1)
Install frame reliefs in frame rails (if needed for bag clearance), centering them on the axle centerline. do this before step 10 in the
regular instructions.
2)
In place of step 12 on regular instructions do the following: locate upper
spring towers on axle centerline front to rear, sliding them into the frame
reliefs (if your application has them). The
insides of the spring towers should be flush with the insides of the frame
rails. The tops of the spring towers will be leaning toward the rear, this is
the anti-dive angle. Level the bottoms both to the front and rear as well as
side to side. Weld in place.
3)
Install shock on lower control arms, bolt upper brackets to top of shocks locate
upper shock mounts on frame sides or tops, depending on your application.
Checking for proper travel and clearance beween the shocks and the tires, make
adjustments as necessary for proper clearance. Weld in place.
Note
on shock travel: mount shocks so that they will be at their maximum extended
length before the air bags are at their maximum extended length. This prevents
the air bags from tearing if the vehicle is jacked up with the wheels hanging
for an extended time.
4)
Locate bump stop brackets and bump stops above rear tube of lower a-arms in a
position that will limit travel to the lowest point that you want suspension to
travel to. Note this must be before shocks or airbags bottom out.
5)
When installing air bags it is very important that the bags do not touch
anything when inflated.
If
they are close to anything adjust them for clearance.
Special
instructions for 1942-52 Ford pickups, 1953-64 Ford pickups & 1955-59 Chevy
pickups: “Outside frame rails must be notched for air bag clearance as
follows”
1)
Locate and mark the axle centerline on the outsides of both frame rails, top to
bottom.
2)
Measure 3 3/4” ahead and behind the axle centerline and mark frame rails with
a vertical line starting 2” below
top of frame rail and going to the bottoms of frame rails. Draw a horizontal line between the tops of these two lines.
3)
Next extend the vertical lines under the bottoms of the frame rails 1 1/4”.
Then connect the ends of these two lines front to rear.
4)
Cut out this section of frame rail on each side. This will allow the air bag
pockets that are part of the upper spring towers to fit into the frame rail.
5)
Insert the spring towers into these cavities until they are flush. Check to make
sure they are centered on the axle centerline front to rear and that the bottom
surface that the air bags bolt to is level both front to rear and side to side.
Tack weld in place in several spots.