First let me say, you guys are awesome!...I was dreading doing any work to my dad'* Bonni, I was actually about to junk it. Mainly because of that stupid belt....and suspension, but you guys have given me hope....

I've read every air suspension post there is, but still don't get a few things.

1. How do I eliminate the ALC/CCR...well the CCR I know, but do I just buy non air ride struts?

2. Where on God'* green earth could I find a compressor for this thing? Tried about 15 junk yards (around Chicago) and came up with nothing. What other cars could have the same compressor? Years?

3. Damn it....I had a third one, but I forgot it...well, I just thought of something else instead. If I end up converting it to where I use the inflator valve to raise and lower the car manually, how many PSI?

I'm sure there will be more. Thanks again.

What year is this car? If anyone around here has parts it will be Billboost. That man is his own salvage yard.

Sorry, I should have put that in. It is a 98 SE. BTW, is there a way to convert the dash to an SSE?...Or maybe the electronic climate control?

Ok, you can shut down the ELC by pulling the fuse. It should be under the hood on the fire wall. I think it'* a green 30amp but I could be wrong.

For parts like that I have two sites, they should have what you need.

GM parts GM Parts - GM Auto Parts - GM Parts House USA They seem to have most everything

Rock auto, RockAuto Parts Catalog They have good prices.

Alright, but to completely eliminate the air ride, I would have to buy totally different struts right? Also, it has had bad struts since last year, would it be wise to replace the springs if I go the manual air ride route?

I can't speak for the srpings, but they should be OK. As for struts, ya, you can use non air ride struts. You can get those at rock auto. Not sure about your car, but mine the air rides are only like $45 each

The springs on an ELC car vs a non ELC car are different rates and this factors into overall height. Typically you'll notice sagging if the ELC strut isn't used.

I have had good luck finding used compressors in my area. GM sells it at around $400 new. Personally if you are looking to dump it and go manual, I would get the Monroe kit that sells for about $10 to convert the struts to a schrader valve in the trunk. Like you mentioned with using the inflator fitting.

PSI isn't overly high. I think most guys run 10-30 psi.

Converting the dash or electronic climate would be a major undertaking that would require the swapping out of the octopus. Octopus is a semi non technical (insert smiley) term used for the wiring harness that runs from the tail lights to headlights. Nearly every ounce of wiring in the car. Splicing may be possible...but overall these two are relatviely impractical unless you like the car that much. The dash would be out at the least.

Alrighty, thanks for all the input, I'm still stuck on the springs though, I wonder if driving with no compressor and leaving the suspension basically up to the springs for a year, I would probably have to replace them as well, if I were doing manual air ride?

Not only that Raveni, it isnt safe. Without the rear shocks, your steering is affected, sway attenuated and braking distance longer. When you apply the brakes, the back kicks up and throws the weight on the front.

Well, I might not have to do any work on the car after all...all of a sudden, these past 3 or so days, it started shutting off when I would hit the brakes. I mean, everything. No power at all for a second and BAM it would turn back on. My girlfriend drove the car to school and it died in the parking spot, no electrical at all. Gonna go now with my laptop and AllData to see if I could get it home.