RIDE RITE 2407 Firestone Rear Air Bags Instruction Manual

RIDE RITE 2407 Firestone Rear Air Bags

Product Information

• This product is a kit designed for use on pickup trucks. It is manufactured by Firestone Industrial Products and is intended to be used with the purpose of improving the vehicle’s load-carrying capacity. However, it is important to note that this kit does not increase the vehicle’s maximum load.
• The kit includes air springs, brackets, a heat shield, inflation valves, air line tube, and various hardware pieces. These components work together to provide support and adjustability to the vehicle’s suspension system.
• It is crucial to ensure safe installation by following all safety precautions. This includes using jack stands, wearing safety glasses or goggles, and disconnecting the negative battery cable to prevent electrical issues.
• Clearance is also an important consideration when installing this kit. There must be a minimum of 1/2 inch clearance around all installed components when the air springs are inflated and under a load. This clearance allows the air springs to flex and expand without rubbing against other parts of the vehicle.
• Vehicle GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) should never be exceeded. The maximum load recommended by the vehicle manufacturer can be found in the vehicle’s owner’s manual or on the data plate on the driver’s side door. It is advisable to consult the local dealership for additional GVWR specifications.
• When inflating the air springs, it is recommended to add air pressure in small quantities and check the pressure frequently. The air springs have less air volume than a tire, so they inflate more quickly.
• The air springs can support approximately 50 lbs. of load for each PSI of inflation pressure per pair. For example, 50 PSI of inflation pressure will support a load of 2500 lbs. per pair of air springs.
• To achieve the best ride quality, it is advised to use only enough air pressure in the air springs to level the vehicle when viewed from the side (front to rear). The appropriate air pressure may vary depending on factors such as load, load location, existing suspension condition, and personal preference.
• An optional T-fitting is included in the kit, which allows for equal pressure distribution to both air springs. This can help compensate for unbalanced loads. If desired, a single inflation valve system can be achieved by using the optional T fitting (Part # 3025 or WRI-760-3461 retail pack), which can be obtained from the dealer.

Product Usage Instructions

1. Ensure all necessary safety precautions are taken during installation, including using jack stands, wearing safety glasses or goggles, and disconnecting the negative battery cable.
2. Verify that all kit components are present and organized for easier installation.
3. Ensure there is a minimum of 1/2 inch clearance around all installed components when the air springs are inflated and under a load.
4. Refer to the vehicle’s owner’s manual or the data plate on the driver’s side door for the maximum load recommended by the vehicle manufacturer (GVWR).
5. Inflate the air springs gradually, adding air pressure in small quantities and checking the pressure frequently.
6. Keep in mind that approximately 50 lbs. of load is supported for each PSI of inflation pressure per pair of air springs.
7. To achieve the best ride quality, use only enough air pressure to level the vehicle when viewed from the side (front to rear). Adjust as needed depending on load, load location, existing suspension condition, and personal preference.
8. If desired, use the optional T-fitting to achieve equal pressure distribution to both air springs.
9. Once the installation is successfully completed, follow the recommended pressure requirements for the air springs.

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

IMPORTANT
PLEASE DON’T HURT YOURSELF, YOUR KIT OR YOUR VEHICLE. TAKE A MINUTE TO READ THIS IMPORTANT INFORMATION. This kit is to be used on a pickup truck only, and DOES NOT INCREASE YOUR VEHICLE’S MAXIMUM LOAD.

• SAFE INSTALLATION

  • Please take all safety precautions during installation. A hydraulic jack can fail, and if that happens, you can be seriously hurt, or worse, if you are relying on it to hold up the vehicle. If you use a hydraulic jack, secure jack stands in the appropriate locations and chock any tires still touching the ground.
  • Wear safety glasses or goggles. Your eyes may be lower than some parts and pieces, and you don’t want to lose an eye.
  • Remove the possibility of any electrical issues by disconnecting the negative battery cable.

• KIT CLEARANCE
  There must be a minimum of 1/2″ clearance around all installed components when the air springs are inflated and under a load. The air springs must flex and expand during operation, so the clearance keeps the kit from rubbing against parts of the vehicle.

