Instruction Manual

ManualsBrandsRite-Ride ManualsFor the car2176

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

Congratulations - your new air helper springs are quality

products capable of improving the handling and comfort of your

vehicle. As with all products, proper installation is the key to

obtaining all of the benefits your kit is capable of delivering.

Please take a few minutes to read through the instructions to

identify the components and learn where and how they are used.

It is a good idea to start by comparing the parts in your kit with

the parts list below.

The heart of the kit is, of course, the air helper springs.

Remember that the air helper springs must flex and expand

during operation, so be sure that there is enough clearance to

do so without rubbing against any other part of the vehicle.

Be sure to take all applicable safety precautions during the

installation of the kit. The instructions listed in this brochure

and the illustrations all show the left, or driver’s side of the

vehicle. To install the right side assembly simply follow the same

procedures.

Your kit includes separate inflation valves and air lines for

each air helper spring. This will allow you to level your vehicle

from side to side as well as from front to back. If you would rather

have a single valve inflation system, your dealer can supply the

required T-fitting.

IMPORTANT!

For your safety and to prevent possible damage to your

vehicle, do not exceed the maximum load recommended by

the vehicle manufacturer (GVWR). Although your Air Helper

Springs are rated at a maximum inflation pressure of 100

psi, this pressure may allow you to carry too great a load on

some vehicles. It is best to have your vehicle weighed once

it is completely loaded and compare that weight to the

maximum allowed. Check your vehicle owner’s manual or

data plate on driver side door for maximum loads listed for

your vehicle.

When inflating your Air Helper Springs, add air pressure

in small quantities, checking pressure frequently during

inflation. The air spring requires much less air volume

than a tire and, therefore, inflates much quicker.

WARNING:

Do not inflate this assembly when it is

unrestricted. The assembly must be restricted by

the suspension or other adequate structure. Do not

inflate beyond 100 P.S.I. Improper use or over

inflation may cause property damage or severe

personal injury.

21-8195 04-07 NCD-6148-7

267C AIR SPRING 6781 2

UPPER BRACKET 5223 2

LOWER BRACKET 5092 2

BRAKE LINE BRACKET 5427 1

BRACKET STRAP/SHIM 5086 6

BRACKET STRAP/SHIM 5093 2

BRACKET STRAP 5137 2

18FT. AIR LINE TUBING 1

3/8" -16 FLANGED HEX NUT 21

3/8" -16 x 3/4" FLANGED HEX BOLT 2

3/8" -16 x 3" CARRIAGE BOLT 8

3/8" -16 x 7" CARRIAGE BOLT 8

3/8" -16 x 1-1/2" HEX BOLT 8

3/8" -16 x 1" HEX BOLT 1

3/8" LARGE FLAT WASHER 14

5/16" FLAT WASHER 4

PUSH-TO-CONNECT

INFLATION VALVE 3032 2

PUSH-TO-CONNECT

ELBOW FITTING 3031 2

THERMAL SLEEVE 2

NYLON TIE 6

PARTS LIST

2176

Summary of content (12 pages)

PAGE 1
2176 WARNING: Do not inflate this assembly when it is unrestricted. The assembly must be restricted by the suspension or other adequate structure. Do not inflate beyond 100 P.S.I. Improper use or over inflation may cause property damage or severe personal injury. INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS Congratulations - your new air helper springs are quality products capable of improving the handling and comfort of your vehicle.
PAGE 2
NOTE: On some later model trucks, the axle u-bolts may have to be trimmed
PAGE 3
STEP 1 - PREPARE THE VEHICLE With the vehicle is on a solid level surface, chock the front wheels. This vehicle does not have to be raised up to install the kit. Remove the negative battery cable. This installation assumes that there is no load on the vehicle. On 2005 and newer F-350 vehicles the emergency brake line bracket must be relocated. Remove the screw holding the brake line. Install the relocating bracket with the screw previously removed. NOTE: the bracket is marked top.
PAGE 4
ON F-450 & F-550 MODELS, FASTEN UPPER BRACKET TO SUSPENSION BY CLAMPING AROUND OVERLOAD LEAF STACK OVERLOAD LEAF STACK PRIMARY LEAF STACK STEP 6 -INSTALL THE PASSENGER'S SIDE ASSEMBLY FRONT Figure "E" AIR SPRINGS Slide the bracket straps onto the carriage bolts as to clamp the lower bracket to the leaf stack see Figures "A" & "D". Fasten the bracket strap to the carriage bolts using two 3/8"-16 flanged hex nuts.
PAGE 5
Operating Instructions and Trouble Shooting Guide Thank you for purchasing Firestone air helper springs. You have purchased a quality product from the world’s number one air spring manufacturer. This guide will provide answers to some of your questions regarding the use and operation of your new air helper springs. Following the guidelines in this manual will help provide you with many years of trouble-free service from your Firestone air helper springs.
PAGE 6
SAFETY TIPS Never exceed the manufacturer’s recommended Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) As with your vehicle’s tires, an air helper spring is a pneumatic device that supports a portion of the vehicle’s weight. The air helper spring may fail as a result of punctures, impact damage, improper inflation, improper installation, or improper usage. To reduce the risk of failure, we strongly recommend the following: Never overload your vehicle.
PAGE 7
the suspension system. As more air pressure is added to the air springs, they will support more weight. You will be able to compensate for a heavy load by adding air pressure to the air springs, thereby reducing sway and handling problems associated with a heavily loaded vehicle.
PAGE 8
INFLATING THE AIR SPRINGS With the air helper springs installed on your vehicle and the vehicle sitting on a level surface, visually verify that the vehicle is in a level state. If the vehicle is not level (front-to-back or from side-to-side) it can be brought to a level position by inflating the air springs. Each air spring has a separate inflation valve. To level the vehicle from front-to-back, add air pressure to both air springs in equal amounts.
PAGE 9
AIR SPRING TECHNICAL DATA “X” “X” “X” Reversible Sleeve Part Number 6868 6762 6764 6766 6397 6410 6781 6401 6873 6859 7689 7701 7076 9000 9001 9002 5405 Tapered Sleeve “X” “X” Single Convoluted Double Convoluted 1T Reversible Sleeve Min/Max Air Pressure Max Load @100 psi (per pair) Description Style “X” Ride Height Single Convoluted 160BY 5.0" - 6.0" 5 / 100 psi 3600 lbs Double Convoluted 268C 4.5" - 5.5" 5 / 100 psi 3200 lbs Double Convoluted 267C1.5 5.5" - 6.
PAGE 10
TROUBLE SHOOTING GUIDE Air spring will not inflate Ensure that the air line tubing is inserted into the air fittings as far as possible. The tubing should go in the fitting 3/4 of an inch. You will feel some resistance when the tubing goes past the o-ring. Clear any dirt of debris from inside the inflation valves.
PAGE 11
WARRANTY QUESTIONS FIRESTONE LIMITED LIFETIME AIR SPRING WARRANTY Firestone Industrial Products Company LLC (“Firestone”) warrants that its Ride Rite Air Spring Assembly will perform according to the manufacturer’s specifications for as long as the vehicle on which the system was originally installed is owned by the original retail purchaser. This limited warranty does not include installation or other service charges for replacement.
PAGE 12
AIR-RITE™ AIR CONTROL SYSTEMS Firestone has expanded the offering of Air-Rite Air Control Systems, which provides an instant air source for air suspension products. Adjust the ride for various load and road conditions with a flip of a switch or even a click on a remote. Individual air accessory components are also available, including compressors, air tanks, and mounting solutions, providing a wide variety of air control assist solutions. Choosing among the Air Command products has now become easier.