Rite-Ride 2181 - Manual (Page 4)

S
TEP
7 - I
NSTALL 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 "B"). Drill a 5/16" hole and install the air inflation valve using two
5/16" flat washers per valve as supports (see Figure "C"). 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. The
air line tubing should not be bent or curved sharply as it may buckle with age. 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 "C").
S
TEP
8 - C
HECK THE AIR SYSTEM
Once the inflation valves are installed inflate the air helper springs to 50 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 straight fitting screws into the spring, remove the
tubing, then screw the straight fitting 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. Further information on trouble-
shooting can be found in the General Operation Instruction book included with this kit.
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 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 Sport-Rite Air Helper Springs will support approximately 30 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
approximately 1500 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.
N
OTE
:
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 SPORT-RITE AIR HELPER SPRINGS AT ALL TIMES.
www.riderite.com
N
OTE
:
MIN PRESSURE 10 PSI
MAX PRESSURE (LOADED) 100 PSI