Hi mate, probably the rubber 'bag' which is inside the shocks. (they crack/wear etc) could try to source an Air Jackers kit, which used to contain the Schrader valve, coupling, tees and couple of metres of black flex line. Not sure if you buy 'em on eBay or whatever?     If you have lowered suspension, you'll need lowered shocks, or they will bottom out, and fail prematurely. Monroe is OK, Pedders have a heavy duty set with bigger bore and thicker rods.  If you're cashed up, go Koni or Billsteins. 

Did you unbolt the steering column, to remove the cluster? To me, it's all voltage and/or earth related Focus on the ignition switch   Does it have an aftermarket alarm/immobiliser?

putting this here for now, 
Door trim removal, speaker removal, grab handle etc. (door mechanism and window switches )   i found a better grab handle for the door trim at the wreckers the other week, and needed to figure out how to get the door trim off My car to fit it (already removed at wreckers)    

Hey All, Got a strange one today. Replaced a broken odometer gear in the speedo. Bit fiddly but easy enough to do. However once I hooked my battery back up the fuel pump primed and a clicking sound came out of one of the relays. Inside the cab the Altinator  and smart lock lights were on. Key was OUT of the ignition. Put the key in to try to start it and nothing. Put the battery on a charger for a couple of hours. Came back and smart lock light was off but Alt light still on. Ute started ok but the ALT gauge showed no charge. Went for a quick drive and nothing changed, then I went to turn it off and it wouldn't turn off! Even disconnected the neg terminal. Only when i did the pos terminal is stopped. Any ideas? Do I need a Preist to throw holy water over it or something??

air shocks were usually a bandaid for towing and sagging springs. quite handy for that.  big bore shocks are recommended for any stiffer spring. 
ultima are cheapest,  i used Pedders red big bore ones (second hand)
koni  would be awesome if affordable. 

Seems Air shocks are a bit archaic & out of date.  Thinking now of going with Cobra lows with KYB shock absorbers 

i'd be checking the hoses and their o rings inside the fittings.. the o rings are likely split with age. those air shocks rarely leaked air, but the shock absorbing part gets less effective like any other shock.    check the valve where you put air in, could leak there also. 

Hey Guy's  Over time finding this page very useful, older car scenario, always gonna be something breaking, replacing & repairing.  Bloody frigging airshocks now, not holding air & went down pretty rapidly, so would I be right in thinking it's more the struts are buggered than the actual air line leaking somewhere. Really need to get up on a hoist now somewhere to try & figure it out. Probably would prefer replacing with Munroe, the car sits quite low as is,any you guy's had much to do with suspension side of things & any advice or recommendations on shocks to get or part numbers for 1985 XF Fairmont.    Cheers 🍻    Andy 

Hey Guy's  Over time finding this page very useful, older car scenario, always gonna be something breaking, replacing & repairing.  Bloody frigging airshocks now, not holding air & went down pretty rapidly, so would I be right in thinking it's more the struts are buggered than the actual air line leaking somewhere. Really need to get up on a hoist now somewhere to try & figure it out. Probably would prefer replacing with Munroe, the car sits quite low as is,any you guy's had much to do with suspension side of things & any advice or recommendations on shocks to get or part numbers for 1985 XF Fairmont.    Cheers 🍻    Andy 

She came good! Message me and ill get it shipped off