INSTALLATION GUIDE
Contents
1. lt a gt H SS pons ForG NOTE Some late model this side jounce bumpers have alignment pins that will A1 or A2 need to be removed OUTBOARD FORWARD Remove pins a z B zx cw yA E Ground alignment pins NOTE The lower bracket flush to the jounce must be installed with the bumper center slot offset to the outside of the vehicle The fg 1 flange in the bracket faces outward not shown MN 612 3 aS RideControl HARDWARE LIST ltem Part Description Qty L 18422 3 8 Serrated flange nut 4 Ai 58486 Air spring 2 ltem Part Description Qty A2 58571 ASPIN 53 ctecesteater rccte tertie eae 2 M 17124 1 2 BOITE eterne etse 2 B 07028 Right upper bracket 1 N 18414 1 2 Flat washer seeesss 2 C 07329 Left upper bracket 1 O 18454 3 4 Nylon nut 2 D 03008 Lower bracket es 2 P 18450 3 4 Lock washer 2 E 10583 3 8 U bolt sees 4 Q 21837 1 4 EIDOW 3 iiir cicero ect 2 F 17297 M10 1 25 x 45 Bolt 2 AA 20086s Airline assembly 1 G 17330 M10 1 50 x 45 Bolt 2 BB 10466 ZNO UG EE 6 H 18540 M10 Lock washer esssss 2 CC 21230 Valve Cap sedet e REE 2 18435 3 8 Nyloc nut eee 8 DD 18405 5 162. Frequently Asked Questions liliis ees 11 Tuning the Air Pressure o ecs cccrs seres iard le 11 Guidelines for Adding Air lileliilellelelese eh 12 Replacement Information 12 Contact Information eer n m nh 12 Warranty and Returns Policy lere 13 d RideControl Introduction NOTE The purpose of this publication is to assist with the installation maintenance and troubleshooting of the RideControl air spring kit Itis importantto read and understand the entire installation guide before beginning installation or performing any maintenance service or repair The information here includes a hardware list tool list step by step installation information maintenance tips safety information and a troubleshooting guide Air Lift Company reserves the right to make changes and improvements to its products and publications at any time For the latest version of this manual contact Air Lift Company at 800 248 0892 or visit our website at www airliftcompany com IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTICE The installation of this kit does not alter the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating GVWR or payload of the vehicle Check your vehicle s owner s manual and do not exceed the maximum load listed for your vehicle Gross Vehicle Weight Rating The maximum allowable weight of the fully loaded vehicle including passengers and cargo This number along with other weight limits as
3. As much as a 50 PSI difference is not uncommon m IAN 1 r E E E Bottoming out fis Unlevel Level fig 10 Replacement Information If you need replacement parts contact the local dealer or call Air Lift customer service at 800 248 0892 Most parts are immediately available and can be shipped the same day Contact Air Lift Company customer service at 800 248 0892 first if Parts are missing from the kit Need technical assistance on installation or operation Broken or defective parts in the kit Wrong parts in the kit Have a warranty claim or question Contact the retailer where the kit was purchased If it is necessary to return or exchange the kit for any reason If there is a problem with shipping if shipped from the retailer If there is a problem with the price Contact Information 12 If you have any questions comments or need technical assistance contact our customer service department by calling 800 248 0892 Monday through Friday 8 a m to 8 p m Eastern Time For calls from outside the USA or Canada our local number is 517 322 2144 For inquiries by mail our address is PO Box 80167 Lansing MI 48908 0167 Our shipping address for returns is 2727 Snow Road Lansing MI 48917 You may also contact us anytime by e mail at sales airliftcompany com or on the web at www airlifttompany com MN 612 R RideControl Warranty and R
