I have a 1986 Subaru GL10 sedan, 1.8L turbocharged fuel injected, 4WD. It is equipped with air ride. It had been sitting for a year before I purchased it and rebuilt the engine and restored the car. I cannot get the suspension sys to work. The car essentially sits on the frame. Pump seems to be putting out, and the rear stayed in the hi position for a short time then reverted back to lo, which gives me an unbelieveably bumpy ride, and definitely isn't good for the car itself. When I activate the air ride switch, it shows hi and lo but doesn't do anything. My question is, can I deactivate the entire system and go to a manual suspension system, and how much trouble and expense would be involved to make the switch ??? In this position the exhaust system even drags the ground in spots, as there is about a 3" clearance between the rear differential housing and the road. Thanx

 

As far as I can tell, it's a factory system. I actually got the rear end to stay up for awhile, after jacking it up with the system operating. I guess it filled with air and stayed there for awhile, then collapsed again. I haven't had any luck with the front end, as I tried the same technique. It's got the small plastic air connectors (Ntp) with small o-rings that just snap into place. Also has height sensors. Priced manual struts and shocks, and they wanted around $90.00 for each of the 4 components. Just got through completely rebuilding the engine, and building a dual exhaust system for it, but can't effectively drive it in this condition. The air pump operates, and there was some air pressure in the system when I disconnected it to clean and lubricate everything. I really think it's going to be too much of a hassle and financial nightmare to restore the system. I agree with you in the respect that there has to be a way to try to pump them up manually with compressed air, then cap them off so as to permanently trap the charge. It was sitting for about a year, so I'm sure a lot of the components (especially rubber connectors,ect) were weather rotted. Solenoids seem to work ok, as I tested them, but I'd just like to go manually on the whole thing and eliminate all of the complications. Thanx, Gary

 

Finally found a fix for my air ride problems. Took the suggestion of manually pumping up the struts, and doing away with the complicated factory system. It cost about $16.00, as I went the route of schrader valves screwed directly into the front struts, and basically the same deal with the rear shocks. Just got mating hardware at a local hardware store. Pump up just like a tire. 60 # gives a great ride. No leakdowns so far. Thanks for the suggestions. GC