Air Suspension Lincoln Navigator

Asked by LMF Feb 03, 2010 at 07:23 PM about the 2003 Lincoln Navigator Ultimate RWD

Question type: Car Customization

Do not PURCHASE Lincoln Navigator replacement suspension products from STRUTMASTERS UNLESS you want your once nice kick ass looking ride to look like a four wheel drive Hummer!

No longer will your ride sit fat on 22’s and catch that look you paid for when buying the Navi…noooooo, now you get to look like a “ratard”.

I purchased the coil over struts to replace my failing air ride system, and NOWHERE on STRUTMASTERS website OR accompanying instructions is it mentioned that your ride will ride SOOOOO high. (Gee, I wonder why? Perhaps because if potential purchasers knew this, we would consider something else? Or make us sign a waiver that the ride height would be forever altered?)

When the vehicle was at the Lincoln dealer for service after installation of the STRUTMASTER product, the service manager approached me as I was paying my bill and asked if I wanted them to investigate why the vehicle height was so askew.

(What does THAT tell you.)

Anyway, the final answer from the company salesperson who sold them to me after months of asking for a refund or re-engineered product? He assured me that I was the ONLY person complaining as they had installed hundreds of systems on many navigators for numerous Lincoln dealers…and yet would not provide any contact information so I could inquire as to the satisfaction or measurements of such installs. “I wish you well.” I wish you well? That’s it?

Bottom line? Buy STRUTMASTER products AT YOUR OWN RISK.

If you want to see before and afters, drop me an email. louiefrias@cox.net

20 Answers

150

My name is Dustin from Strutmasters i've taken a look at the photo's you've presented and wanted to mention a couple of things. First off all you had an air suspension problem before you put the kit in, which made the vehicle lower second of all your tires and wheels are not factory which will change the stance of the vehicle. I assure you that we sale 100's of these every month and until I found this forum post I have never heard of one being to high. If you are looking to replace your air suspension in this vehicle with a more reliable conversion kit just give me a call at 336-330-2359 (if i'm not in leave me a voicemail). I also apologize for the lowsy answer that your sales reps. gave you on how high the vehicle is. Or if you have any other questions send me an email at dustin@strutmasters.com

15 people found this helpful.
240

I disagree with you. I have purchased several kits from Strutmasters. On my own car which was a 2002 Navigator the ride was great. I love the price of the kit! I also purchased a kit for my moms Lincoln Town Car and and on for my aunt. I have never had an issue with any of their kits or their customer service.

6 people found this helpful.
70

I Disagree with you too. I have bought a kit for my Navigator and loved it. There are so many cars with these air ride products that keep breaking, it is a great thing that Strutmasters offers products to fix them. I certainly would buy from them again.

5 people found this helpful.
310

Sadiegirl, what area do you live...i've just began having problems with my 03' Navigator and definitley want to purchase the conversion kit, but i don't know who can install it for me...how much did you pay? What's the average cost for labor to have someone install it?

31 people found this helpful.
70

WOW... i have to say... you are can state your case but I ordered from Strutmasters and was very happy with my kit. I dont see a lot of bad things said about them at all. My car was so bad off and the local garage was trying to charge me over $2000 to fix the thing. As old as it is I'm surprised it still runs. Anyway... I bought the four wheel kit for my car and I love it! Sorry you don't like it.. did you call them and resolve the issue with them before you made up your mind about the their products.

5 people found this helpful.
40

I work for Ford ... I own a 2006 Nav .... I replaced the air suspension with STRUTMASTER... and I agree with you, it did make my NAV look like a 4 wheel drive (and I later found out at a dealership with a competent mechanic that my initial problem, was not caused by my air suspension - so, my air suspension was really OK). I was told by the sales rep. @ Strutmaster that over time the spring would give and settle to a more desirable height (Was he serious???). I was not pleased with the height, but to be fair... I was more satisfied with the handling of the Nav. after installation (better handling of curves in the mts. of NC and less swaying when following / passing semi-trucks). Can you have it all???