4. system installation of a load assist product will have NO EFFECT on brake performance UNBOLT THE LOWER BRACKET FROM THE LEAF SPRING IF THE VEHICLE IS TO BE SERVICED BY A FRAME CONTACT HOIST 1 Remove the stock jounce bumper from under the frame fig 1 Some late model jounce bumpers have alignment pins that will need to be removed fig 1 Grind pins flush to the jounce bumper once removed 2 Insert the J bolts K through the upper bracket B or C with the curved part facing inboard 3 Attach the lower portion of the upper bracket B or C to the frame using the stock jounce bumper Secure in place with the supplied M10 1 25 x 45 bolt F or M10 1 50 x 45 bolt MN 612 RideControl gs G and M10 lock washer H NOTE The upper brackets are left and right side specific designated by a L and R label 4 Insert the curved part of the J bolts K into the existing slots in the frame Be sure the J bolts lock onto the frame securely fig 2 Tighten the 3 8 serrated flange nut to attach NOTE Some late models have a rubber plug covering the slot in the frame Remove the plug and discard Upper bracket B Frame is cut away to show detail Vi NOTE Torque the bolts to no more than 10 ft Ibs evenly on both sides 5 Cut the forward bolt flush to the nut 6 Install the elbow fitting Q into the air port of the air sleeve The fitting is pre coated with thread sealant Tighten finger tight plus two turns Use
5. Air Lift Performance 1 Year Limited Other Accessories 2 Year Limited LoadController Single 2 Year Limited formerly SuperDuty formerly EasyStreet and LifeStyle amp Performance MN 612 13 Need Help Contact our customer service department by calling 800 248 0892 Monday through Friday For calls from outside the USA or Canada our local number is 517 322 2144 Register your warranty online at www airliftcompany com warranty KET Thank you for purchasing Air Lift products the professional installer s choice Air Lift Company 2727 Snow Road Lansing MI 48917 or PO Box 80167 Lansing MI 48908 0167 Toll Free 800 248 0892 Local 517 322 2144 Fax 517 322 0240 gt www airliftcompany com Printed in the USA
6. Flat washer sssss 2 J 18444 3 8 Flat washer ssss 8 EE 21234 Rubber washer sss 2 K 17309 3 8 J DOl ae 4 FF 18411 Star washer 2 GG 21233 5 16 Hex n t acacen eee 4 Missing or damaged parts Call Air Lift customer service at 800 248 0892 for a replacement part TOOLS LIST Description eere Qty Description eeeeeeeeeeneee Qty Hoist or floor Jacks cere cereis 1 Crescent wrench 1 Safety St Nd S ni aei eiie 2 Ratchet with 9 16 metric amp 1 2 deep well Safety GlASSES ccce secti toca s SOCKOIS enim tote Ep d Dx iege run 1 Torque Went iiis metere etg edidere ata 1 Hose cutter razor blade or sharp knife 1 5 16 open end or box wrench ss 1 Air compressor or compressed air source 1 7 16 open end or box wrench ss 1 Spray bottle with dish soap water solution 1 9 16 open end or box wrench 1 Installing the RideControl System NOTE INSTALLING THE AIR SPRING KIT Your vehicle may be equipped with a rear brake proportioning valve Any type of load assist product could affect brake performance We recommend that you check with your dealer before installing this type of product If your vehicle DOES NOT have a rear brake proportioning valve or is equipped with an anti lock type brake
7. HOUGH YOUR AIR SPRINGS ARE RATED AT A MAXIMUM INFLATION PRESSURE OF 100 PSI THE AIR PRESSURE ACTUALLY NEEDED IS DEPENDENT ON YOUR LOAD AND GVWR 5 Always add air to the springs in small quantities checking the pressure frequently Sleeves require less air volume than a tire and inflate quickly 6 Should it become necessary to raise the vehicle by the frame make sure the system is at a minimum pressure 5 PSI to reduce tension on the suspension brake components Use of on board leveling systems do not require deflation or disconnection Troubleshooting Guide 10 1 Leaktest the air line connections threaded connection of the elbow into the air spring and the inflation valves See Fixing Leaks on page 10 for repair 2 Check for dirt debris in the valve core 3 Inspect the air lines to be sure none are pinched Tie straps may be too tight Loosen or replace the strap and replace leaking components 4 Inspect the air line for holes and cracks Replace as needed 5 Look for a kink or fold in the air line Reroute as needed If the preceding steps do not solve the problem it is most likely caused by a failed air spring either a factory defect or an operating problem Please call Air Lift at 800 248 0892 for assistance or a replacement air spring MN 612 RideControl Product Use MN 612 R FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Q Will installing air springs increase the weight ratings of a vehicle No Adding air s
