Fairlane NF SLS

jack_crowley · 04-02-2007, 02:18 AM

Gday,
Just wondering if someone could help me a bit with some suspension questions I've got;
-If the SLS in a 96 fairlane stuffed up what's the best path to go? I want to retain the smoothness of the ride (ie not feeling the roads potholes and bumps)
-I've read that I can replace it with regular suspension and take out the self levelling system. Would it still be as smooth?
-What kind of price would I be looking at to replace the SLS or to go with normal suspension?
-Would it be better to replace the springs and suspension at the same time to get an even smoother ride?

Sorry about the long list of questions.
Cheers mates

**aussiblue** · 04-02-2007, 01:01 PM

My view is retain the SLS - what part has broken?

jack_crowley · 04-02-2007, 05:05 PM

Don't really know to be honest, the suspension is very bouncy, and will heighten and lower all the time while driving and stationary. It'll also have the "Check suspension" light come on and off intermittently while lowering and heightening repeatedly. In short it feels like it's buggered.

**aussiblue** · 04-02-2007, 05:12 PM

Tried the self test procedure to extract the fault codes yet? Might be just a loose connection and leak at the top of a shockie.

jack_crowley · 04-02-2007, 10:26 PM

for a newbie, how do I do the self-test procedure? Do I need any interfaces or anything?

LTDHO · 04-02-2007, 10:41 PM

Bin the SLS. I did.

You can replace the rear suspension (which is a good idea after 10 years) and loose the airbags. SLS is not really practical.

**aussiblue** · 04-02-2007, 11:58 PM

SLS Self Test: With the ignition on press the light switch on the driver side A pillar 3 times in one second (or turn the interior light switch on an off three times in one second and the SLS will cycle through a self test pumping up the suspension to max, deflating it then pumping it up to ride height. It will then flash the SLS warning light a number of times; count the flashes to get the code.

I have found SLS very practical on both my 200,000km plus Fairlanes and relatively easy to maintain.

**aussiblue** · 05-02-2007, 12:00 AM

See http://www.fordforums.com.au/showthr...ight=levelling for more info on SLS.

LUXO_8 · 05-02-2007, 12:09 AM

jack.....quite a number of us ditch the sls in favour of regular gas shocks....... some of us dont like the boat-like feel of the soft rear ends. not to mention you can bring the handling up to almost falcon levels, by upgrading the whole suspension.

when my sls packed it in, i took the oportunity to lower it as well.....

you can replace the entire suspension with that found in a falcon......i gotregular pedders low falcon springs, and my shocks from an XR8..

the bouncyness of the suspension is IMO inherant of the nature of teh springs in these cars...they're very soft...

my car feels much more refined to me than it did before...and i love it

NC_Lane · 05-02-2007, 09:08 AM

Hi Jack,
I had problems with my SLS as well when i bought my lane. my rear shocks had gone. Replaced them with secondhand ones which didn't last long either. It used to be fine with just 2 ppl in the car but as soon as i put a few ppl in the back it used to come up with warnings.

Replaced it with a pedders system and IMHO it handles much better.

EA2BA · 05-02-2007, 10:18 AM

Love my SLS and it will be staying for a while yet, if anyone has SLS stuff they dont want drop me a PM

Dezza · 05-02-2007, 05:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EA2BA

Love my SLS and it will be staying for a while yet, if anyone has SLS stuff they dont want drop me a PM

LOL. You're building up quite a collection, aren't you Jason! I bet you can't wait to get all my old SLS stuff.

EA2BA · 05-02-2007, 09:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ea_silver_ghia

LOL. You're building up quite a collection, aren't you Jason! I bet you can't wait to get all my old SLS stuff.

Counting the days and biding my time

:

gregorys · 27-02-2007, 09:36 PM

I notice its been a while since anyone checked in here but eh!. I've got some pretty strange things going on with my SLS too, am considering dumping it, but want to keep the car original, tough decision

**aussiblue** · 08-03-2007, 01:10 AM

So what's your SLS doing?

webby_191189 · 08-03-2007, 06:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jack_crowley

Gday,
Just wondering if someone could help me a bit with some suspension questions I've got;
-If the SLS in a 96 fairlane stuffed up what's the best path to go? I want to retain the smoothness of the ride (ie not feeling the roads potholes and bumps)
-I've read that I can replace it with regular suspension and take out the self levelling system. Would it still be as smooth?
-What kind of price would I be looking at to replace the SLS or to go with normal suspension?
-Would it be better to replace the springs and suspension at the same time to get an even smoother ride?

Sorry about the long list of questions.
Cheers mates

Koni yellow shockers
King SSL in fronts
King SSL minus 1 coil in rears
Enjoy hahaha