Ford Explorer: 97 Explorer Limited - question about "Air Ride System" special shocks

I have a '97 Explorer Limited with the "Air Ride System" adjustable air
suspension.

The "Check Air Ride System" message started appearing intermittently and,
when I took it to the dealer to read the code, they told me I needed 3 new
shocks.

Each costs $249.00 (best price after shopping around). Most non-Ford
dealers wouldn't even touch it since the shocks apparently have an
integrated computer chip inside them.

They also work a little differently than the original shocks that came with
the car. When installed, they will no longer be controlled by the onboard
computer in the car but, rather, they will work on their own independently.
The "Air Ride" system will, in effect be disconnected.

I have 3 Questions:

1- Does this make sense or are they trying to pull the wool over my eyes?

2- Is it advisable/safe to install 3 of the new shocks along with the
different/original shock (in the left front)? Shouldn't the shocks be
replaced in pairs?

3- Can this model use standard shocks like the XLS/XLT models or do they
have to be the special "air ride" shocks?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts/feedback!


--
Ed Labra

same message regarding the ars happened on my 95 limited, i turned the ars
off via the switch by the jack storage and raised the explorer completely
off the ground, reset the computer by unplugging the junction box under the
passenger side floor and disconnecting battery. lowered explorer and and
turned ars back on and no problems since. needless to say i am not a
mechanic but that is what happend. i love my explorer.
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