8. MN 612 121508 ECR 8313 Ride Kits AUT 59544 59568 Ford F 150 Pickup amp Lincoln Mark LT Cover illustration may not depict actual kit INSTALLATION GUIDE For maximum effectiveness and safety please read these instructions completely before proceeding with installation Failure to read these instructions can result in an incorrect installation TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction iiin due eek ee RR ee ee ee ee 2 Important Safety Notice 0 0 2 Notation Explanation lile 2 Installation Diagram elles 3 Hardware EISE sacs ect atre teda esca eher ard donee N erar e dust av teca eti S 4 TOOS EiS Sore Oeo e e o or eset ge e Oda Ede doeet tud oe Gee 4 Installing the RideControl System 4 Installing the Air Spring Kit llli 4 Installing the Air LINES reci i ca ada ea e eee 6 Checking Tor Leaks ecas dass durus e ccce Coro wee Phe E EE rod ta meee 7 Fixing Beaks 25 iura Rd seen ye hee bs ved o d RR i b De IRURE ARR a moe ake T The Addition of Limiting Straps 20 sssaaa aaaea 8 Before Operating 2 2 0c cence eee eee eee eee 9 Installation Checklist sods ruuat retainers entener ee eee ee 9 Post installation Checklist se 9 Maintenance and Servicing 10 Minimum and Maximum Air Pressure l l 10 Maintenance Guidelines l l 10 Product Use iui eke Rcg I QR CC E Co c da a ol eee 11
9. NG SEAL INSIDE THE ELBOW FITTING FIG 3 ee Good Cut Poor Cut 4 Place a 5 16 nut GG and a star washer FF on the air valve Leave enough of the inflation valve in front of the nut to extend through the hole and have room for the rubber washer EE flat washer DD and 5 16 nut GG and cap CC There should be enough valve exposed after installation approximately 1 2 to easily apply a pressure gauge or an air chuck fig 4 5 Push the inflation valve through the hole and use the rubber washer EE flat washer DD and another 5 16 nut GG Tighten the nuts to secure the assembly in place fig 4 Air line to Vehicle body bellows or bumper 5 16 Flat washer 5 16 Hex nut Rubber washer 6 MN 612 RideControl MN 612 R 6 Route the air line along the frame to the air fitting on the air spring fig 5 Keep AT LEAST 6 of clearance between the air line and heat sources such as the exhaust pipes muffler or catalytic converter Avoid sharp bends and edges Use the plastic tie straps BB to secure the air line to fixed non moving points along the chassis Be sure that the tie straps are tight but do not pinch the air line Leave at least 2 of slack to allow for any movement that might pull on the air line aX REA A L gt 1 BREF _ eL bd Qo TE nl NS SS 533322 Yao lor ERUSA SAP Pa Q2 Poss pssst sed ET i rrr amp AM NS SS 1 Ifs Ep mmm TOSS SSS S43 PAn CAE e cce f PTA p
10. a 7 16 open end wrench being careful to tighten on the metal hex nut only CAUTION DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN 7 Attach the air spring A1 or A2 to the lower bracket D with the 1 2 flat washer N and lower mounting bolt M Leave loose for later adjustment 8 Set the lower bracket on the leaf spring above the axle and attach using the supplied U bolts E 3 8 flat washers J and 3 8 nyloc nuts I fig 1 9 Guide the threaded post of the air fitting through the slot in the upper bracket 10 Install the 3 4 nylon nut O and lock washer P on to the upper threaded post of the air spring Leave loose for final adjustment MN 612 5 a RideControl INSTALLING THE AIR LINES 1 Choose a convenient location for mounting the inflation valves Popular locations for the inflation valve are a The wheel well flanges b License plate recess in bumper c Under the gas cap access door d Through license plate itself NOTE What ever the chosen location is make sure there is enough clearance around the inflation valves for an air chuck 2 Drill a 5 16 hole to install the inflation valves 3 Cut the air line assembly AA in two equal lengths CAUTION WHEN CUTTING OR TRIMMING THE AIR LINE USE A HOSE CUTTER A RAZOR BLADE OR A SHARP KNIFE A CLEAN SQUARE CUT WILL ENSURE AGAINST LEAKS DO NOT USE WIRE CUTTERS OR SCISSORS TO CUT THE AIR LINE THESE TOOLS MAY FLATTEN OR CRIMP THE AIR LINE CAUSING IT TO LEAK AROUND THE O RI
11. ed and moved if possible If it is not possible to relocate the cause of the abrasion the air spring may need to be remounted If professionally installed the installer should be consulted Check all fasteners for tightness aS Maintenance and Servicing Minimum Air Pressure Maximum Air Pressure NOTE RideControl 5 PSI 100 PSI FAILURE TO MAINTAIN CORRECT MINIMUM PRESSURE OR PRESSURE PROPORTIONAL TO LOAD BOTTOMING OUT OVER EXTENSION OR RUBBING AGAINST ANOTHER COMPONENT WILL VOID THE WARRANTY MAINTENANCE GUIDELINES By following these steps vehicle owners will obtain the longest life and best results from their air spring 1 Check the air pressure weekly 2 Always maintain normal