A Review of Lincoln Navigator 2023 OEM vs. Aftermarket Air Suspension Replacement Parts | Cost, Quality, and the Arnott Advantage
You pull out of your driveway and immediately feel it—the rear end sagging, the ride suddenly harsh, and a warning light glowing on the dashboard. The Navigator’s air suspension, that magical system that delivered a cloud-like ride just yesterday, has finally given up after years of faithful service. Now comes the question: dealership or aftermarket?
TL;DR
The 2023 Lincoln Navigator’s air suspension system, when it needs replacement, presents owners with two distinct paths. OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts from Lincoln dealerships offer guaranteed fit and factory calibration but at a steep price—typically $3,000-$6,000 for complete system replacement . Aftermarket alternatives, particularly from Arnott Industries, provide high-quality components at 40-60% lower cost with innovations like improved materials and patented Electronic Bypass Modules that eliminate warning lights . Arnott offers both direct replacement air shocks (around $135 each) and coil spring conversion kits (around $400-500) that permanently replace the air system with traditional springs . The choice depends on whether you value factory authenticity or long-term reliability and cost savings.
Key Takeaways
- OEM Cost Premium: Dealership replacement of air suspension components costs significantly more—often 2-3 times aftermarket pricing
- Arnott Quality: Aftermarket leader Arnott designs components in the USA with improved materials that often outlast OEM parts
- Two Aftermarket Paths: You can either replace failed components with new air suspension parts or convert to coil springs permanently
- Electronic Bypass Module: Arnott’s patented EBM technology eliminates warning lights when converting to coil springs—a critical feature
- Warranty Coverage: Quality aftermarket parts carry 2-5 year warranties, indicating manufacturer confidence
- DIY Friendly: Many aftermarket components are designed for plug-and-play installation with basic tools
Understanding the Navigator Air Suspension Dilemma
The Lincoln Navigator’s air suspension is one of its defining luxury features. Using air springs instead of conventional steel coils, it delivers that floating-on-air ride quality that Lincoln owners love, while automatically leveling the vehicle regardless of load . But air suspension components eventually wear out—air bladders develop leaks, compressors fail, and sensors corrode.
When that happens, you face a choice that can save you thousands of dollars or preserve factory authenticity. Understanding the options requires looking at both OEM and aftermarket solutions.
Here’s the thing about Lincoln’s air suspension—it’s brilliant when it works, but when it fails, the dealership’s repair bill can make you question whether luxury is worth the cost.
OEM Replacement: The Dealership Route
What You Get
Genuine Lincoln parts come with the Ford blue oval stamp of approval. They’re engineered to factory specifications, use OEM materials, and are guaranteed to fit perfectly. When you buy OEM, you’re getting exactly what came on the vehicle when it rolled off the assembly line.
The Cost Reality
The financial picture for OEM air suspension repair is sobering. Complete system replacement typically runs between $3,000 and $6,000 at a dealership . Individual components are also expensive—a single OEM air spring can cost $800-1,200, and the compressor adds another $1,000-1,500.
Warranty Coverage
New OEM parts come with a 12-month, 12,000-mile parts warranty through Lincoln. Installation labor is covered separately by the dealership.
The Catch
Beyond the high cost, OEM parts haven’t necessarily improved on the original design. If your air suspension failed due to a known weakness (like rubber bladder deterioration), the replacement part may have the same vulnerability.
Aftermarket Replacement: The Arnott Alternative
When it comes to aftermarket air suspension components for the Navigator, one name dominates the conversation: Arnott Industries. With over 25 years of experience manufacturing air suspension products, Arnott has earned a reputation for quality that rivals OEM .
Arnott Air Suspension Shocks
For owners who want to maintain the factory air suspension system, Arnott offers direct replacement components. The SK-2723 front shock absorber (around $135) is designed to work with either OEM air springs or Arnott’s own replacement air springs .
Features:
- CNC-machined adapters for precise fit
- New O-rings included
- Fits OEM or aftermarket air springs
- Improved ride and handling over worn OEM units
- Two-year limited warranty
Arnott recommends replacing shocks in pairs to maintain balanced handling .
The Coil Spring Conversion Option
For owners tired of dealing with air suspension complexity, Arnott offers a permanent solution: the C-2529 Rear Coil Spring Conversion Kit . This replaces the entire rear air suspension system with traditional coil springs and custom-tuned shocks.