4 people found this helpful.
100

hey I have the same problem with my navigator did u found someone to replace it how much they charge you? it is too expensive ....let me know luisafigueroa1@verizon.net

10 people found this helpful.
490

STRUTMASTER HAS SPAMMED EVERY SITE THAT HAS ASKED THE QUESTION ON HOW TO KILL THE " CHECK SUSPENSION " LIGHT ON NAVIGATORS. HERE'S A SOLUTION FOR 98 NAVIGATORS AND SIMILAR. BUY COIL SPRINGS FOR A 98 EXPEDITION FROM THE JUNK YARD FOR ABOUT $140 FOR THE PAIR, NON-AIR SHOCKS FOR $80 PAIR FROM AUTOZONE AND YOUR DONE! I NEVER BUY ANYTHING FROM A COMPANY THAT SPAMS IT'S PRODUCT ON HELP SITES BY USING PHONEY ENDORSEMENTS LIKE THE ONES ABOVE. AND ONE LAST THING, IT IS TRUE THAT YOUR RIDE WILL BE MORE TRUCK LIKE AFTERWARDS, BUT A FEW HUNDRED POUNDS OF TOOLS IN THE BACK WILL SOFTEN THE RIDE AND WILL BE A LOT SAFER THEN HAVING YOUR SUSPENSION GO OUT AT 60MPH WHILE HAULING AROUND YOUR KID AND 4 OF HIS FRIENDS

7 people found this helpful.
155

First I would like to state that I can afford to keep fixing the continuing issues with the air ride suspension on my 2004 Navigator Ultimate by why? I would rather take the extra $2 or $3k I flush down the toilet every couple years and put it to something more worthwhile. I did purchase the Strutmaster package and no I don't work for them, I work for a med device company. It took me a while to get them installed as it was a bugger to get the 30mm bolts unstuck but once done they went in with relative ease. The ride is different, bumpier but definitely more stable. It corners like never before. My wife misses my the soft ride but loves the extra cash. Pick your battles.

6 people found this helpful.
50

I also ordered the strutmasters conversion kit for my 04 Navigator in 2011 my problem is I can;t get anyone to answer emails or call me back. The problem with my conversion kit is it sits so low like it's sagging and I don;t tow with it the rear sits way low. I'm about to order new springs from someone else cause I can't get a hold of anyone so I can get replacements at least.

5 people found this helpful.
70

I am having a problem with one side on the front and thinking of converting to coil. Just not sure what brand to go with?

4 people found this helpful.

All these answers favoring STRUTMASTERS are B.S. They all work for them and It could be the same guy posting under different names. First they are very expensive more than double what MONROE charges for the same kit with a better quality. This is what we call SPAMMING. Be careful before you spend your hard earned $$$$$$$

30

I have a 2000 navigator,and love my air suspension. We did have it go out, took it to local lincoln dealer for diagnosis only, no work, and it was a simple relay, very cheap to fix. I would NEVER change over to coil. In the past we bought a towncar that was dragging rear end, and again, not expensive parts, and DH did all the work himself.

3 people found this helpful.
40

question I have a 2003 lincoln navigator which needs a suspension change which my question is the two in front of the truck and the two of back are the same suspension that I can purchase. I need the whole kit but want to make sure I purchasing the correct once on my navigator truck please help email is avalos218361@yahoo.com

4 people found this helpful.
70

I bought the strutmaster coil over kit for my 2004 navigator and they were a very easy install and I have not noticed enough change to have any negative comments. If you can change shocks you can do this. I had to buy a couple of sockets my set did not have, but 4 hours labor start to finish.

3 people found this helpful.
40

Wow - after reading all these issues, I would NEVER buy a Strutmaster kit - NEVER. I just looked around and I can find an Arnott kit at a local shot (Advance Auto Parts). At least way, I will have purchased them locally, so I could (if necessary) have someone to take them to small claims, but I'm really hoping that won't be necessary. I will also ask the advise of a few good local mechanics before I proceed.

4 people found this helpful.
10

Though I am really sad you had issues... You made my husband and I laugh hysterically for about 5 minutes. My '12 Lincoln Always says Air Suspension Off... Were looking for answers and really aren't finding any. Wish Us Luck!

1 people found this helpful.
20

I have a 2003 Nav and have had countless problems with the air suspension. I purchased a conversion kit from StrutMasters and my son installed it for me in just a few hours :) . Total cost $650.00 and pan of enchiladas!! Not bad! Lol I can't begin to express how Happy I am to have my back off the ground and back to its original height!!

2 people found this helpful.

Had same problem with sit struts went coilover GOT MINE AT 1AAUTO.COM $200 for fronts $195 for rears Not a single problem or complaint. Sits PERFECT. ALSO NOTE YOU CAN ADJUST YOUR RIDE HIGHT BY COMPUTED PROGRAMMER FOLKS

My 2010 Navigator had a slow leak in the right rear. In the winter it was way more severe. I had a 2000 with rear bag problems and purchased the Monroe kit. It was too soft for my liking. This time I went with the Strutmaster coil overs and I absolutely love them. They have been installed for 2 weeks and have softened slightly. Excellent ride and great cornering. An NO, I am a 75 year old retired guy in Phoenix.

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