ride height Never inflate beyond 100 PSI 3 If you develop an air leak in the system use a soapy water solution to check all air line connections and the inflation valve core before deflating and removing the spring 4 When increasing load always adjust the air pressure to maintain normal ride height Increase or decrease pressure from the system as necessary to attain normal ride height for optimal ride and handling Remember that loads carried behind the axle including tongue loads require more leveling force pressure than those carried directly over the axle FOR YOUR SAFETY AND TO PREVENT DAMAGE TO YOUR VEHICLE DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT RATING GVWR AS INDICATED BY THE VEHICLE MANUFACTURER ALT
12. eer Va Q8 P AN MA my Wyse ANALY lkeeeeeee v 1 beeeeece 4 Wuiiilp ag gel por cr crc rrr cree EN LLLA EU S ee eee 4b HH4 avs has vane aavan amp Eavan 12424440A d MN wrens INN SNSNM I SN AX IIIA 1 SAX sensconguee ege ES IIIA NNNSNN ve NSSSSSSS ffTff ob p omm mmm ere eee mmm mmm m mmm ffTTII ANS NS MASS NS X 1 dq UM Option 1 br es Ss es 1 2 1 1 fig 5 1 1 Option 2 Cut off air line leaving approximately 12 of extra air line A clean square cut will ensure against leaks see fig 3 Insert the air line into the air fitting This is a push to connect fitting Simply push the air line into the 90 swivel fitting until it bottoms out 9 16 of air line should be in the fitting IMPORTANT With the top and bottom still loose inflate the air springs to approximately 10 PSI Use the slots in the brackets to correctly align the air spring between the upper and lower brackets this can be accomplished by tapping it inboard or outboard for proper alignment There should be a symmetrical cushion of air around the base of the air spring when correctly positioned CHECKING FOR LEAKS 1 Inflate the air spring to 30 PSI and spray all connections and the inflation valves with a solution of 1 5 liquid dish soap and 4 5 water to check for leaks Spot leaks easily by looking for bubbles in the soapy water Afterthe test deflate the springs to the minimum pressure required to restore the normal ride height
13. eturns Policy Air Lift Company warrants its products for the time periods listed below to the original retail purchaser against manufacturing defects when used on catalog listed applications on cars vans light trucks and motorhomes under normal operating conditions for as long as Air Lift manufactures the product The warranty does not apply to products that have been improperly applied improperly installed used in racing or off road applications used for commercial purposes or which have not been maintained in accordance with installation instructions furnished with all products The consumer will be responsible for removing labor charges the defective product from the vehicle and returning it transportation costs prepaid to the dealer from which it was purchased or to Air Lift Company for verification Air Lift will repair or replace at its option defective products or components A minimum 10 00 shipping and handling charge will apply to all warranty claims Before returning any defective product you must call Air Lift at 800 248 0892 in the U S and Canada elsewhere 517 322 2144 for a Returned Materials Authorization RMA number Returns to Air Lift can be sent to Air Lift Company 2727 Snow Road Lansing MI 48917 Product failures resulting from abnormal use or misuse are excluded from this warranty The loss of use of the product loss of time inconvenience commercial loss or consequential damages is not covered T
14. he air pressure to correct either of these problems and level the vehicle Ride comfort If the vehicle has a rough and harsh ride it may be due to either too much pressure or not enough fig 7 Try different pressures to determine the best ride comfort Stability Stability translates into safety and should be the priority meaning the driver may need to sacrifice a perfectly level and comfortable ride Stability issues include roll control bounce dive during braking and sponginess fig 8 Tuning out these problems usually requires an increase in pressure Eu o p zm Bad headlight aim fig 6 Sway and body roll 11 R RideControl GUIDELINES FOR ADDING AIR 1 Start with the vehicle level or slightly above 2 When in doubt always add air 3 For motorhomes start with 50 100 PSI in the rear because it can be safely assumed that it is heavily loaded 4 If the front of the vehicle dives while braking increase the pressure in the front air bags if equipped If it is ever suspected that the air bags have bottomed out increase the pressure fig 9 Adjust the pressure up and down to find the best ride If the vehicle rocks and rolls adjust the air pressure to reduce movement o NOM It may be necessary to maintain different pressures on each side of the vehicle Loads such as water fuel and appliances will cause the vehicle to be heavier on one side fig 10
