Rite-Ride 2217 - 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.
S
TEP
6 - 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".
S
TEP
7 - 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, 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. Release the air pressure from the air
springs. Push the collar towards the body of the fitting and pull out the tube. If
a leak is detected where the fitting screws into the spring, remove the tubing as noted above, then screw the 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 manufacturer's specifications. Raise the
vehicle by the rear axle and remove the jack stands and lower the vehicle back to the ground. Reattach 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 25 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 1250 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 10 P.S.I. IN THE AIR HELPER SPRINGS AT ALL TIMES.
FIGURE "E"
FIGURE "D"
AIR HOSE
INFLATION
VALVES
BUMPER
AIR
SPRINGS
AIR LINE
PUSH-TO-CONNECT
INFLATION VALVE
FLAT WASHER
HEX NUT
VALVE CAP
BODY OF
VEHICLE
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MIN PRESSURE 10 PSI
MAX PRESSURE (LOADED) 100 PSI
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