How to Install an Air Ride Suspension for Your Vehicle

AvatarByCarl Frisch

Air Ride Suspension Installation is a process of replacing the traditional suspension system in cars, trucks and SUVs with an air ride suspension. This process involves replacing the traditional coil springs, struts and shocks with an air spring, shock absorber and an air line system. The new suspension system provides a smoother ride, improved handling and increased flexibility over the traditional system. The installation process requires basic mechanical knowledge and tools such as wrenches, screwdrivers, drill bits and a compressor.

The first step in air ride suspension installation is to remove the old suspension components such as the coil springs, struts and shocks. Once these components are removed, the new air spring is installed in place of the old coil springs. Next, the shocks are mounted to the chassis of the vehicle using brackets that are provided with the kit. After that, air lines are connected to each shock to allow them to be inflated or deflated according to driver preference. Finally, a compressor is connected to provide a source of compressed air for inflation/deflation of shocks when needed.

Once all components have been properly installed and connected, it’s time for testing and adjustment of the new suspension system. This includes adjusting the pressure in each shock according to driver preference as well as any other adjustments that may be necessary depending on vehicle type or driver preference. With proper installation and adjustment complete, users can enjoy a smoother ride with improved handling characteristics over traditional suspension systems.

Benefits of Air Ride Suspension Installation

Installing an air ride suspension system in a vehicle can have many benefits. These include improved comfort, better handling and performance, reduced vehicle weight, and increased safety. Comfort is improved by the use of adjustable shock absorbers that can be tuned for different terrains. This allows for a smoother ride on rough roads, reducing passenger discomfort. Handling and performance are improved by the ability to fine-tune the suspension system for specific track conditions. Lower vehicle weight is also achieved as air springs are much lighter than conventional coil springs. Finally, increased safety is achieved by having adjustable shocks that allow the driver to adjust the ride height of the vehicle in order to reduce body roll and increase stability.

Types of Air Ride Suspension Systems for Automobiles

There are two main types of air ride suspension systems available for automobiles: active and passive systems. Active systems typically feature an electronic level control system or an automatic height control system which allow for adjustments to be made to the suspension based on speed or road conditions. Passive systems feature either standard coil springs or shock absorbers that provide a more traditional feel while still offering some degree of adjustability.

Preparation for Air Ride Suspension Installation in Automobiles

Before you install an air ride suspension system in your automobile, you will need several tools including jacks, wrenches and socket sets as well as a power drill and hammer. Additionally, you will need parts such as shocks or struts, springs, sleeves and spacers in order to complete the job properly. It’s important to make sure that all these items are available before starting the installation process so you can avoid potential delays or complications down the road.

Step by Step Procedure to Install Air Ride Suspension in Automobiles

The first step when installing an air ride suspension system is to determine which type of system best meets your needs and budget. Once this has been determined, it’s time to begin removing any existing components from your automobile such as shocks or struts and coil springs if applicable. After this has been completed you will then need to install any new components such as shocks or struts and spring sleeves etc., making sure all connections are secure before moving on to the next step in the process which involves setting up the electronic level control system if applicable in order to ensure proper operation of your new air ride suspension setup. The final step involves testing out your new setup by taking it out on a variety of terrain types so you can get a feel for how it performs under different conditions before making any further adjustments if necessary before finally enjoying all the benefits that come with having an air ride suspension installed in your automobile!

Jack Up the Vehicle

Before installing a new air ride suspension system on a vehicle, it is important to first jack up the vehicle. This is done by using a hydraulic jack to lift the car off of the ground, making it easier to access the shocks and struts. Once the vehicle has been lifted, it’s important to position jack stands underneath the frame rail for extra support. Doing this will ensure that the car does not come crashing down if you accidentally let go of the jack handle.

Remove Old Shocks or Struts

The next step in installing an air ride suspension system is to remove the old shocks or struts from the vehicle. This involves unscrewing and removing any nuts or bolts that may be holding them in place, as well as disconnecting any wiring harnesses if applicable. Once all of these components have been removed, you can now move on to installing your new air ride suspension system.

