Installation Manual
Contents
1. 041203 ECR 7302 MN 670 Ride Kit 59565 by AIR LIFT 5956 7 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 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 Introdicllolksees iiu VER EET ey Sindee ESEAGA ES 2 Important Safety Notice 0 0 0 hes 2 Notation Explanation es deers i iee da ia adie d aoa rn 2 Installation Diagram eese 3 Hardware List oc sedes d etenim aa a igs cubiti Etant 3 Installing the RideControl System 4 Getting Started corsicis sc ienis ee Ee ea ARRA RE ACA ee ERR Ca 4 Attaching the Upper Bracket to the Frame 2 2000 cee eee eeeee 4 Assembling the Air Sleeve 0 0 tent e nes 6 Installing the Air Assembly 0 0000 ccc eee eee 6 Installing the Air Lines 2 0 0 0 000 c 7 Checking forLeaks 2 6 en 8 Fixing Leaks aerea eanta ema aia ia ea hh 8 Before Operating lllelelseeesee 9 Installation Checklist 0 0 00 000000 ccc ee eee eee 9 Post Installation Checklist cc ee eee 9 Maintenance and Servicing 10 Minimum Maximum Air Pressure lle ne 10 Maintenance Guidelines lle 10 Troubleshooting Guide 10 Product US8 Lieu 3E XOCRERUE WO Ee cae eee ed 112. Frequently Asked Questions 0 00 e eect eee 11 Tuning the Air Pressure 1 0 00 ce eee 11 Guidelines for Adding Air 0 2 0 0 00 cece eh 12 Replacement Information 12 Contact Information eser 12 Warranty and Returns Policy 13 E RideControl Introduction NOTE N The purpose of this publication is to assist with the installation maintenance and troubleshooting of the RideControl air spring kit The air springs used in RideControl kits are designed and manufactured like a tire The air springs have layers of rubber and cords that control the bag s growth and funnel it into one direction The bags do not require a coil spring for control RideControl kits utilize a sleeve style air bag that provides up to 2 000 pounds of load leveling support Each sleeve is rated at a maximum of 100 PSI It is important to read and understand the entire installation guide before beginning installation or performing any maintenance service or repair The information here includes a hardware 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 Contact Air Lift Company at 800 248 0892 or go online at www airliftcompany com for the latest version of this manual IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTICE The instal
3. The lip on the lower bracket goes over the the back leaf spring u bolt Lower bracket Clamp vrm P amp Nyloc nut Washer fig 9 MN 670 RideControl NOTE MN 670 E 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 The license plate recess in bumper c Under the gas cap access door d Through the license plate Whatever the chosen location make sure there is enough clearance around the inflation valves for an air chuck 2 Drill two 5 16 holes to install the inflation valves 3 Cutthe air line assembly in two equal lengths 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 RING SEAL INSIDE THE ELBOW FITTING FIG 10 ceo Good Cut Poor Cut 4 Place a 5 16 nut and star washer 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 flat washer and 5 16 nut and cap There should be enough valve exposed after installation approximately 12 to easily apply a pressure gauge or an air chuck fig 11 5 Push the inflation valve through the hole and us
4. Upper bracket 3 8 Bolt ABS sensor harness clip 3 8 Flat washer Nyloc nut gol 4 amp 6 7 Insert the long 3 8 carriage bolt through the center of the upper bracket into the frame through a spacer and out the back side of the frame Attach a large OD washer and nyloc nut over the protruding bolt fig 7 Tighten securely B Nyloc nut Outside View D Upper bracket i 3 8 Carriage bolt 4 MN 670 5 a RideControl ASSEMBLING THE AIR SLEEVE 1 Install the swivel air fitting onto the air sleeve finger tight plus one and a half turns fig 8 Do not overtighten 2 Attach the lower bracket to the bottom of the air sleeve with a flat washer and 12 bolt fig 8 leave loose at this time 3 M c air fitting LSE D Air sleeve fig 8 Lower bracket ae 2 Bolt INSTALLING THE AIR ASSEMBLY 1 Attach the assembly to the upper bracket allowing the swivel air fitting to go through the top of the bracket fig 9 Attach the air sleeve to the top bracket using a 34 nyloc nut Tighten nut DO NOT torque over 4 ft Ibs 2 Set assembly onto the leaf springs so that the lip on the front side of the lower bracket hooks over the rear stock u bolt fig 9 Washer 3 Attach the supplied u bolt over the lower bracket and leaf springs and into the clamp bar Cap with flat washers and nyloc nuts fig 9 Torque to 16 ft Ibs 34 16 Nylon nut Upper bracket BP Front Swivel air fitting
