Rite-Ride 2171 - Manual (Page 4)

S
TEP
6 - I
NSTALL THE DRIVER
'
S SIDE ASSEMBLY
Follow steps 1-5 for assembly and installation of the driver's side assembly. Reverse any orientations for the driver's
side installation.
S
TEP
7 - I
NSTALL THE AIR LINE AND INFLATION VALVES
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. Slide the tubing as far as possible onto the barbed fitting on the top of the air spring see Figures
"A" & "C". Before attaching the air line tubing to the barbed fitting, soak the end of the tube (1") in hot water for
a few minutes to soften the tubing. Do not use pliers to work the tubing on to the fitting, as the tubing may be damaged.
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 valves will not be damaged, but maintain accessibility for the air
chuck see Figure "C". Drill two 5/16" holes and install the air inflation valves using two 5/16" flat washers per valve
as supports see Figure "D". Route the tubing from the air helper springs to the inflation valves, routing it to avoid direct
heat from the exhaust pipe and away from sharp edges. Thermal sleeves have been provided for these conditions. If
a thermal sleeve is needed, simply slide the sleeve over the tubing to the location requiring protection. The air line
should not be bent or curved sharply, as it may buckle. Secure the tubing to the vehicle using the supplied nylon ties.
Push the end of the air line tubing into the inflation valve as far as possible see Figure "D".
S
TEP
8 - C
HECK THE SYSTEM
Once the inflation valves are installed, inflate the air helper springs to 50 psi and check the fittings for air leaks
with an applied solution of soap and water. If a leak is detected at the inflation valve, check to make sure that the tube
is cut as square as possible and that it is pushed completely into the fitting. If a leak is detected at the barbed fitting,
check to make sure that the tubing is pushed onto the barb as far as possible. The tubing can easily be removed from
the inflation valves. First, release the air pressure from the air springs. Push the collar toward the body of the fitting
and pull out the tube. 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. Lower the vehicle back onto the ground. Reattach 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 10 lbs of load for each psi of inflation pressure (per pair). For example, 50 psi of inflation pressure
will support a load of approximately 1000 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 the 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 PSI IN THE
AIR HELPER SPRINGS AT ALL TIMES.
N
OTE
:
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.
N
OTE
:
MIN PRESSURE 10 PSI
MAX PRESSURE (LOADED) 100 PSI