VIGOR 7X 1243 Air Spring Bags Suspension Kit Installation Guide

VIGOR 7X 1243 Air Spring Bags Suspension Kit

Specifications:

• Compatibility: 2011 – 2018 Chevy/GMC 2500/3500 8 Lug Trucks
• Components: Lower Bracket (2), Upper Bracket – Passenger (1), Clamp Bar (2), Air Bag (2), Upper Bracket – Driver’s (1), Hardware, 1/4 tee valve (1), Heat Shield (1), 1/4 DOT Air Hose (15′), Cutter & Treadlock, 1/4 Schrader valve (1), 1/2 NPT * 1/4 elbow (2)

Product Usage Instructions

1. Installation Introduction
   Before starting the installation process, ensure you have all the components listed in the manual.

2. Installing the Heat Shield
   Locate the closest point between the exhaust pipe and the air bag. Mount the heat shield in this position to protect the air bag.

3. Assembling Air Spring Bags & Brackets

   • Step 1: Begin with the left side of the vehicle for installation.

   • Step 2: Attach the lower bracket to the air bag using a 3/4″ flange hex bolt. Do not fully tighten the bolt to allow for rotation during installation.

   • Step 3: Drill a 5/16″ hole and install the Schrader valve. Route the tubing from the air bag to the tee and valve, avoiding direct heat sources and sharp edges. Secure the hose with provided nylon zip ties.
     Note: Use proper tools like a hose cutter, razor blade, or knife for cutting or trimming the air line to prevent leaks.

   • Guideline for Adding Air
     Refer to the provided guideline for adding air to ensure proper leveling and avoid bottoming out.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

• Q: Can I install this kit on a different model of truck?
  A: This kit is specifically designed for use with 2011 – 2018 Chevy/GMC 2500/3500 8 Lug Trucks. It is not recommended for use with other truck models.

• Q: What should I do if I encounter leaks in the air line?
  A: If you notice leaks in the air line, check for any cuts or improper seals. Ensure that the air line is cut cleanly and squarely to prevent leaks around fittings.

Air Helper Spring Kit For 2011 – 2018 Chevy/GMC 2500/3500 8 Lug Truck
Installation Manual

• Thank you for purchasing the 7X 1243 Kit! Please kindly be advised to read the instructions carefully before installing the air spring kit.
• Please take safety precautions accordingly during installation.
• The installation instructions are based on the left side or based on the driver’s side of the vehicle, and the structure on the right side can refer to the same method on the left side.
• The retrofit kit you purchased is a single valve inflation system.
• Please note that the air spring will bend and expand under working conditions. Ensure there is enough space for it to work properly and avoid friction between the air spring and other chassis parts.

INSTALLATION INTRODUCTION

IMPORTANT!

• For your own safety and in aim to prevent possible damage to the vehicle, don’t exceed the maximum load recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. Your air bag helper springs are rated at a maximum inflation pressure of 150 PSI. You are allowed to carry a greater load on some vehicles with this pressure.
• It is best to have your vehicle weighed once it is completely loaded and compare that weight to the maximum allowed.
• Check your vehicle’s owner’s manual or data plat on your driver’s side door for maximum loads listed for your car. When inflating your airbag helper springs, add air pressure in small quantities, checking pressure frequently during inflation. Each air spring requires much less air volume than a tire and inflates much quicker.

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 the bracket 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.

  • Minimum pressure 5psi Normal air pressure 60-80psi Max pressure 150psi (under full load) Burst pressure 550psi the k spring legs nuts.

• 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.

PUSH-TO-CONNECT (PTC) FITTINGS
Air lines should be pushed into the push-to-connect fittings firmly, with a slight side-to-side rotational twist. Check the connection by pulling on each line to verify a robust connection. To release the air line from the connection, first release all air from the system. Push in on the air line (step 1), push the collar in (step 2), and with the collar depressed, pull the air line out of the fitting (step 3).

GUIDE LINE FOR ADDING AIR

1. Start with the vehicle level or slightly above.
2. When In doubt, always add air.
3. If the front of the vehicle dives while braking, increase the pressure Si the front air bag if equipped.
4. If it Is ever suspected that the at bags have bottomed out Increase the pressure.
5. Adjust the pressure up and down to find the best ride.
6. 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 )

By following the steps below, vehicle owners will obtain the longest life and best result from their air springs.

1. Check the air pressure weekly.
2. Always maintain normal ride height.
3. 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.
4. 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.

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