5. and 4 5 water Spot leaks easily by looking for bubbles in the soapy water After the test deflate the springs to the minimum pressure required to restore the system to normal ride height Do not deflate to lower than 10 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 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 10 Reinsert the air line into the push to connect fitting b Check the threaded connection by tightening the swivel fitting another v2 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 and then use a wrench for an additional two turns If there is a problem with the inflation valve a Check the valve core by tightening it with a valve core tool b Check the air line by removing the air line from the barbed type fitting Cut the air line off a few inches in front of the fitting and use a pair of pliers or vice grips to pull twist the air line off of the fitting DO NOT CUT OFF THE AIR LINE COMPLETELY AS THIS WILL USUALLY NICK THE BARB AND REN
6. e GG 21233 5 16 Hex nut sssessssseeeneenrnnn 4 Not shown in fig 1 E RideControl Installing the RideControl System NOTE DO NOT INFLATE ASSEMBLY WHEN IT IS UNRESTRICTED ASSEMBLY MUST BE RESTRICTED BY SUSPENSION OR OTHER ADEQUATE STRUCTURE DO NOT INFLATE BEYOND 100 PSI IMPROPER USE OR OVER INFLATION MAY CAUSE ASSEMBLY TO BURST CAUSING PROPERTY DAMAGE OR SEVERE PERSONAL INJURY IMPORTANT Your vehicle may be equipped with a rear brake proportioning valve Any type of load assist product could affect brake performance If equipped with a brake proportioning valve 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 system installation of a load assist product will have no effect on brake System performance GETTING STARTED 1 Raise the vehicle and support the axle with jack stands setting the jack stands as wide as possible on the axle fig 2 2 Remove the tires Some late models are equipped with inner fender wells It will be necessary to remove or trim the area out where the air spring assembly mounts in order to obtain clearance between the air spring assembly and inner liner ATTACHING THE UPPER BRACKET TO THE FRAME 1 If equipped pry the stock Anti lock Brake System ABS sensor harness clamp out from the bottom of the frame and remove the stock sensor
7. 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 The 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
8. DER THE FITTING USELESS If the preceding steps have not resolved the problem call Air Lift customer service at 800 248 0892 MN 670 RideControl Before Operating INSTALLATION CHECKLIST To be completed by installer m Clearance test Inflate the air springs to 60 PSI and ensure there is at least 1 2 clearance around each sleeve away from anything that might rub against them Be sure to check the tire brake drum frame shock absorbers and brake cables m Leak test before road test Inflate the air springs to 60 PSI check all connections for leaks with a soapy water solution See page 8 for tips on how to spot leaks All leaks must be eliminated before the vehicle is road tested m Heat test Be sure there is sufficient clearance from any 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 800 248 0892 m Fastener test Recheck all bolts for proper torque m Road test The vehicle should be road tested after the preceding tests Inflate the air 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 starting on page 10 with the owner Be sure to provide the owner with all of the pa
9. 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 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 12 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 airliftcompany com MN 670 RideControl E Warranty and Returns Policy MN 670 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
