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13

MN-282

fig. 13

fig. 14

RideControl

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 . 10) . Raise the air pressure to correct either of these 
problems and level the vehicle .

2 .  Ride comfort

  If the vehicle has a rough or harsh ride it may be due to either too much pressure or 

not enough (Fig . 11) . 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 perfectly level and comfortable ride . Stability issues include roll 
control, bounce, dive during braking and sponginess (Fig . 12) . Tuning out these 
problems usually requires an increase in pressure .

Guidelines for Adding Air

1 .  Start with the vehicle level or slightly above .
2 .  When in doubt, always add air .
3 .  If the front of the vehicle dives while braking, increase the pressure in the front air bags, 

if equipped .

4 .  If it is ever suspected that the air bags have bottomed out, increase the pressure . (Fig . 13)
5 .  Adjust the pressure up and down to find the best ride .
6 .  If the vehicle rocks and rolls, adjust the air pressure to reduce movement .
7 .  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 . 14) . As much as a 50 PSI difference is not uncommon .

Bad headlight aim

Sway and 
body roll

Rough ride

fig. 10

fig. 12

fig. 11

Bottoming out

Unlevel

Level

Summary of Contents for RideControl 59516

Page 1: ...ness and safety please read these instructions completely before proceeding with installation Failure to read these instructions can result in an incorrect installation MN 282 131608 ECR 8622 INSTALLA...

Page 2: ......

Page 3: ...6 Installing the Air Lines 8 Tips for Installing Air Lines 8 Aligning the Air Spring 9 Before Operating 10 Checking for Leaks 10 Fixing Leaks 10 Installation Checklist 11 Post Installation Checklist...

Page 4: ...hicle Check the vehicle owner s manual and do not exceed the maximum load listed for the vehicle Gross vehicle weight rating The maximum allowable weight of the fully loaded vehicle including passenge...

Page 5: ...er 3 8 16 X 1 1 2 Frame bolt Upper bracket Lower bracket Air sleeve 3 8 16 Nylon lock nut 3 8 Oversize flat washer Flat washer 3 8 16 Nylon lock nut 1 2 HHCS bolt 1 2 Flat washer 3 8 U bolt NOTE The l...

Page 6: ...t 4 HARDWARE LIST Missing or damaged parts Call Air Lift customer service at 800 248 0892 for a replacement part Getting Started IMPORTANT NOTES 1 Your vehicle may be equipped with a rear brake propor...

Page 7: ...e original distance The vehicle must be at normal ride height before installing the upper bracket ASSEMBLING THE ALIGNMENT TOOL 1 Assemble the upper and lower bracket to the alignment tool This tool i...

Page 8: ...Y HYDRAULIC LINES GAS LINE AND ELECTRICAL WIRES HAVE BEEN MOVED ASIDE ON BOTH SIDES OF FRAME RAIL 4 Using the upper bracket as a template centerpunch one of the lower mounting holes and drill a 3 8 ho...

Page 9: ...ll the elbow fitting into air port of the air sleeve The fitting is precoated with thread sealant Tighten finger tight plus two turns Use a 7 16 open end wrench being careful to tighten on the metal h...

Page 10: ...knife or a hose cutter and make clean square cuts Fig 7 Do not use scissors or wire cutters because these tools may deform the air line causing it to leak around fittings Do not cut the lines at an a...

Page 11: ...secure the air line to fixed 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 ai...

Page 12: ...f the end of the air line Be sure the cut is clean and square see Fig 7 Reinsert the air line into the push to connect fitting b Check the threaded connection by tightening the swivel fitting another...

Page 13: ...ess POST INSTALLATION CHECKLIST Clearance test Inflate the air springs to 75 90 PSI and make sure there is at least 1 2 clearance from anything that might rub against each sleeve Be sure to check the...

Page 14: ...d assist The springs in this kit will support approximately 40 pounds of load combined on both springs for each 1 PSI of pressure The required air pressure will vary depending on the state of the orig...

Page 15: ...ity issues include roll control bounce dive during braking and sponginess Fig 12 Tuning out these problems usually requires an increase in pressure Guidelines for Adding Air 1 Start with the vehicle l...

Page 16: ...springs at all times and how much pressure will they need For LoadLifter 5000 Ultimate the recommended minimum air pressure is 5 PSI but it can safely be run at zero air pressure Q Is it necessary to...

Page 17: ...15 MN 282 RideControl Notes...

Page 18: ...or anticipated profits loss of the use of money loss of business loss of opportunity loss of goodwill and loss of reputation Air Lift Company s maximum liability shall not in any case exceed the purch...

Page 19: ...ation 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 fo...

Page 20: ...892 For calls from outside the USA or Canada dial 517 322 2144 Air Lift Company 2727 Snow Road Lansing MI 48917 or P O Box 80167 Lansing MI 48908 0167 Toll Free 800 248 0892 Local 517 322 2144 Fax 517...

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