1990 rear air shocks

["Matt Hopkins" <mhoppy@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

I don't know the specifics about the system, but I do know if you are going
to have anything in the rear seat or trunk you need the air sus.  I had a 91
NY and it really went down with a  load.  My 92 Imperial doesn't, due to the
air shocks in rear or air suspension.  Are the shocks only avail from
Chrysler or is there an aftermarket?  I know there was some discussion about
the struts being very $$  and I'm fortunate my car does not have those.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Brad Hogg" <roadhogg@xxxxxxx>
To: <mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Saturday, August 17, 2002 1:38 PM
Subject: Re: IML: 1990 Imperial Coming Home


> >From what I can tell, the suspension is indeed "air ride".  On the rear,
> there are two rather normal looking shock absorbers and two nifty little
> "air springs" or bellows or bladders, as we call them in the trucking
> industry.  The right side shock has a "ride height sensor".  It appears
that
> this is an electrical device rather than the traditional mechanical unit.
> That sensor actuates a solenoid on each of the bladders to inflate or
> deflate them as needed.  There are a few other devices and sensors that
act
> upon this system but that is the basics of the rear end layout.
>
> The front, apparently, has "air shock" type struts.  I could be wrong
about
> the exact configuration of the front air ride system because I don't think
> my particular car has air ride in the front.
>
> This system is, IMO, all together way too complicated.  It is no surprise
> that the air ride is often the first thing to get torn out of these cars.
I
> don't know why a simple air ride system like that found on any highway
> tractor or tour bus would not be the way to go.  Those units run for
> millions of miles without failure!  I intend to install regular Dynasty
> shocks in the rear and then fit a mechanical leveling valve to the rear
axle
> and re-work the plumbing slightly so it can more reliably act on the air
> springs in the rear.  I love air ride.  It is the best thing for a car
that
> might be carrying a back seat full of adults and a trunk full of luggage.
> My motto with it is, however, "keep it simple".
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "jsadowski" <jsadowski@xxxxxxx>
> To: <mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
> Sent: Saturday, August 17, 2002 12:30 PM
> Subject: Re: IML: 1990 Imperial Coming Home
>
>
> Is this car equipped with air suspension? I've seen some of these cars on
> the road that it was apparent something was wrong with the rear. The 90
5th
> Ave I used to own had auto leveling rear suspension but not air suspension
> as some of the Imperials did. I would think the shocks that fit the 5th
Ave
> would fit the Imperial also.
> John