2003-2008 Isuzu Ascender Rear Air Suspension Conversion Kit (GB1R0)

Replaced Components
The 2003-2008 Isuzu Ascender is built with the following rear suspension components:

2003-2008 Isuzu Ascender Air Springs (x2) - commonly referred to as air bags, a plastic and rubber bag that uses pressurized air as a cushion to support the weight of the rear of the vehicle. These factory rubber air springs are the number one cause of all air suspension leaks. Since all air springs all go bad at about the same rate, if one is leaking, the others will not be far behind. For a proper repair, all of them need to be replaced at the same time.

2003-2008 Isuzu Ascender Shock Absorbers (x2) - has metal tubing filled with gas-charged hydraulic fluid that dampens vibration and bounciness caused by travel on a rough road surfaces.

2003-2008 Isuzu Ascender Height Sensors (x2) - a linkage located near each wheel of a vehicle with any electronic suspension that, either mechanically or electronically, constantly measures the height of the vehicle, and reports this information back to the control module so that the computer can identify if changes in height need to be adjusted accordingly. The ride height sensor is a moving part, and like all moving parts, they will eventually wear out.

2003-2008 Isuzu Ascender Air Lines- tubes that carry pressurized air from a compressor to the air bags in order to adjust the height of the vehicle, respectively.

2003-2008 Isuzu Ascender Solenoids (x2) - usually L-shaped, these plastic components work with the suspension control module on vehicles with active suspension. The solenoid regulates the air pressure for each air spring. Solenoids start to leak as they wear out causing the vehicle to sag or to lean. This will cause the ride height sensor to send a signal to activate the compressor in an attempt to inflate the air suspension and level out the vehicle. This excessive work load will eventually lead to total failure of the compressor.

2003-2008 Isuzu Ascender Compressor Assembly- creates/sends pressurized to active suspension components. When the air suspension starts leaking, the compressor/pump starts working harder to try to keep the system inflated. By the time air suspension leaks down completely, sitting the vehicle on its tires, the compressor will either have failed or be well on its way to full failure. Buying replacement air springs and taking the time to install them only to find out the compressor still needs to be replaced can be very frustrating, time-consuming, and expensive.

2003-2008 Isuzu Ascender Dryer- prevents moisture build-up inside of air suspension parts.

2003-2008 Isuzu Ascender Suspension Control Module- a computer which is responsible for the operations of the air suspension system and maintaining the vehicle's correct ride height.

2003-2008 Isuzu Ascender O-rings- Although they are the least expensive parts of the air suspension, they are responsible for maintaining the seal where all of the air lines connect. Be sure to replace the O-rings when repairing any air suspension system.



Suspension Failure Signs
Early diagnosis of a failed or leaking air suspension system is the key to avoiding suspension total failure in the 03-08 Isuzu Ascender. The most noticeable sign is a three to five inch drop in the rear of the vehicle. Some vehicles experience a lean from one side to the other. One red flag indicator of suspension failure is an illuminated suspension warning light on the instrument cluster. Listen to the air compressor- if it has stopped working, or is running too often, a replacement or repair is in order. As a general rule, if the Ascender isn’t reaching and maintaining its proper ride height the suspension should be fixed promptly before additional vehicle components wear out.

OEM Replacement Cost
'+ Air Springs ($200/air spring)
+ Compressor and Dryer Assembly ($500)
= Over $900 (but that doesn't include replacing electronic components that are known to fail such as the height sensors).

Aftermarket Replacement Cost
'+ Air Springs ($190/pair)
+ Compressor and Dryer Assembly ($500)
= Over $600 (but that doesn't include replacing electronic components that are known to fail such as the height sensors).