10. e the rubber washer flat washer and another 5 16 nut to secure it in place Tighten the nuts to secure the assembly fig 11 5 16 Flat washer Valve cap 5 16 Hex nut R RideControl Route the air line along the frame to the air fitting on the air spring fig 12 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 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 Cut off the air line leaving approximately 12 of extra air line A clean square cut will ensure against leaks see fig 10 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 Repeatthe installation procedure for the remaining side of the vehicle Inflate the sleeves to 10 psi and adjust the sleeve in the lower bracket slot so the sleeve is perpendicular to the mounting brackets Tighten the 12 bottom bolt securely Reinstall tires CHECKING FOR LEAKS Inflate the air spring to 30 PSI Spray all connections and the inflation valves with a solution of 1 5 liquid dish soap
11. ectly level and comfortable ride Stability issues include roll control bounce dive during braking and sponginess fig 15 Tuning out these problems usually requires an increase in pressure ER Lim ay Bad headlight aim fig 13 yu Sway and body roll MN 670 11 a 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 o NOM that it is heavily loaded 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 16 Adjust the pressure up and down to find the best ride If the vehicle rocks and rolls adjust the air pressure to reduce movement 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 17 As much as a 50 PSI difference is not uncommon Bottoming out fig 16 fig 17 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
12. fter the vehicle is loaded adjust your air pressure to level the vehicle and for ride comfort 2 Check the air pressure weekly 3 Always maintain normal ride height Never inflate beyond 100 PSI 4 If you develop an air leak in the system use a soapy water solution of 1 5 liquid dish soap and 4 5 water to check all air line connections and the inflation valve core before deflating and removing the air spring 5 When increasing load always adjust the air pressure to maintain the 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 POSSIBLE DAMAGE TO YOUR VEHICLE DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT RATING GVWR AS INDICATED BY THE VEHICLE MANUFACTURER ALTHOUGH YOUR AIR SPRINGS ARE RATED AT AMAXIMUM INFLATION PRESSURE OF 100 PSI THE AIR PRESSURE ACTUALLY NEEDED IS DEPENDANT ON YOUR LOAD AND GVWR WHICH MAY BE LESS THAN 100 PSI CHECK YOUR VEHICLE OWNERS MANUAL AND DO NOT EXCEED THE MAXIMUM LOAD LISTED FOR YOUR VEHICLE 6 Always add air to springs in small quantities checking the pressure frequently Sleeves require less air volume than a tire and inflate quickly 7 Should it become necessary to raise the vehicle by the frame make sure the system is at mi
13. harness clip from the ABS sensor harness fig 3 2 Attach the supplied sensor harness clip to the sensor harness fig 4 3 Disconnect the ABS sensor at the connector on top of the frame Move the ABS sensor harness from the outside of the frame to the inside of the frame and reconnect the ABS sensor back into the wiring harness fig 3 and fig 4 Frame Outside View Frame Inside View CS o Move ABS sensor harness to the inside of the frame ABS sensor harness fig 3 Remove stock ABS sensor Install supplied ABS harness clip sensor harness clip MN 670 RideControl KF 4 Insert a 3 8 bolt and medium OD washer into the frame using the large slot behind the axle so that the bolt extends through the bottom frame hole fig 5 NOTE This is the ABS sensor harness hole from which the stock ABS sensor harness clip was previously removed Outside View T Bolt Medium OD washer C 5 Attach the upper bracket to the frame behind the axle making sure the previously inserted bolt goes through the hole on the bottom of the bracket fig 6 6 Attach the brake line clip 3 8 flat washer and nyloc nut to the bottom of the bolt While holding the bolt and washer through the frame hole with a wrench Torque to 44 ft lbs fig 6 CAUTION TIGHTEN NUT WHILE KEEPING THE ABS LINE PARALLEL TO THE FRAME SO THE LINE DOES NOT RUB ON THE AIR SPRING Inside View
14. 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 1000 Lifetime Limited LoadController Dual 2 Year Limited RideControl Lifetime Limited Load Controller I 2 Year Limited LoadLifter 5000 Lifetime Limited Load Controller Il 2 Year Limited SlamaAir Lifetime Limited SmartAir 2 Year Limited AirCell s Lifetime Limited Wireless AIR 2 Year Limited Air Lift Performance 1 Year Limited WirelessONE 2 Year Limited LoadController Single 2 Year Limited Other Accessories 2 Year Limited formerly SuperDuty formerly LifeStyle amp Performance and EasyStreet 13 Need Help 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 Register your war
