Rear ride height

42710 Views 28 Replies 18 Participants Last post by Alex V, Feb 28, 2020

scr38

Discussion Starter · Jan 27, 2005

Armadas with the Big Tow package have the self leveling feature. This is a great feature to level the Armada when a heavy load is placed on the rear, either internally or by a trailer. There is a air compressor, tank and sensor located behind the rear supension on the drivers side. The sensor controls the pressure to the air shocks, thus leveling the vehicle.
On my Armada the system kept the rear too high, more than the service manual said it should be, and I didn't like the looks with the rear that high. I adjusted the height sensor by loosening the two mounting screws (in red on the picture) and rotating the sensor clockwise, then tightened the screws. There are slots that allow a limited amount of rotation.
After adjusting you will have to drive the vehicle for a while so it will level to it's new position. My Armada was about 3/4" too high in the rear; it is now level.
Picture of sensor is attached.

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1 - 20 of 29 Posts

andy

· #2 · Feb 2, 2005

Doesn't the self leveling feature only raise the rear end to accomidate heavy loads? You were able to lower the rear end?
I thought the level system was addd to the stock springs in the rear and only kicked in when the rear end sagged from weight.

scr38

Discussion Starter · #3 · Feb 2, 2005

The system does increase pressure in the shocks when a load is applied, but there is always some pressure in them. By making the adjustment that I described I lowered the rear end 3/4". You won't see this right after you adjust it; you will have to drive for a while. The self leveling will still work as designed, but the normal ride height will be changed. I have loaded about 700 pounds in the back since I made the adjustment, and the system brings the rear back to level.

andy

· #4 · Feb 2, 2005

Thanks for the tip. I've also been wondering if I could somehow adjust the leveling system to lower the back. I'll give it a try.

cfranzen

· #5 · Feb 8, 2005

Did adjusting the ride height and lowering the suspension soften the ride?

scr38

Discussion Starter · #6 · Feb 8, 2005

cfranzen said:
Did adjusting the ride height and lowering the suspension soften the ride?

I couldn't feel any difference.

m3bs

· #7 · Dec 10, 2005

On-Demand Ride Height

Any idea what type of sensor is used? I tow a low clearance car, and it would be helpful when unloading it to be able to raise the front of the trailer up by having the air suspension pump up on command.

92TripleBlack

· #8 · Dec 10, 2005

Pretty cool you can adjust. Pretty yucky you had to. Thanks for the tip.

scr38

Discussion Starter · #9 · Dec 11, 2005

m3bs said:
Any idea what type of sensor is used? I tow a low clearance car, and it would be helpful when unloading it to be able to raise the front of the trailer up by having the air suspension pump up on command.

The sensor is a variable resistor. It has a arm on the shaft that attaches to the suspension with a linkage. You could install a DPDT switch which would open the sensor input and turn on the compressor relay. You would have to be careful to run the compressor just long enough to get full extension of the air shocks. Any more pressure could damage the compressor, shocks or pressure lines and tank.

ChuckD

· #10 · Dec 19, 2005

m3bs said:
Any idea what type of sensor is used? I tow a low clearance car, and it would be helpful when unloading it to be able to raise the front of the trailer up by having the air suspension pump up on command.

m3bs.. what I do is back the rear wheels of the Armada up onto Rhino ramps. All while the car trailer is attached. This will lower the tail end of the trailer significantly. The ramps are some kind of plastic composite ramps you can pic up at any auto parts store for $25.

scr38.. that info is pretty cool to have.. thanks! BTW is there a dealer service manual available on CD? Available on Ebay etc.?

m3bs

· #11 · Dec 22, 2005

scr38 said:
The sensor is a variable resistor. It has a arm on the shaft that attaches to the suspension with a linkage. You could install a DPDT switch which would open the sensor input and turn on the compressor relay. You would have to be careful to run the compressor just long enough to get full extension of the air shocks. Any more pressure could damage the compressor, shocks or pressure lines and tank.

...Or if I could figure out what resistance to substitute, I could have the switch allow for two-position operation. Guess I need to spend some time under there.

I'm trying to avoid the hassle of having to carry ramps or boards.