Install New Shocks or Struts

Installing your new air ride suspension system comes next. To do this, you will first need to line up and attach any hardware that came with your kit such as nuts and bolts. If there is any wiring involved, make sure that it is properly connected too. Once everything is lined up correctly and securely fastened in place, you can now proceed to mounting your new shocks or struts onto your vehicle. Make sure all hardware has been tightened down properly before proceeding further.

Reinstall The Wheels and Tires

Now that your new air ride suspension system has been installed correctly onto your vehicle, it’s time to put everything back together again. This means reinstalling the wheels and tires that you removed earlier in order to access the shocks and struts better. When doing this step make sure that all lug nuts have been tightened securely so that they don’t come loose while driving. Additionally, if there are any wheel spacers included with your kit make sure those are installed correctly too before moving on to the next step.

Lower The Vehicle Back To The Ground

The last step in installing an air ride suspension system is lowering your vehicle back down onto the ground once again using a hydraulic jack or floor jack depending on what type of lifting device you used earlier on when jacking up your car initially. Make sure when lowering down your vehicle that all of its weight is evenly distributed across all four wheels so as not to cause any damage or strain on one particular area more than another while driving around later on after installation has been completed successfully!

FAQ & Answers

Q: What are the benefits of air ride suspension installation in automobiles?
A: The benefits of air ride suspension installation in automobiles include improved comfort, improved handling and performance, reduced vehicle weight, and increased safety.

Q: What types of air ride suspension systems are available for automobiles?
A: There are two main types of air ride suspension systems available for automobiles – active and passive. Active systems typically have an electronic level control system or an automatic height control system, while passive systems usually use a standard coil spring system or a shock absorber system.

Q: What tools and parts are needed to install an air ride suspension in an automobile?
A: Tools needed for installation include jacks, wrenches, socket sets, a power drill, and a hammer. Parts needed for installation include shocks or struts, springs, sleeves, and spacers.

Q: What is the step-by-step process for installing an air ride suspension in an automobile?
A: The step-by-step process for installing an air ride suspension in an automobile includes jacking up the vehicle; removing the old shocks or struts; installing new shocks or struts; reinstalling the wheels and tires; and lowering the vehicle back to the ground.

Q: Is it safe to install an air ride suspension on my own?
A: It is not recommended to install an air ride suspension on your own unless you have extensive knowledge of automotive mechanics and experience with car suspensions. If you do not have this knowledge or experience, it is best to seek professional help from a qualified mechanic for your own safety.

In conclusion, the installation of an air ride suspension system is a great way to improve the performance and comfort of your vehicle. It can be a complex and expensive job, but the results are worth it in the long run. An air ride suspension system will improve the handling of your car, provide a smoother ride, and increase safety in terms of its ability to absorb sudden shocks from potholes or other obstacles on the road. If you decide to install an air ride suspension system, make sure to choose a reputable supplier with experience in this field.

Author Profile

Carl Frisch
Carl Frisch
With more than 30 years in the bicycle industry, I have a strong background in bicycle retailing, sales, marketing and customer service. I have a passion for cycling and a dedication to excellence. As a manager, I worked diligently to increase my capabilities and responsibilities, managing up to eleven mechanics (at Palo Alto Bicycles) and later as a working partner in my own store.

As the shop owner of Spoke n’ Word Cycles in Socorro, NM, the success of the mission was my responsibility, which I pursued passionately since we opened in 2003 through the spring of 2011. I am adept at managing owned and loan inventory, preparing weekly & annual inventory statements, and managing staff. The role as managing partner also allowed me tremendous freedom. I used this personal freedom to become more deeply involved in my own advancement as a mechanic, to spearhead local trail building, and advocating for cycling both locally and regionally.

As a mechanic, I have several years doing neutral support, experience as a team mechanic, and experience supporting local rides, races, club events. I consistently strive to ensure that bicycles function flawlessly by foreseeing issues and working with the riders, soigners, coaches and other mechanics. Even with decades of experience as a shop mechanic and team mechanic, and continue to pursue greater involvement in this sport as a US Pro Mechanic, and UCI Pro Mechanic.

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