Rite-Ride 2071 - Manual (Page 4)

STEP 4—INSTALLATION TO THE VEHICLE
After drilling the holes in the frame rail place the assembled air spring
back on the leaf stack making sure the lower bracket is placed over the
retainer, see Figure “A” & “C”. Check to see Ford trucks that there is
a 1/2" of clearance between the air spring and the emergency brake line
bolt, this bolt may have to be cut down for clearance. Install the 3/8"-16 x
1 1/2" hex bolts through the upper bracket holes and the holes that were
drilled in the frame rail. Next fasten the upper bracket to the frame rail
using the 3/8"-16 flange lock nuts and flat washers to the back side of
the frame rail, refer to Figure “A”. The next step is to attach the lower
bracket to the leaf spring assembly. Use the bracket strap/shim that is
not being used as a spacer or 1/2" spacer/shim if no spacer is required,
and fasten the air spring assembly to the leaf stack using the 3/8"-16 x
7" carriage bolts and 3/8"-16 flanged lock nuts, see Figure “A”. NOTE:
You may clamp around the over-load leafs. Insert the carriage bolt through the inner square hole on the lower
bracket for narrow leaf springs.
STEP 5—INSTALLATION TO THE PASSENGER'S SIDE ASSEMBLY
Reverse any orientations when assembling and installing the right, or passenger, side of the vehicle.
STEP 6—INSTALL THE AIR LINE AND THE INFLATION VALVE
Uncoil the air line tubing and cut it into two equal lengths. DO NOT FOLD OR KINK THE TUBING. Try to make
the cut as square as possible. Insert one end of the tubing into the elbow fitting installed in the top of the air helper
spring. Push the tubing into the fitting as far as possible, see Figure “A”.
Select a location on the vehicle for the air inflation valves. The location can be on the bumper or the body of the
vehicle, as long as it is in a protected location so the valve will not be damaged, but maintain accessibility for the air
chuck, see Figure “E”. Drill a 5/16" hole and install the air inflation valve using two 5/16" flat washers per valve as
supports, see Figure “F”. Run the tubing from the air helper spring to the inflation valve, routing it to avoid direct
heat from the engine, exhaust pipe, and away from sharp edges. Thermal sleeves have been provided for these
conditions. If a thermal sleeve is required simply slide the sleeve over the air line tubing to the location requiring
protection. The air line tubing should not be bent or curved sharply as it may buckle. Secure the tubing in place with
the nylon ties provided. Push the end of the air line tubing into the inflation valve as illustrated, see Figure "F".
STEP 7—CHECK THE AIR SYSTEM
Once the inflation valves are installed inflate the air helper springs to 70 psi and check the fittings for air leaks with
an applied solution of soap and water. If a leak is detected at a tubing connection then check to make sure that the
tube is cut as square as possible and that it is pushed completely into the fitting. The tubing can easily be removed
from the fittings by pushing the collar towards the body of the fitting and then pulling out the tube. If a leak is detected
where the brass fitting screws into the spring, remove the tubing by pushing the collar towards the body of the fitting
and then pulling out the tube, then screw the brass fitting into the air spring one additional turn or until the leak stops.
Reinstall the tubing and reinflate the air springs and check for leaks as noted above.
This now completes the installation. Install the wheels and torque the lug nuts to the manufactures specifications.
Raise the vehicle by the rear axle and remove the jack stands and lower the vehicle back onto the ground. Re-attach
the negative battery cable and remove the wheel chocks from the wheels. Before proceeding, check once again to be
sure you have proper clearance around the air springs. With a load on your vehicle and the air helper springs inflated,
you must have at least 1/2" clearance around the air springs. As a general rule, the air helper springs will support
approximately 40 lbs. of load for each psi of inflation pressure (per pair). For example, 50 psi of inflation pressure
will support a load of 2000 lbs. per pair of air helper springs. FOR BEST RIDE use only enough air pressure in the
air helper springs to level the vehicle when viewed from the side (front to rear). This amount will vary depending on
the load, location of load, condition of existing suspension and personal preference.
NOTE:
Too much air pressure in the air helper springs will result in a firmer ride, while too little air pressure will allow the
air helper spring to bottom out over rough conditions. Too little air pressure will also not provide the improvement
in handling that is possible. TO PREVENT POSSIBLE DAMAGE MAINTAIN A MINIMUM OF 5 psi IN THE AIR
HELPER SPRINGS AT ALL TIMES.
Once the air helper springs are installed, it is recommended that the vehicle not be lifted by the frame, as over-
extension may occur, resulting in damage to the air helper springs. However, should it become necessary to raise
the vehicle by the frame, deflate both air helper springs completely.
AIR LINE
PUSH-TO-CONNECT
INFLATION VALVE
FLAT WASHER
HEX NUT
VALVE CAP
BODY OF
VEHICLE
FIGURE “F”