Rite-Ride 2100 - Manual (Page 4)

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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.
Install one of the 3/8"-16 x 1-1/2" hex bolts through the hole just enlarged. Install the special flat washers and
3/8"-16 flanged lock nuts behind the frame as shown in Figure "A" and tighten finger tight. Visually position the upper
bracket so that the upper bracket is parallel with the lower bracket. Using the upper bracket as a template, mark and drill
the remaining three mounting holes. Install the 3/8"-16 x 1 1/2" hex bolts, washers and nuts as shown in Figure "A".
Tighten all four frame-mounting bolts.
Fasten the lower bracket to the leaf spring using a bracket strap, 3/8"-16 x 4 1/2" carriage bolts and nuts as shown in
Figure "A". Please note that the slot in the bracket strap should be toward the wheel side of the leaf spring.
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TEP
6 - I
NSTALLATION TO THE PASSENGER
'
S SIDE ASSEMBLY
Reverse any orientations when assembling and installing the right, or passenger, side of the vehicle.
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TEP
7 - I
NSTALL 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 "D". Drill a 5/16" hole and install the air inflation valve using two 5/16" flat washers per valve as supports
see Figure "E". 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 "E".
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8 - C
HECK THE AIR SYSTEM
Once the inflation valves are installed inflate the air helper springs to 70 P.S.I. 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
postive 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 P.S.I. of inflation pressure (per pair). For example, 50 P.S.I. 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.
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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 P.S.I. IN THE AIR
HELPER SPRINGS AT ALL TIMES.