VIGOR GMC 1500 Air Spring Suspension Bags Kit Instruction Manual
- June 15, 2024
- VIGOR
Table of Contents
Air Spring For
2007 – 2018 Chevy/GMC 1500
Trucks With 6 Lug Wheels
Installation Manual
GMC 1500 Air Spring Suspension Bags Kit
CAUTION:
Damage to the vehicle and air suspension system can be incurred if work is
carried out in a manner other than specified in the instructions or in a
different sequence.
- Not to be stored below 5oF (-15oC) or above 122oF (50oC).
- Avoid damage to airlines and cables.
- Removal and installation are only to be performed by fully qualified personnel.
- Use car manufacturer’s diagnostic software.
The air suspension system is under pressure (up to 10 bar, or 150 lbf/in). Do
not allow dirt or grease to enter the system. Always wear standard hand, ear,
and eye protection when servicing the air suspension system. Verify pressure
has been relieved and disconnect power to the air suspension system prior to
disassembly. To avoid the possibility of short circuits while working with
electric components consult your vehicle owner’s manual on how to disconnect
your battery.
Consult your vehicle owner’s manual, service manual, or car dealer for the
correct jacking points on your vehicle and for additional care, safety, and
maintenance instructions. Under no circumstances should any work be completed
underneath the vehicle if it is not adequately supported, as serious injuries
and death can occur.
INSTALLATION INTRODUCTION
| A- Upper Bracket（2） | B- Lower Bracket（2) |
|---|---|
| C- Bracket Strap（2） | D- Air Bag（2） |
| E- Hardware | F- Heat Shield |
| G- 1/4″ Schrader valve（1） | H- 1/4″ T- Valve（1） |
| I- 1/2″ NPT * 1/4″ elbow（2) | J- 1/4″ DOT Air Hose（15’）, Cutter & Treadlock |
| K- Metal Cable Zip Tie（2） |
INSTALLING THE HEAT SHIELD
Find the closest point between the exhaust pipe and the air bag.
Mount the hear shield in this spot.
ASSEMBLING AIR SPRING BAGS & BRACKETS
Step 1- Prepare The Vehicle/Upper Bracket Installation
Your vehicle is equipped with rubber jounce bumpers. The bumpers are attached
to the frame directly above the axle. Remove these bumpers by unbolting them
from the frame. This bumper will not be reused with this kit.
Note: The Bolt Used To Hold The Jounce Bumper In Place May Be a Flat Head
Or Hex Head, Depending On The Year Of Your Truck.
Attach the upper brackets to the frame where the jounce bumper was removed
using the 10MM x 50 MM flat head bolt, placing the spacer between the upper
bracket and the frame, as shown in Figure ‘A’.
Step 2- Put Together The Air Bag Assembly
Installation will begin with the left side of the vehicle. All pictures depict
the installation on the left side of the vehicle unless noted otherwise.
Attach the lower bracket to the air bag using a 3/4′ flange hex bolt. Do not
fully tighten the bolt to allow the lower bracket to rotate for installation.
See Figures “A” & “B”.
Step 3- Install The Assembly To The Vehicle
Place the air bag assembly on top of the jounce bumper pad on the axle
housing, making sure the bracket is pushed flush to the leaf stack. Bolt on
air bag to the upper bracket. See Figures “A”& “B”. Install the air fitting
into the air bag and tighten it. Use vigor thread sealer on the threads (allow
to cure for 24 hours before inflating the bags). Adjust the air bag to the
upper bracket to provide the best alignment. Secure using 3/8–16 x 3/4″
flanged hex bolts. On the driver’s side only, the parking brake line will need
to be zip-tied to the upper bracket see, Figure “A’. With the assembly
attached to the frame rail, the next step is to secure the lower bracket to
the vehicle. Install the bail clamp under the leaf springs from the outside of
the leaf stack and through the holes in the legs of the lower bracket. Secure
(hand tight) using the 3/8”-16 flange nuts. Begin to tighten the nuts on the
bail clamp first, to draw the bracket towards the leaf stack, making sure
thebracket fits around the u-bolts. Alternate to the bracket strap until the
bracket is secured. See Figures “A”& “B”.