• VEHICLE GVWR
  NEVER exceed the maximum load recommended by the vehicle manufacturer (GVWR). The GVWR can be found in your vehicle’s owner’s manual or on the data plate on the driver’s side door. Consult your local dealership for additional GVWR specifications.

• INFLATING THE AIR SPRINGS

  • When inflating air springs, add air pressure in small quantities, checking air pressure frequently.
  • The air springs have much less air volume than a tire, so they inflate much more quickly.

• PRESSURE TO LOAD

  • The air springs will support approximately 50 lbs. of load for each PSI of inflation pressure (per pair).
  • For example, 50 PSI of inflation pressure will support a load of 2500 lbs. per pair of air springs.

• APPROPRIATE AIR PRESSURE
  For best ride, use only enough air pressure in the air springs to level the vehicle when viewed from the side (front to rear). This will vary, depending on the load, location of the load, condition of the existing suspension, and personal preference.

• OPTIONAL T-FITTING
  This kit includes inflation valves and air line tube for each air spring, allowing you to compensate for unbalanced loads. If you prefer a single inflation valve system to provide equal pressure to both air springs, your dealer can supply the optional “T” fitting (Part # 3025 or WRI-760-3461 retail pack).

ONCE INSTALLED SUCCESSFULLY, FOLLOW THESE PRESSURE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AIR SPRINGS:

PARTS

Compare the parts below to your kit. Assure you have all pieces, and organize them for an easier installation.

MAIN KIT CONTENTS

• A24-760-7560 INFLATION VALVE BRACKET KIT
• A21-760-2407 HARDWARE PACK

OVERVIEW

REMOVE EXISTING JOUNCE BUMPER

START THE INSTALLATION ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WHEN FACING FORWARD .

CREATE AIR SPRING ASSEMBLY

1. Install the air spring to the lower bracket, as shown.
2. Place the upper bracket on top of the air spring.
3. Make sure the alignment pin is fully seated in the alignment pin hole in the upper bracket.
4. Fasten the upper bracket to the air spring.

INSTALL THE UPPER BRACKET

1. Dry fit the air spring assembly over the leaf spring stacks and make alignment marks, as shown.
2. Align marks and fully tighten the 3/8″-16 x 3/4″ hex nut on the bottom of the lower bracket.
3. Attach the upper frame bracket to the upper bracket and vehicle frame, as shown.
4. Install all 3/4″ hardware to fasten the upper frame bracket to the vehicle frame.

INSTALL BRACKET CLAMP

1. Slide the bracket clamp into the jounce bumper brace on the vehicle.
2. Fasten the bracket clamp to the upper bracket, as shown. Assure that the vehicle jounce bumper brace is sandwiched between the upper bracket and bracket clamp.

INSTALL LEAF STACK BRACKET STRAPS

1. Assure that lower bracket is tight against the leaf spring stack on the vehicle.
2. Install fasteners, as shown.
3. Alternate tightening of the 3/8”-16 flange nuts to draw bracket straps evenly to the leaf springs.

INSTALL HEAT SHIELD

RIGHT SIDE INSTALLATION MUST INCLUDE HEAT SHIELD!

INSTALL INFLATION VALVES IF USING THE OPTIONAL NO-DRILL INFLATION VALVE BRACKET, CHOOSE OPTION 1. IF DRILLING, CHOOSE OPTION

INFLATION VALVES MUST BE ACCESSIBLE BY AN AIR CHUCK.

1. Secure the air inflation valve bracket to a pro-tected, secure location. PROCEED TO STEP 3.
2. Select a protected location to install the inflation valves, such as the bumper or the body of the vehicle.
3. Install inflation valve assembly as shown.

CUT THE AIR LINE TUBE INTO TWO EQUAL LENGTHS

• DO
  Make sure the cut is as square as possible. Use a tube cutter or sharp utility knife.

• DON’T
  Fold or kink the air line tube. Cut the air line tube at an angle. Use pliers, scissors, snips, saws, or side cutters.