Thanks.

linusbox

· #12 · Mar 2, 2006

I may be a little off on the subject but I didn't really noticed that the rear height is higher on the Armadas - especially the ones with tow packages. And since we are talking about height and leveling, I found this Front Leveling Kit at Stillen.com and wondering if anybody ever consider leveling the front suspension with the rear? Stillen is selling this kit for $209.
They claimed that installing this would not hinder any performance or ride. I'm just wondering if any of you guys know more about this or have installed the kit. Thanks.

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Waccamaw

· #13 · Mar 26, 2006

Help Me Please!!!!!!!!!

Hello!
I need some serious help and it sounds like this post is the one i need to open this query in!!!!!!
I have an 05 Mada, SE 4x4. Mine does not have the auto leveling system on it and i have a hitch hauler in my hitch that i use constantly and the rear end sags down with any weight on it at all.

I looked into airbags and was going to have them installed but, the air hose runs UNDER the axle and me being in the woods ALL The time with what i do for a living, I would rip them off in the first trip!

What i need is some input on how i can level the rear end, with a load on it or, someway that you know of to beef up the rear springs????? where they can handle a load of a few hundred pounds without the rear end sagging down and the truck drifting when a load is present.
ANy input is greatly appreciated!

SStatic

· #14 · Mar 2, 2007

I, too have noticed that the armada's sit higher in the back. Especially when they have bigger rims on them. I'm in the market for a Titan or Armada and I can't decide on which one. I want the tow package, but would give it up to have a more level look. So if you don't have the tow package does the armada sit "level?"

Campfamily

· #15 · Mar 2, 2007

I do have the tow package, and my Armada sits level.

Dustoff-00

· #16 · Mar 2, 2007

Mine is level as well. When I hook up my RV it pumps for a few minutes then level and I dont hear a peep out of it till I unhook the RV.

Chris03HD

· #17 · Jun 13, 2007

Dustoff-00 said:
Mine is level as well. When I hook up my RV it pumps for a few minutes then level and I dont hear a peep out of it till I unhook the RV.

How much does your RV weight? How much tounge weight as well?

I ask because with my open car trialer attached, with my F150 Supercrew on it, the rear tries (I can hear the compressor running..) but it never levels itself out.

Dustoff-00

· #18 · Jun 14, 2007

It weights about 7700 full. Empty its about 6500. I have a little sag without the equalizer on it. Once equalizer is on, it eleminates any sag.

RebelSaint116

· #19 · Jun 1, 2013

scr38 said:
Armadas with the Big Tow package have the self leveling feature. This is a great feature to level the Armada when a heavy load is placed on the rear, either internally or by a trailer. There is a air compressor, tank and sensor located behind the rear supension on the drivers side. The sensor controls the pressure to the air shocks, thus leveling the vehicle.
On my Armada the system kept the rear too high, more than the service manual said it should be, and I didn't like the looks with the rear that high. I adjusted the height sensor by loosening the two mounting screws (in red on the picture) and rotating the sensor clockwise, then tightened the screws. There are slots that allow a limited amount of rotation.
After adjusting you will have to drive the vehicle for a while so it will level to it's new position. My Armada was about 3/4" too high in the rear; it is now level.
Picture of sensor is attached.

How exactly does the adjustment work? Do you loosen both screws or only one? Is there a certain way to move it to raise the rear?

Churro87

· #20 · Oct 23, 2019

scr38 said:
Armadas with the Big Tow package have the self leveling feature. This is a great feature to level the Armada when a heavy load is placed on the rear, either internally or by a trailer. There is a air compressor, tank and sensor located behind the rear supension on the drivers side. The sensor controls the pressure to the air shocks, thus leveling the vehicle.
On my Armada the system kept the rear too high, more than the service manual said it should be, and I didn't like the looks with the rear that high. I adjusted the height sensor by loosening the two mounting screws (in red on the picture) and rotating the sensor clockwise, then tightened the screws. There are slots that allow a limited amount of rotation.
After adjusting you will have to drive the vehicle for a while so it will level to it's new position. My Armada was about 3/4" too high in the rear; it is now level.
Picture of sensor is attached.

At what height you set yours I try different heights and mine still sawing I even put firestone air bag helper but still doing it I measured form ground to the center of wheel well I got 37"

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