What’s Included:
- Powder-coated US-made steel coil springs
- Custom-tuned shocks
- All mounting hardware
- Arnott’s patented Electronic Bypass Module (EBM)
The EBM Breakthrough: The Electronic Bypass Module is critical technology that eliminates dashboard warning lights after conversion . Without it, the Navigator’s computer would detect the missing air system and illuminate warning lights constantly. Arnott’s EBM connects directly to the vehicle’s electronics and simulates the presence of the air suspension, keeping all warning lights off .
Installation Advantages:
- Preassembled units eliminate dangerous spring compressor use
- No special tools required
- Maintains factory ride height
- Works with both short and long wheelbase models
The conversion kit typically costs $400-500—a fraction of OEM replacement cost .
Quality Comparison: OEM vs. Aftermarket
Materials and Construction
Quality aftermarket components often use improved materials compared to OEM. Arnott’s conversion kit features powder-coated US-made steel springs that resist corrosion better than some factory components . The shocks are custom-tuned specifically for the Navigator’s weight and handling characteristics.
Expected Lifespan
X2 Industries, another air suspension specialist, provides expected lifespans for various components :
| Component | Expected Lifespan | Common Failure Points |
|---|---|---|
| Air Struts | 80,000-120,000 miles | Rubber bladder wear, seal degradation |
| Compressor | 100,000-150,000 miles | Motor burnout, valve malfunction |
| Air Lines | 150,000+ miles | Cracking from age, punctures |
| Height Sensors | 200,000+ miles | Corrosion, mechanical damage |
Arnott’s aftermarket components are designed to meet or exceed these lifespans, with many owners reporting 100,000-150,000 miles of reliable service from properly installed systems .
The Budget Option Warning
Browsing online marketplaces reveals extremely cheap air suspension components—like the $39 rear air springs on Bossgoo . While tempting, these generic parts come with significant risks:
- Unknown quality control
- 12-month warranty only (versus 2-5 years from reputable brands)
- No engineering support or installation guidance
- Potential fitment issues
- No EBM technology for conversions
Always stick with established brands like Arnott for air suspension components. The savings aren’t worth the risk of failure at highway speeds.
Installation Considerations
Professional Installation
For either OEM or aftermarket replacement, professional installation ensures proper setup. Air suspension systems require careful handling—improper installation can lead to component damage or safety issues.
DIY Potential
Arnott designs its products with DIY installation in mind. The coil spring conversion kit is preassembled to eliminate the need for spring compressors—one of the most dangerous aspects of suspension work . Basic mechanical skills and common tools are sufficient for many installations.
Maintenance Requirements
If you stick with air suspension (OEM or Arnott replacement), ongoing maintenance includes :
- Monthly inspection of air lines for cracks or abrasions
- Compressor air filter replacement every 30,000-50,000 miles
- Annual cleaning of electrical connections with dielectric grease
- Monitoring system pressure during operation
The coil spring conversion eliminates all air suspension maintenance entirely—just standard shock absorber replacement every 50,000-70,000 miles.
The Financial Case
Let’s compare costs for a typical rear air suspension failure:
OEM Dealership Repair:
- Parts (2 air springs, compressor, labor): $3,500-$5,000
- Warranty: 12 months
- Result: Same system with same potential weaknesses
Arnott Replacement Air Springs:
- Parts (2 Arnott air springs): $400-600
- Labor (independent shop): $500-800
- Total: $900-$1,400
- Result: Improved components, maintained air ride
Arnott Coil Spring Conversion:
- Complete kit: $400-500
- Labor (independent shop): $500-800
- Total: $900-$1,300
- Result: Permanent elimination of air suspension, no future air-related failures
The math is compelling. Even with professional installation, aftermarket options save thousands of dollars .
Timeline: Navigator Air Suspension Evolution
- 1998 – First Navigator introduces air suspension for luxury ride
- 2003 – Second generation refines system with improved reliability
- 2007 – Air suspension becomes standard on higher trims
- 2015 – Electronic controls become more sophisticated
- 2017 – Third generation Navigator features advanced air suspension
- 2023 – Current system represents peak of factory air suspension design
- Ongoing – Aftermarket continues developing improved replacement components
Real-World Impact: Owner Experiences
The Cost Shock
One Navigator owner facing a $4,500 dealership quote for rear air suspension replacement discovered Arnott’s conversion kit for $450 and paid an independent shop $600 to install it. Total savings: over $3,400, with a permanent fix.