INSTALLING AIR LINE TUBE INTO AIR FITTINGS AND INFLATION VALVE

1. Insert end of air line tube into air fitting.
2. Push air line tube into air fitting as far as possible.
3. Gently pull on the air line tube to check for a secure fit.
4. To remove, push down collar and gently pull air line tube away.
5. Removal Tip : Use a 1/4ʺ, 5/16ʺ, or 6mm open-ended wrench to push the collar down.

ROUTE AND SECURE AIR LINE TUBES
Air line tube routes will vary, depending on your truck, and requires you to choose the best path from the air springs to the inflation valves. Use the instructions below to help you choose.

• DO
  • Select routes protected from heat, debris, and sharp edges.
  • Use thermal shields near heat sources. Use nylon ties to secure the air line tube.
• DON’T
  • Bend or sharply curve air line tubes. Leave air line tube exposed to sharp edges. Use unnecessary lengths of air line tube. Route air line tube near moving parts.
  • Let air line tube hang unsecured from vehicle. Scar air line tube while routing.

CHECKING THE AIR SYSTEM

1. Place an air chuck onto the inflation valve and fill the system to 70 PSI.
2. Spray fittings with soap and water mixture.
3. Observe bubbles.

• NO LEAKS?
  Congratulations! Continue to step 13 to finish installation. Review the Operating Instructions.

• LEAK?
  Bummer. Continue to step 12 to fix the leak.

FIXING AN AIR LEAK

1. Press the air valve on end of inflation valve to release all air pressure.

• LEAK AT AIR LINE TUBE AND AIR FITTING
  • Release air line tube (see page 11). Review proper cuts and procedures in step 8. Repeat steps 9 and 11.
• LEAK AT BASE OF AIR FITTING ON AIR SPRING
  • Tighten air fitting one turn or until leak stops.
• LEAK OUT OF THE VALVE CORE ON INFLATION VALVE
  • Tighten valve core with valve core wrench on inflation valve cap.

STILL HAVE A LEAK?
Refer to the Troubleshooting section of the Instruction Manual. If the leak persists, or if there is an issue with a leaking part, visit riderite.com.

FINISHING THE INSTALLATION

• SAFELY RETURN VEHICLE TO OPERATIVE STATE

  • If you removed any wheels during installation, install the wheels and torque the lug nuts to the manufacturer’s specifications.
  • Safely remove any jack stands and wheel chocks used during installation.
  • Re-attach the negative battery cable.

• DOUBLE-CHECK AIR SPRING CLEARANCE
  Check the air springs once again for the proper 1/2″ minimum clearance. Perform clearance check again when vehicle is under load.

• VEHICLE GVWR
  NEVER exceed the maximum load recommended by the vehicle manufacturer (GVWR). The GVWR can be found in your vehicle’s owner’s manual or on the data plate on the driver’s side door. Consult your local dealership for additional GVWR specifications.

• READ AND UNDERSTAND THE

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

The Ride-Rite system can improve handling and comfort. Take the time to learn how to properly use and maintain your investement by reading the Operating Instructions.

USE YOUR HAND TO CHECK FOR THE PROPER CLEARANCE AROUND THE AIR SPRING. IF YOUR HAND DOES NOT FIT BETWEEN THE AIR SPRING AND OTHER COMPONENTS, IT WILL RUB!

IMPORTANT

• A MINIMUM OF 5 PSI MUST BE MAINTAINED IN THE AIR SPRINGS AT ALL TIMES
  Too much air pressure in the air springs will result in a firmer ride, while too little air pressure will allow the air springs to bottom out over rough conditions, and will not provide the improvement in handling that is possible.

BEFORE YOU DRIVE, CONFIRM THE FOLLOWING:

• Do you have a minimum of 5PSI in your air springs? 5 1/2″ – 6 1/2″
• Are your air springs standing 5 1/2 – 6 1/2″ tall?
• Are your air springs properly aligned, left-to-right and front-to-back?
• Are your nuts and bolts tight?
• Put your paper work back into the sleeve and keep it in your glove compartment for future reference. You’ve been bagged…and now your suspension is Airide equipped! Show it off with the supplied decal!

NEED INSTALLATION HELP?
Email us at rrtech@fsip.com . Please include photos to help us better diagnose and understand any problems you may be experiencing.

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