are bad. Test the rear shocks by pushing down on
the rear of the car. If the rear bounces then you need to replace the shocks also. (Strutmasters carries
replacement shocks if this is encountered.)

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*Air Ride Light Disarm Instructions are included in kit when purchased.
Rear Removal Instructions
1. Raise and support the vehicle and
remove both wheel and tire
assemblies. (See Figure #1)

Fig. 1

Bleed the air from the air suspension system. Warning: The electrical power to the air suspension system must
be shut off prior to hoisting, jacking or towing an air suspension vehicle. This can be accomplished by turning
off the air suspension switch located in the front, RH kick panel area. Failure to do so may result in
unexpected inflation or deflation of the air springs which may result in shifting of the vehicle during these
operations.
2. Disconnect the air line from the air
spring. Push the green ring in and
hold firmly to release and remove
the air line. (See Figure #2)

Fig. 2

3. Disconnect the solenoid electrical

connector. (See Figure #3)

Fig. 3

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*Air Ride Light Disarm Instructions are included in kit when purchased.
4. Remove air springs.
a. Remove the air spring retainer
b. Lift the bottom of the air spring off of the axle.

a. a.

b.

5. Disconnect the stabilizer bar from the bottom of the shock (remove both sides). (See Figure #4)

Fig. 4

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*Air Ride Light Disarm Instructions are included in kit when purchased.
6. Remove the nut from the bottom of
the shock (remove both sides). (See
Figure #5)

Fig. 5

7. Disconnect the shock from the axle

bracket. (Both side) This will allow
the rear axle to drop down a few
inches. (See Figure #6)

Fig, 6

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*Air Ride Light Disarm Instructions are included in kit when purchased.
Rear Installation Instructions
Read the instructions carefully before attempting the installation. Feel free to call our Technical Support
Line if you have problems during the install.
1. Pull down on the axle and push the
coil spring on the axle seat. (See
Figure #1)

Fig. 1

2. Place the coil spring top into the

spring seat. (Push all the wires and
hose back). (See Figure #2)

Fig. 2

3. Jack the axle up and replace the shock bolts. Tighten up the nuts. (See Figures #3 - 4)

Fig. 3 Fig. 4

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*Air Ride Light Disarm Instructions are included in kit when purchased.
 4. Replace the stabilizer bar. (See Figure
#5)

Fig. 5

5. Tie the wires and hose around the top

of the coil spring. This will prevent the
wires from touching the exhaust or
any moving parts. (Note: Do not cut
the wires and hoses.)

6. Replace the wheels and lower the

vehicle. (See Figure #6)

Fig. 6

Note: The rear springs may settle some during the first couple of weeks of use. You may have to adjust the
front torsion bars to match the level of your new rear springs.
The rear springs can sit a little low if your rear shocks are bad. Test the rear shocks by pushing down on the
rear of the car. If the rear bounces then you need to replace the shocks also. (Strutmasters carries
replacement shocks if this is encountered.)

Page 12 of 12
*Air Ride Light Disarm Instructions are included in kit when purchased.