Ridetech 18988099 - Manual (Page 3)

8. Place the lower axle brackets onto the axle tube at the same distance apart as the lower frame
brackets. The back of these brackets should be plumb, [Perpendicular to the ground] and must be
level with each other! One way to accomplish this is to tack one bracket and then use a piece of
angle that is clamped across the back of the bracket to check the angle of the other. This will ensure
that the lower 4 link mounting points are even from front to back.
9. Assemble the upper 4 link bar into its brackets and tabs. Assemble the bars with no more than 1/2”
of thread showing. This will allow for final adjustment. Notice that on the tabs that weld to the
rearend, two of the tabs are larger. This is to compensate for the angle of the rearend housing where
the tabs will be welded. The larger tabs will go to the outside of the bars. They may have to be
trimmed to fit.
10. Place the upper bar assembly onto the rearend and against the frame. The rearend tabs will go in
the area of the centersection and the frame brackets will go against the frame at an angle. The upper
bars should be as close to level as possible. [Level with the car] The frame may have to be boxed in
the area where the upper frame brackets will go.
There are 3 main goals here:
1. Upper bars level with each other.
2. Upper bars at the same side to side distance on the axle housing. [Note that on most 9”
Ford rearends, the centersection is offset, so the axle tabs will appear to be located in different
locations on the rearend.]
3. Upper bars at the same front to back distance on the frame.
It may take several adjustments to satisfy all of these measurements, but they must be satisfied!
When you are satisfied that the bars are located properly, tack them in place.
11. With a floorjack, raise and lower the rearend through its travel to check for interference or binding
of the rod ends. If the rearend moves freely, final welding may now be done. Note that the movement
may be somewhat stiff due to the poly bushings
Now you can proceed with the rest of the air ride system!