15. he consumer is responsible for installation reinstallation labor charges of the product Air Lift Company reserves the right to change the design of any product without assuming any obligation to modify any product previously manufactured This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have other rights that vary from state to state Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts or allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages The above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you There are no warranties expressed or implied including any implied warranties of merchantability and fitness which extend beyond this warranty period There are no warranties that extend beyond the description on the face hereof Seller disclaims the implied warranty of merchantability Dated proof of purchase required Air Lift 10007 Lifetime Limited LoadController Dual 2 Year Limited RideControl Lifetime Limited Load Controller I 2 Year Limited LoadLifter 5000 Lifetime Limited Load Controller II 2 Year Limited LoadLifter 50007 ULTIMATE Lifetime Limited SmartAir 2 Year Limited SlamAir Lifetime Limited Wireless AIR 2 Year Limited AirCell 0 cccccccceeeeeees Lifetime Limited WirelessONE 2 Year Limited
16. no less than 5 PSI Check the air pressure again after 24 hours A 2 4 PSI loss after initial installation is normal Retest for leaks if the loss is more than 5 Ibs FIXING LEAKS 1 If there is a problem with the swivel fitting a Check the air line connection by deflating the spring and removing the line by pulling the collar against the fitting and pulling firmly on the air line Trim 1 off the end of the air line Be sure the cut is clean and square see fig 12 Reinsert the air line into the push to connect fitting b Check the threaded connection by tightening the swivel fitting another turn If it still leaks deflate the air spring remove the fitting and re coat the threads with thread sealant Reinstall by hand tightening as much as possible then use a wrench for an additional two turns R 2 RideControl If there is a problem with the inflation valve then a Check the valve core by tightening it with a valve core tool b Check the air line connection by removing the air line from the barbed type fitting DO NOT CUT THE AIR LINE COMPLETELY OFF AS THIS WILL NICK THE BARB AND RENDER THE FITTING USELESS 3 If the preceding steps have not resolved the problem call Air Lift customer service at 800 248 0892 for assistance THE ADDITION OF LIMITING STRAPS If you intend to use the truck off road or in situations where the suspension is extended it will be necessary to install limiting straps due t
17. o the long extension travel of the rear suspension IF LIMITING STRAPS ARE NOT INSTALLED FOR VEHICLES USED OFF ROAD THE SUSPENSION COULD PULL THE AIR SPRINGS APART THE DAMAGE TO THE AIR SPRINGS WILL NOT BE COVERED BY THE WARRANTY To determine the type of limiting straps needed for your vehicle 1 2 Jack the vehicle up using the hitch or frame Measure the distance between the upper and lower air spring mounting brackets Maximum extension on the air spring is 10 or slightly longer Then measure from the center of one shock bolt to the center of the other This is a common place to mount the limiting straps This is the length needed to limit your suspension from overextension Contact your local auto parts retailer to purchase limiting straps in the correct length for your vehicle Follow the manufacturer s directions on installing the limiting straps MN 612 RideControl a Before Operating MN 612 Technician s Signature INSTALLATION CHECKLIST O Clearance test Inflate the air springs to 60 PSI and make sure there is at least clearance from anything that might rub against each sleeve Be sure to check the tire brake drum frame shock absorbers and brake cables L1 Leak test before road test Inflate the air springs to 30 PSI and check all connections for leaks Refer to Checking for Leaks on page 7 All leaks must be eliminated before the vehicle is road tested Heat test Be s
