DORMAN 949-526 Rear Air Spring to Coil Spring Conversion Kit Instruction Manual

: August 24, 2024
: DORMAN

Table of Contents

DORMAN 949-526 Rear Air Spring to Coil Spring Conversion Kit
Product Information
Product Usage Instructions
GENERAL TECH TIPS
Parts included in this kit
Tools Required
REMOVAL/INSTALL INSTRUCTIONS
Disclaimer
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DORMAN 949-526 Rear Air Spring to Coil Spring Conversion Kit

Product Information

Specifications:

Model: 949-526
Product: Air Suspension Conversion Kit
Manufacturer Contact: Tech Support Line at 1-800-523-2492

Product Usage Instructions

Removal Instructions:

Raise and support the vehicle according to the vehicle’s manual.
Support the rear axle.
Remove the electrical connector and air-line.
Remove the upper shock bolt.
Remove the lower shock bolt.
Remove the shock.
Install and tighten the upper shock mount only.

Rear Spring Removal Instructions:

Remove the brake line bracket from the rear differential.
Remove the ABS wire from the frame clip.
Remove the ride height sensor bracket.
Remove the stabilizer shaft link retaining nut from the frame.
Remove the stabilizer link.
Lower the axle until the coil spring is fully unloaded.
Remove the coil spring and retain rubber isolators for reuse.

Installation Instructions:

Install the new coil spring.
Reinstall the factory isolators.
Raise the axle and install the lower shock bolt.
Install the stabilizer link.
Install the ride height sensor bracket.
Attach the ABS line.
Attach the brake line to the differential.
Tighten all fasteners completely.

Air Suspension Light Disarm Instructions:

Install supplied resistors to the shocks’ electrical connectors.
Remove factory connectors and butt connect wires to bypass the resistor.
If vent solenoid valve issues, disconnect the negative battery cable or remove the RTD 30-amp fuse. Replace the fuse after repair.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What should I do if I exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)?
A: It is important to follow all vehicle owner manual recommendations to prevent damage and ensure safety. Consult a professional if needed.
Q: How do I contact Tech Support for further questions?
A: You can reach the Tech Support Line at 1-800-523-2492 for any installation concerns or queries.

ATTENTION:
Refer to the appropriate shop manual for your vehicle to obtain specific service procedures for this part. If you do not have a service manual or lack the skill to install this part, it is recommended that you seek the services of a qualified technician. Pay special attention to all cautions and warnings included in the shop manual. Read and follow all instructions carefully. This product is only designed to function properly on specific vehicle applications. Please verify that the vehicle requirements match the product specifications and application notes for this part.

REMOVAL/INSTALL OF AIR SUSPENSION CONVERSION KIT
(949-526) Cadillac 2006–02, Chevrolet 2006–00, GMC 2006–00

GENERAL TECH TIPS

Read the instructions sheet and any instructions printed on the parts package carefully before removing the strut from the vehicle.
Do not grip the polished rod with any tool. Nicks or scratches will cause decreased service life.
If you have any questions during installation you can call for Technical Assistance.
If this unit is gas-pressurized, do not heat or open it. Always wear safety glasses for eye protection. Use safety stands whenever a procedure requires you to go under the vehicle.

PLEASE WEAR SAFETY GLASSES!

Air Suspension Conversion Kit General Installation Instructions

When servicing any vehicle be sure to follow all safety procedures. First, make sure that when lifting the vehicle you use an appropriate jack with a proper weight rating. Before going underneath any vehicle, make sure that it is properly supported with sturdy jack stands and on level ground so that the vehicle doesn’t fall or slide off of the jack and onto you. As with any automotive repair, make sure you have the appropriate tools to do the job, so you don’t damage any parts on the vehicle. Safety glasses and mechanic’s gloves should also be worn for your protection.
Take care not to exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), or the maximum load recommended by the manufacturer. All the vehicle owner manual recommendations must be followed for your own safety and to prevent damage to the vehicle.
Once you are ready to disable the ride light, you will need to disconnect the negative battery cable (-) to prevent electrical shock/malfunction.
If you have any further questions or concerns about this installation, please give our Tech Support Line a call at 1-800-523-2492.

Parts included in this kit

(2) Rear shocks with bushings
(2) Rear coil springs
(2) Bypass units for the shock electrical connectors
(1) Bypass unit for the vent solenoid valve

Tools Required

Tools required for removal and installation of Air Suspension Conversion Kit:

Metric socket set
Floor jack
Jack stands
Metric wrenches
Screwdrivers (Phillips and flat head)
Wire cutter/stripper/crimping tool
Level work surface
Spring compressor (if applicable)
Allen wrenches

ATTENTION:
Refer to the appropriate shop manual for your vehicle to obtain specific service procedures for this part. If you do not have a service manual or lack the skill to install this part, it is recommended that you seek the services of a qualified technician. Pay special attention to all cautions and warnings included in the shop manual. Read and follow all instructions carefully. This product is only designed to function properly on specific vehicle applications. Please verify that the vehicle requirements match the product specifications and application notes for this part.