The Warning Light Solution
Another owner who attempted a DIY conversion without EBM technology struggled with persistent dashboard warnings. Adding Arnott’s EBM module resolved all electrical issues, proving that proper electronics integration matters .
The Long-Term Verdict
Owners who convert to coil springs report that ride quality remains excellent—different from air, but not worse. Those who stick with Arnott replacement air components report equal or better longevity compared to original parts .
Comparison: OEM vs. Aftermarket Options
| Factor | OEM Dealership | Arnott Air Replacement | Arnott Coil Conversion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | $3,000-$6,000 | $900-$1,400 | $900-$1,300 |
| Ride Quality | Factory original | Comparable to OEM | Different (spring rate) |
| Warranty | 12 months | 2-5 years | 2-5 years |
| Future Air Failures | Possible | Possible | Eliminated |
| Warning Lights | None (new parts) | None (proper fit) | Eliminated by EBM |
| DIY Friendly | No | Moderate | Yes (preassembled) |
Charting Cost Comparison
This chart visualizes the significant cost differences between OEM and aftermarket options.
“This new coil spring conversion kit was exclusively designed for the Lincoln Navigator and Ford Expedition. The conversion kit converts the air suspension on the rear of these luxury SUV to a more reliable coil spring/strut combination.” — Arnott Industries
Frequently Asked Questions About Navigator Air Suspension Replacement
What is the most common air suspension failure on the Navigator?
Air spring bladder deterioration and compressor failure are the most common issues. Rear air springs typically fail before front components due to heavier loads .
How much does OEM air suspension replacement cost at a dealership?
Complete system replacement typically ranges from $3,000 to $6,000 depending on the extent of failure and your location .
What is Arnott’s Electronic Bypass Module?
It’s patented technology that eliminates dashboard warning lights when converting from air suspension to coil springs. The module connects to the vehicle’s electronics and simulates the presence of the air system .
Can I convert only the rear to coil springs?
Yes. Many owners convert only the rear (which fails most often) while keeping front air suspension. Arnott’s conversion kit is for rear application only .
Will converting to coil springs affect ride quality?
The ride changes but remains excellent. The custom-tuned shocks in Arnott’s kit are engineered specifically for the Navigator’s weight and handling characteristics .
How long does Arnott aftermarket suspension last?
Properly installed systems typically provide 100,000-150,000 miles of reliable service, often exceeding OEM lifespan due to improved materials .
Is DIY installation possible?
Arnott designs its products for DIY installation. The coil conversion kit is preassembled to eliminate dangerous spring compressor use. Basic mechanical skills and common tools are sufficient .
What warranty comes with Arnott products?
Arnott offers a 2-year limited warranty on most components, with some products carrying longer coverage. This exceeds the 12-month OEM warranty .
Will aftermarket parts void my remaining factory warranty?
If your Navigator is still under factory warranty, aftermarket suspension modifications could void coverage for suspension-related issues. However, if you’re out of warranty, this isn’t a concern .
Where can I buy Arnott products?
Arnott components are available through major auto parts retailers like O’Reilly Auto Parts, AutoZone, and JEGS, as well as online specialty retailers .
Your Turn: Making the Choice
The 2023 Lincoln Navigator’s air suspension delivers a luxury experience that few vehicles can match. But when components inevitably wear out, the choice between OEM and aftermarket replacement represents a fork in the road that can save thousands of dollars or preserve factory authenticity.
Arnott Industries has earned its reputation as the aftermarket leader by offering components that often improve on the original design—better materials, thoughtful engineering, and patented solutions like the EBM that address the electronic challenges of conversion. The cost savings are substantial enough that even purists should consider the math.
Whether you choose to maintain the air suspension with quality aftermarket replacements or convert permanently to coil springs, the key is making an informed decision based on your priorities, budget, and how long you plan to keep your Navigator.
Have you replaced air suspension components on your Navigator? Did you choose OEM or aftermarket, and how has your experience been? Share your story in the comments below.
References:
- O’Reilly Auto Parts: Arnott Air Suspension Shock SK-2723
- AutoZone: Arnott Air Spring to Coil Spring Kit C-2529
- Bossgoo: Generic Rear Air Suspension Spring Listing
- MyAutoValueStore: Arnott Rear Coil Spring Conversion Kit w/EBM
- X2 Industries: Air Suspension Conversion Kit Reliability
- JEGS: Arnott Air Suspension Front Shock SK-2723
