How to Install Air Ride Suspension Systems in a Car

Installing an air ride suspension system in a car is a great way to customize a vehicle so that it can easily support changing load demands. Air ride suspension systems are better to choose than regular air shocks these aren't designed to carry any additional load. Their main purpose is to dampen the suspension movement only.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Rear suspension kit for the model of car you're working on
• Optional front suspension kit for the model of car you're working on
• Compressor kit

1. Decide if you want to replace both the front and rear suspension systems by installing an air ride suspension system in your car, or if you want to only replace the back.

2. Remove completely the old suspension system. You can find directions on how to do this in the car's owner manual. You can throw away or recycle all the original components.

3. Install the upper half of the assembly and the lower portion of the air spring support. Install the air fitting, then you can get to work attaching the front air springs. Tighten the nuts that come with the kit to secure the cross shaft to the upper control arm.

4. Repeat Steps 2 and 3 for the other wheels. You'll need to do this for three more wheels if you're changing the front and back suspension systems, or for one more wheel if you're only installing a rear air ride suspension system in your car.

Tips & Warnings

• Teflon tape or Teflon sealant can be used to make sure there are no leaks in the threads.
• If welding is required and if you don't have the equipment to do it, take whatever you need welded (usually axle housing) to a job shop. It'll rarely take more than 10 minutes for the staff to do the job for you.
• Avoid the heat from the exhaust system and moving parts when routing lines to the spring.