Air Lift RideControl 59570 User manual

MN-962 • (011503) • ERN 8162
™
Kit 59570
Ford F-150
For maximum effectiveness and safety,
please read these instructions completely
before proceeding with installation.
Failure to read these instructions can result in an
incorrect installation.
INSTALLATION GUIDE
TM

Installation Diagram...................................... 2
Hardware List ........................................................3
Tools List ............................................................3
Introduction............................................. 4
Installing the RideControl System .......................... 5
Installing the Upper Brackets ............................................5
Assembling the Air Spring Assembly ......................................8
Installing the Air Lines ..................................................10
Aligning and Finishing the Installation......................................12
Before Operating ........................................14
Checking for Leaks ....................................................14
Fixing Leaks .........................................................14
Installation Checklist ...................................................15
Post-installation Checklist...............................................15
Product Use, Maintenance and Servicing ...................16
Minimum and Maximum Pressure.........................................16
Tuning the Air Pressure .................................................17
Guidelines for Adding Air. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Frequently Asked Questions .............................................18
Limited Warranty and Return Policy ........................21
Replacement Part Information .............................21
Contact Information......................................21
TABLE OF CONTENTS

2MN-962
Installation Diagram
g. 1
LEFT SIDE SHOWN
M
LK
D
A1
J
C
J
I
B
H
F
E
G
FACTORY JOUNCE BUMPER
J
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TOOLS LIST
Description.............................................. Qty
Hoist or floor jack ................................................. 1
Safety stands........................................................ 2
Safety glasses ...................................................... 1
Torque wrench...................................................... 1
Standard open-end combo wrenches.................. 1
Medium size adjustable wrench........................... 1
Ratchet ................................................................. 1
Metric and standard sockets................................ 1
Description.............................................. Qty
5/16” drill bit (very sharp) ..................................... 1
Heavy duty drill..................................................... 1
Bench or hand grinder.......................................... 1
Black spray paint.................................................. 1
Hose cutter, razor blade, or sharp knife ............... 1
Air compressor or compressed air source ........... 1
Spray bottle with dish soap/water solution.......... 1
Item Part # Description................................Qty
A1 07170 Left-hand upper bracket.....................1
A2 07474 Right-hand frame bracket...................1
B 03008 Lower bracket.....................................2
C 58571 Air spring.............................................2
D 10787 Frame U-bolts.....................................4
E 10975 Lower bracket U-bolts ........................4
F 17124 1/2”-3 X 7/8” Hex head cap screw.....2
G 17499 M10-1.50 X 70 Tap bolt .....................2
H 18414 1/2” Flat washer..................................2
I 18435 3/8”-16 Nylon lock nut.......................16
J 18444 3/8” Flat washer.................................18
Item Part # Description...............................Qty
K 18450 3/4” Serrated lock washer ..................2
L 18454 3/4”-16 Nylon jam nut.........................2
M 21837 90° Swivel fitting .................................2
AA 20086 Air line .................................................1
BB 10466 Tie strap ..............................................6
CC 21230 Valve cap.............................................2
DD 18501 5/16” Flat washer................................2
EE 21234 Rubber washer....................................2
FF 18411 Star washer.........................................2
GG 21233 5/16” Hex nut......................................4
HARDWARE LIST
Missing or damaged parts? Call Air Lift customer
service at [phone] for a replacement part.
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4MN-962
The purpose of this publication is to assist with the installation and maintenance of the
RideControl air spring kit for the Ford F-150. The air springs used in RideControl kits are
designed and manufactured like a tire. The air springs have layers of rubber and cords
that control the bag’s growth and funnel it in one direction. The bags do not require a
coil spring for control. RideControl kits utilize a sleeve-style air bag that provides up to
2,000 pounds of load-leveling support. Each sleeve is rated at a maximum of 100 PSI.
It is important to read and understand the entire installation guide before beginning
installation or performing maintenance, service or repair. The information here includes a
hardware list, tool list, step-by-step installation information, maintenance tips and safety
information.
Air Lift Company reserves the right to make changes and improvements to its products
and publications at any time. Contact Air Lift Company at [phone] or visit
www.airliftcompany.com for the latest version of this manual.
IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTICE
The installation of this kit does not alter the gross vehicle weight rating
