Rite-Ride 2153 - Manual (Page 4)

shown in Figure "A", "B" & "C". Slide the even bracket strap onto the rear carriage bolts as to clamp the lower bracket
to the leaf stack see Figure "A" and "B". Slide the un-even bracket onto the front carriage bolts as to clamp the lower
bracket to the leaf stack. Fasten using the 3/8"-16 flange lock nuts. Adjust the air spring to achieve vertical alignment.
Tighten the 3/8"-16 flange bolt that holds the air spring to the lower bracket using an open end wrench.
STEP 5- INSTALLATION OF THE PASSENGER'S SIDE ASSEMBLY
Follow steps 1-4 for assembly and installation of the passenger's side assembly.
STEP 6- INSTALL THE AIR LINE AND INFLATION VALVE
Uncoil the air 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 refer to 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").
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 elbow fitting screws into the spring, remove the tubing (see trouble shooting section of the operating
instruction manual for removal procedure),then screw the elbow into the 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 front 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
20 psi. IN THE AIR HELPER SPRINGS AT ALL TIMES.
NOTE:
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.