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Nathan
423 Posts |
 Posted - 03/10/2009 : 19:49:20
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below is an over-simplified tutorial on how to install a ride-rite suspension air bag system.
remove the upper stop bump pad.
install the lower bracket. you will need to tap it into place because you are compressing it into the u-bolt on the stock springs.
bolt the upper bracket into the original upper bump stop bracket mounting holes with the OEM bolts that used to mount the upper stop bump bracket.
insert the air bag and bolt it to the lower bracket and upper bracket (and install the heat shield on the exhaust side). dont snug anything up until everything is aligned properly.
install the u-bolt, bracket, and nuts. after everything is aligned properly, tighten all nuts and bolts.
i ran my air lines over the frame and into the lip on the bottom of the bed. since my load is often uneven i left each side independent, but you could easily put in a t-fitting and use only one air hose fitting.
the '03-'09 kits can easily be installed in less than an hour. this is not only one of the easiest mods ive done (to about a half dozen trucks now) but its also one of the best mods ive done. if you use your truck for hauling heavy, this is a must have. |
Nathan in 
    
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usmcphil
USA
224 Posts |
Posted - 03/11/2009 : 07:29:01
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| thats neat Nathan! Have you ever used one of the ones with built in sensors and compressors? also I see that bag comes close to the exhaust could this be a problem if you have a 5 inch system? |
2005 Dodge Ram 2500 5 inch straight pipe, 5 inch downpipe, 6 inch Miter cut Stacks, AFE Stage 2 Cx Pro Dry S Cold Air Intake System, Auto Meter Triple Gauge Pod with trans pyro and boost, BD Diesel Aux Lift Pump, Bully Dog Triple Dog with Senator Larry, Bully Dog Outlook Monitor, Dr. Performance Chip, Idle up enabled, ATS Aurora 3000 Turbo, ATS Exhaust Manifold, ATS Intake Manifold, ATS Stage 3 Transmittion, ATS Deep Pan, ATS 5 Disk Torque Converter, ATS CoPilot, Sirius Satellite Radio, Double DIN Eclipse 7" DVD Screen with back up camera. Sponsored by ATS Diesel Performance
Semper Fi
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Nathan
423 Posts |
Posted - 03/23/2009 : 22:21:39
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| i havent ever used one with the built in compressor. for what it brings, i figure i can spend the $500 difference elsewhere. the heat shield that comes with it does a great job of keeping the heat off the bag. ive tried mine a few times and the bag is always cool. |
Nathan in
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usmcphil
USA
224 Posts |
Posted - 03/24/2009 : 07:04:09
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| Cool how is the ride quality difference? |
2005 Dodge Ram 2500 5 inch straight pipe, 5 inch downpipe, 6 inch Miter cut Stacks, AFE Stage 2 Cx Pro Dry S Cold Air Intake System, Auto Meter Triple Gauge Pod with trans pyro and boost, BD Diesel Aux Lift Pump, Bully Dog Triple Dog with Senator Larry, Bully Dog Outlook Monitor, Dr. Performance Chip, Idle up enabled, ATS Aurora 3000 Turbo, ATS Exhaust Manifold, ATS Intake Manifold, ATS Stage 3 Transmittion, ATS Deep Pan, ATS 5 Disk Torque Converter, ATS CoPilot, Sirius Satellite Radio, Double DIN Eclipse 7" DVD Screen with back up camera. Sponsored by ATS Diesel Performance
Semper Fi
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Nathan
423 Posts |
Posted - 03/24/2009 : 07:37:11
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| there really is no ride quality difference unloaded since you air down to 5 psi. when loaded however, the ride quality difference is substantial. the air bags give you far superior load control because the suspension doesn collapse on every bump you hit (but does not give you a harsh/hard ride). it prevents a lot of sway due to having greater suspension control. if you haul/pull heavy, i think this is the best mod you can make. |
Nathan in
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ride rite install - '05 3500