18. prings will not change the weight ratings GAWR GCWR and or GVWR of a vehicle Exceeding the GWVR is dangerous and voids the Air Lift warranty Is it necessary to keep air in the air springs at all times and how much pressure will they need The minimum air pressure should be maintained at all times The minimum air pressure keeps the air spring in shape ensuring that it will move throughout its travel without rubbing or wearing on itself Is it necessary to add a compressor system to the air springs No Air pressure can be adjusted with any type of compressor as long as it can produce sufficient pressure to service the springs Even a bicycle tire pump can be used but it s a lot of work How long should air springs last If the air springs are properly installed and maintained they can last indefinitely Will raising the vehicle on a hoist for service work damage the air springs No The vehicle can be lifted on a hoist for short term service work such as tire rotation or oil changes However if the vehicle will be on the hoist for a prolonged period of time support the axle with jack stands in order to take the tension off of the air springs TUNING THE AIR PRESSURE Pressure determination comes down to three things level vehicle ride comfort and stability 1 Level vehicle If the vehicle s headlights are shining into the trees or the vehicle is leaning to one side then it is not level fig 6 Raise t
19. ure there is sufficient clearance from heat sources at least 6 for air springs and air lines If a heat shield was included in the kit install it If there is no heat shield but one is required call Air Lift customer service at 800 248 0892 Q Fastener test Recheck all bolts for proper torque Q Road test The vehicle should be road tested after the preceding tests Inflate the springs to 25 PSI 50 PSI if the vehicle is loaded Drive the vehicle 10 miles and recheck for clearance loose fasteners and air leaks Q Operating instructions If professionally installed the installer should review the operating instructions with the owner Be sure to provide the owner with all of the paperwork that came with the kit Date POST INSTALLATION CHECKLIST Q Overnight leak down test Recheck air pressure after the vehicle has been used for 24 hours If the pressure has dropped more than 5 PSI then there is a leak that must be fixed Either fix the leak yourself or return to the installer for service Q Air pressure requirements understand the air pressure requirements of my air spring system Regardless of load the air pressure should always be adjusted to maintain ride height at all times LJ Thirty day or 500 mile test understand that must recheck the air spring system after 30 days or 500 miles whichever comes first If any part shows signs of rubbing or abrasion the source should be identifi
20. well as tire rim size and inflation pressure data is shown on the vehicle s Safety Compliance Certification Label Payload The combined maximum allowable weight of cargo and passengers that the truck is designed to carry Payload is GVWR minus the Base Curb Weight NOTATION EXPLANATION Hazard notations appear in various locations in this publication Information which is highlighted by one of these notations must be observed to help minimize risk of personal injury or possible improper installation which may render the vehicle unsafe Notes are used to help emphasize areas of procedural importance and provide helpful suggestions The following definitions explain the use of these notations as they appear throughout this guide INDICATES IMMEDIATE HAZARDS WHICH WILL RESULT IN SEVERE PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH INDICATES HAZARDS OR UNSAFE PRACTICES WHICH COULD RESULT IN SEVERE PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH INDICATES HAZARDS OR UNSAFE PRACTICES WHICH COULD RESULT IN DAMAGE TO THE MACHINE OR MINOR PERSONAL INJURY Indicates a procedure practice or hint which is important to highlight MN 612 a RideControl Installation Diagram Driver Side Shown Oo NOTE Some late Q models have a rubber plug covering the slot O in the frame Remove the plug and discard NOTE Torque the nut to no more than 10 ft Ibs evenly on both sides Q NOTE The jounce lt O bumper attaches the e bracket to the frame
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