How to Install Air Ride Systems

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If you are looking to install and air-ride system, this article will help you to get started. Air-ride systems can use shocks with adjustable charge pressures, air-bags, or hydraulic cylinders operated by air-bags.

Steps

1. 1
   Understand what an air-ride system is before you start out. An air-ride system replaces, or supplements stock suspension components. Air-ride may be installed to increase payload capacity, increase ride quality, or alter vehicle ride height.

   
   
2. 2
   Compile a list. Air-ride systems can be as simple as a few valves and tubing with a set of shocks or be more complex including many valves, sensors, leverage devices and compressors.
3. 3
   Install it if you feel you can, and if you understand every aspect that goes into it. They make kits for cars and trucks that require little or no cutting or welding.
4. 4
   Note that theoretically any vehicle can have this system installed. It is most popular on lowered vehicles.
5. 5
   Use it. You can tow it with air-ride suspensions as long as it has been designed to. Semi-trucks use air-suspension, the most common of them are rated to tow 80,000lbs. It will ride, hard or soft depending on how much pressure is in the system.

   
   

Tips

• How much do they cost? As little as US$200 for simple charged shock applications to multi-thousand dollar systems.
• Are they safe? If designed and installed properly they can be just as safe as any other suspension.

Warnings

• Major alterations to a vehicle's suspension or frame could result in an unsafe ride quality and could cause an accident resulting in serious injury or death.
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