REMOVAL/INSTALL INSTRUCTIONS

ATTENTION:
Refer to the appropriate shop manual for your vehicle to obtain specific service procedures for this part. If you do not have a service manual or lack the skill to install this part, it is recommended that you seek the services of a qualified technician. Pay special attention to all cautions and warnings included in the shop manual. Read and follow all instructions carefully. This product is only designed to function properly on specific vehicle applications. Please verify that the vehicle requirements match the product specifications and application notes for this part.

Removal Instructions

STEP 1: Raise and support the vehicle. NOTE: CONSULT THE VEHICLE’S OWNER’S MANUAL OR SHOP MANUAL TO DETERMINE THE PROPER WAY OF RAISING AND LOWERING YOUR VEHICLE.
STEP 2: Support the rear axle.
STEP 3: Remove the electrical connector and the air line.
STEP 4: Remove the upper shock bolt.
STEP 5: Remove the lower shock bolt.
STEP 6: Remove the shock.
STEP 7: Install and tighten the upper shock mount only.

Rear Spring Removal Instructions

STEP 1: Remove the brake line bracket from the rear differential, to prevent stretching the brake line.
STEP 2: Remove the ABS wire from the frame clip to prevent stretching the wire.
STEP 3: Remove the ride height sensor bracket.
STEP 4: Working on one side at a time, remove the stabilizer shaft link retaining nut from the frame.
STEP 5: Remove the stabilizer link.
STEP 6: Lower the axle until the coil spring is fully unloaded.
STEP 7: Remove the coil spring.
STEP 8: Retain both rubber isolators, as they will be reused in the installation of the new spring.

Installation Instructions

STEP 1: Install the new coil spring.
STEP 2: Reinstall the factory isolators.
STEP 3: Raise the axle and install the lower shock bolt.
STEP 4: Install the stabilizer link.
STEP 5: Install the ride height sensor bracket.
STEP 6: Attach the ABS line.
STEP 7: Attach the brake line to the differential.
STEP 8: Tighten all fasteners completely.

Air Suspension Light Disarm Instructions

STEP 1: Install the supplied resistors to the shocks’ electrical connector.
STEP 2: The factory connectors will need to be removed and the wires butt connected. (There is no polarity with this connection. Either wire from the bypass resistor can be connected to either wire from the vehicle’s harness.)
STEP 3: Should your vehicle have issues with the vent solenoid valve, proceed to the next procedure. Make sure to disconnect the negative battery cable or remove the RTD 30-amp fuse. Replace fuse after repair.
STEP 4: Splice the resistor blue wire into the dark blue wire in the vehicle harness.
STEP 5: Splice the resistor white wire into the tan wire in the vehicle harness.
STEP 6: Splice the resistor black wire into the grey wire of the vehicle harness.
STEP 7: Wire the resistor up to the vehicle harness at the compressor to eliminate the “Check Suspension” message.
STEP 8: Leave the compressor unplugged.
STEP 9: Locate the compressor and unplug the electrical connector.
STEP 10: Remove the wire insulation.
STEP 11: Locate and cut the dark blue wire, the tan wire, and the grey wire.
STEP 12: Splice the blue wire from our resistor to the dark blue wire in the vehicle harness.
STEP 13: Splice the white wire to the tan wire.
STEP 14: Splice the black wire to the grey wire.
STEP 15: Leave the compressor unplugged.
STEP 16: Reinstall the 30-amp fuse. The fuse designation is RTD fuse.
STEP 17: If the Check Engine light is present at the end of the installation, remove the RTD 30-amp fuse. Disconnect the negative battery cable for a minute (to reset the system), reconnect the battery cable, and start the vehicle (leaving the fuse out). If that does not work, double-check the wiring at the compressor, and make sure 18 ohm reading from that resistor. Make sure the compressor is left unplugged.

Disclaimer

Even though every attempt is made to ensure this information is complete and accurate, it is impossible to account for all possible circumstances or situations. Please consult with a qualified auto technician before attempting to perform any work you are not qualified to do. Automobiles can be hazardous to work on; be sure to take all necessary safety precautions. Failure to do so may result in property damage or personal injury. Certain motor vehicle standards and performance requirements may apply to your motor vehicle (such as Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration). Be sure that your work is performed under such standards and that you do not disable any motor vehicle safety features.