15. lation 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 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 pasengers 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 highligh
16. nimum pressure 10 PSI to reduce the tension on the suspension brake components Use of on board leveling systems do not require deflation or disconnection Troubleshooting Guide 10 Problems maintaining air pressure without on board compressor 1 Leak test the air line connections and threaded connection of the elbow into the air spring See Fixing Leaks to repair 2 Leak test the inflation valve for leaks at the air line connection or dirt or debris in the valve core See Fixing Leaks to repair Inspect the air line to be sure it is not pinched Replace leaking components Inspect air line for holes and cracks Replace as needed A kink or fold in the air line Reroute as needed oa kw At this point the problem is most likely 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 670 RideControl Product Use FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Q Will installing air springs increase the weight ratings of a vehicle No Adding air springs 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 Q 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 mo
17. perwork which came with the kit Technician s Signature Date POST INSTALLATION CHECKLIST To be completed by owner Q Overnight leakdown test Recheck air pressure after 24 hours If pressure has dropped more than 5 PSI check for leaks and fix accordingly following the instructions on page 8 or return to the installer for service m Air pressure requirements The air pressure requirements are detailed on page 10 Regardless of the load the air pressure should always be adjusted so that normal ride height is maintained at all times m 30 day or 500 mile test The air spring system must be rechecked after 30 days or 500 miles whichever comes first If any part shows signs of rubbing or abrasion the source should be identified 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 MN 670 9 E Maintenance and Servicing Minimum Air Pressure Maximum Air Pressure RideControl 10 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 By following these steps vehicle owners will obtain the longest life and best results from their air springs 1 Inflate your air springs to 60 PSI before adding the payload A
18. ranty online at www airliftcompany com warranty R 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
19. t MN 670 RideControl Installation Diagram HARDWARE LIST Item A B Be B B ErTrAc rommoo MN 670 Part 4 58571 07234 07375 07262 07335 03616 17124 18414 18454 21837 01426 10583 10778 13967 17106 17362 B _ 6 H Description Air SIEV oeren eannan tanpir Passenger side upper bracket 59565 1 Driver side upper bracket 59565 1 Passenger side upper bracket 59567 2 Driver side upper bracket 59567 2 Lower bracket sssusssss 12 13 x 7 8 Bolt Ve Flat washer 34 16 Nylon nut 90 Swivel elbow fitting 2 Cl mp D ar e ctn 2 UE BOE rire erc eerte 2 ABS sensor harness clip 2 Frame Spacer iicet 2 3 8 16 x 125 Boll a 2 3 8 16 x 5 Carriage bolt 2 R Passenger Side Shown fig 1 Front lt a N 18435 3 8 16 Nyloc nut eee 6 Item Part Description Qty O 18444 3 8 Flat washer eerren 6 P 18447 Medium OD washer wad Q 10956 Large OD washer wee R 18437 3 8 Nyloc nut G8 gold 2 AA 20086 Air line assembly eene 1 BB 10466 Tie strap 0 CC 21230 Valve caps wee DD 18405 5 16 Flat washer wad EE 21234 Rubber washer Peri FF 18411 Small star washer
20. ve throughout its travel without rubbing or wearing on itself Q 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 Q How long should air springs last If the air springs are properly installed and maintained they can last indefinitely Q 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 13 Raise the air pressure to correct either of these problems and level the vehicle 2 Ride comfort If the vehicle has a rough and harsh ride it may be due to either too much pressure or not enough fig 14 Try different pressures to determine the best ride comfort 3 Stability Stability translates into safety and should be the priority meaning the driver may need to sacrifice a perf
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