Important: In Order For The Air Bag To Function Properly, There Must Be a
Minimum Of 1/2″ Of Clearance Around The Air Bag.
Step 4- Install The Passenger’S Side Assembly
Follow steps 2 & 3 for installation of the passenger’s side assembly.
Step 5- Install The Air Hose And Schrader Valve
Uncoil the air hose and cut it into two equal lengths. DO NOT FOLD OR KINK THE
HOSE. Make the cut as straight as possible, using a hose cutter. Insert one
end of the hose into the push-to-connect fitting installed on the top of the
air bag. Select a location on the vehicle for the Schrader valve. 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 still
accessibility for the air chuck, see Figure
“C’. Drill a 5/16′ hole and install the Schrader valve.Run the tubing from the
air bag to the tee and to the valve, routing it to avoid direct heat from the
engine, exhaust pipe, and away from sharp edges. Use thermal sleeves if the
hose is run near these conditions. The air hose should not be bent or curved
sharply as it may buckle. Secure the hose in place with the nylon zip ties
provided. Push the end of the air hose into the schrader valve.
CAUTION WHEN CUTTING OR TRIMMING THE AIR LINE, USE A HOS CUTTER, A RAZOR
BLADE, OR A SHARP KNIFE. A CLEAN, SQUARE CUT WILL ENSURE AGAINST LEAKS. DON’T
USE WIRE CUTTERS OR SCISSORS TO CUT THE AIR LINE. THESE MAY FLATTEN OR CRIMP
THE AIR LINE CAUSING IT TO LEAK AROUND THE O-RING SEAL INSIDE THE ELBOW
FITTING.
GUIDE LINE FOR ADDING AIR
- Start with the vehicle level or slightly above.
- When In doubt, always add air.
- If the front of the vehicle dives while braking, increase the pressure Si the front air bag if equipped.
- If it Is ever suspected that the at bags have bottomed out Increase the pressure.
- Adjust the pressure up and down to find the best ride.
- It may be necessary to maintain different pressures on each side of the vehicle Loads such as water, fuel, and appliances will cause the vehicle to be heavier on one side. As much as a 50 PSI difference is not uncommon. (additional schrader valves can be purchased at www.vigorairride.com)
By following the steps below, vehicle owners will obtain the longest life and best result from their air springs.
- Check the air pressure weekly.
- Always maintain normal ride height.
- If you develop an air leak In the system, use a soapy water solution (1 part dish soap. 4 parts water) to check all air fine connections and the Inflation valve core before deflating and removing the air spring.
- When increasing load. always adjust the air pressure to maintain the normal ride height. Increase or decrease pressure from the system as necessary to attain normal ride height for optimal ride and handling.
Remember that loads carried behind the aide (including tongue loads) require more levelling force (pressure) than those carried directly over the axle.
CAUTION FOR YOUR SAFETY AND TO PREVENT POSSIBLE DAMAGE TO YOUR VEHICLE, DO NOT EXCEED THE MAXIMUM GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT RATING (GVWR). AS INDICATED BY THE VEHICLE MANUFACTURER.
IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTICE :
The installation of this kit does not alter the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR) or payload of the vehicle.
Check your vehicle’s owner’s manual and do not exceed the maximum load listed
lot your vehicle.
Gross Vehicle Weight Paling:
The maximum allowable weight of the fully-loaded vehicle (including passengers
and cargo) This number — along with other weight limits. as well as tire, rim
size and inflation pressure data — Is shown on the vehicle’s Safely Compliance
Certification Label.
Please make sure that you have tightened all the nuts and bolts to the
manufacturer’s specifications.
If you have any questions about this product, please contact us below:
Phone：+1-604-636-8654 (Monday – Friday,
8 am – 6 pm PST)
Email：support@vigorairride.com
Thank you very much!