Ford Explorer: 97 Explorer "Air Ride System" - Constantly adjusting

My 97 Explorer has the "air ride" suspension system. A while back the
computer started showing a "check air ride system" error. The system seems
to have degenerated to the point that it is constantly adjusting. I have
really worked this poor truck hard, hauling everything from groceries to
loads of stone for rock walls, so I probably have damaged the compressor,
shocks, who knows.

My mechanic took a look and said he had no idea what to do, other than
replace the system, or rip it out and put in a standard set of shocks. I
would like to preserve the system, but expect to have to sell body parts to
get ford replacements. Are there any alternatives? Is there a better
system than what ford makes and where would I get it? Can the shocks be
removed and replaced with standard shocks, and how will the computer
function after that? Is there a source of rebuilt compressors and shocks?

The truck has about 60K miles on it and this and a heater/air issue (click
click click) it is in perfect condition. Any advice to help me fix this
will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks Jim for the help. I do appreciate it

"Jim Warman" <net> wrote in message
news:Cf0lb.21714$.. 
conventional 
find 
can't 
the 
the 
system 
groceries 
than 
shocks. 
better