(GVWR) or payload of the vehicle. Check the vehicle owner’s manual and
do not exceed the maximum load listed for the vehicle.
Gross vehicle weight rating: The maximum allowable weight of the fully loaded vehicle
(including passengers and cargo). This number — along with other weight limits, as
well as tire, rim size and inflation pressure data — is shown on the vehicle’s Safety
Compliance Certification Label.
Payload: The combined, maximum allowable weight of cargo and passengers that the
truck is designed to carry. Payload is GVWR minus the base curb weight.
NOTATION EXPLANATION
Hazard notations appear in various locations in this publication. Information which
is highlighted by one of these notations must be observed to help minimize risk of
personal injury or possible improper installation which may render the vehicle unsafe.
Notes are used to help emphasize areas of procedural importance and provide helpful
suggestions. The following definitions explain the use of these notations as they appear
throughout this guide.
INDICATES IMMEDIATE HAZARDS WHICH WILL RESULT IN SEVERE PERSONAL
INJURY OR DEATH.
INDICATES HAZARDS OR UNSAFE PRACTICES WHICH COULD RESULT IN SEVERE
PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH.
INDICATES HAZARDS OR UNSAFE PRACTICES WHICH COULD RESULT IN DAMAGE
TO THE MACHINE OR MINOR PERSONAL INJURY.
Indicates a procedure, practice or hint which is important to highlight.
Introduction
DANGER
NOTE
WARNING
CAUTION
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INSTALLING THE UPPER BRACKETS
1. Jack the vehicle up and support the axle with safety stands. Remove the rear wheels
(fig. 2).
2. Unbolt and remove the jounce bumpers (these will be reinstalled later) (fig. 3).
3. Set the frame U-bolts (D) around the frame from the inside-out on both sides of the
vehicle—ahead of and behind where the jounce bumper is mounted. Figure 6 shows
both U-bolts installed between the brake lines and wiring. Repeat U-bolt installation
for the right side (passenger side).
DO NOT PINCH THE BRAKE LINES AND WIRING ON THE INSIDE OF THE LEFT
(DRIVER SIDE FRAME). U-BOLTS MUST BE BETWEEN THESE COMPONENTS AND
THE FRAME (FIGS. 4, 5, AND 6).
Installing the RideControl System
g. 2
g. 3
g. 4
Remove
the jounce
bumpers.
These will be
reinstalled
later.
Figure 4 shows
U-bolt (D) being
installed on the
inside of the left
(driver-side) frame
section on the
back side of the
jounce bumper
mounting location.
D
CAUTION
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6MN-962
4. With the U-bolts into position, set the left (A1) and right (A2) upper bracket against
the frame while aligning the U-bolts (fig. 7) through the mounting holes in the
bracket (fig. 8).
g. 5
g. 6
g. 7
g. 8
Figure 5 shows
U-bolt (D) being
installed on the
inside of the left
(driver-side) frame
section on the
front side of where
the jounce bumper
is mounted.
CAUTION: DO
NOT PINCH THE
BRAKE LINES
AND WIRING
ON THE INSIDE
OF THE LEFT
(DRIVER SIDE)
FRAME. U-BOLTS
MUST BE
BETWEEN THESE
COMPONENTS
AND THE FRAME.
Figure 6 shows
the U-bolts in the
proper location,
under the brake
lines and wiring
on the inside of
the left side frame
(driver-side).
D
Figure 7 shows
the left (driver-
side) outside
frame with
the U-bolts in
position.
Figure 8 shows
the left (driver-
side) outside
frame with the
upper bracket
over the
U-bolts and in
position.
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5. Cap the U-bolts with four 3/8” flat washers (J) and 4 x 3/8” nylon lock nuts (I) (fig. 1).
Leave loose at this time.
6. In order to make sufficient clearance for the flex member (the rubber part) on the air
spring, it will be necessary to trim the edge of the bracket off on the outside flange
of the jounce bumper cup (steel portion). Do this by grinding the flange flush with
the rest of the cup (figs. 9 and 10). Spray black paint on the bare metal surface once
complete. Repeat for both sides.
7. Insert the M-10 tap bolt (G) through a flat washer (J) and then through the jounce
bumper (fig. 1). Using the center hole in the bottom flange of the upper bracket,
install this assembly back onto the bottom frame flange in the location from which
it was removed, making sure the edge that was ground off faces the outside of the
vehicle (fig. 11). Tighten the bolt so that the bracket just touches the frame at this
time. Do not tighten or torque yet. Repeat for the opposite side.
MAKE ONE LAST CHECK THAT THE U-BOLTS ON THE INSIDE OF THE LEFT FRAME
(DRIVER SIDE) ARE NOT PINCHING THE BRAKE LINES OR THE WIRING. ADJUST IF
NECESSARY AT THIS POINT.
8. With the upper bracket flush to the bottom frame flange from the last step, torque the
frame U-bolts evenly to 10 lb.-ft. (14Nm). Once this is done and the bracket is flush
against the frame, torque the jounce bumper bolt to 30 lb.-ft. (41Nm). Repeat for the
other side.
g. 9
g. 10
g. 11
The outside edge of
the jounce bumper
cup will need to be
trimmed here.
The outside edge of
the jounce bumper
cup showed trimmed.
Spray bare surface
with black paint.
CAUTION
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ASSEMBLING THE AIR SPRING ASSEMBLY
1. Install the fitting (M) onto the top port of the air spring (C) (fig. 12) finger-tight plus
1-1/2 turns. Repeat for both air springs.
2. Install the air springs (C) to the lower brackets (B) using the 1/2” bolt (F) and flat
washer (H) (figs. 1 and 13). Leave loose at this time.
3. Set the assemblies onto the leaf spring making sure the upper fitting and thread post
on the air spring goes through the slot in the upper bracket. The flange on the lower
bracket points to the outside (tire-side) of the vehicle (fig. 14).
g. 12
g. 13
g. 14
Loosely attach
the spring (C) to
the lower bracket
(B) with the 1/2”
bolt (F) and flat
washer (H).
F
H
Make sure the
fitting and thread
post go through
the slot in the
upper bracket.
Make sure the
flange on the
lower bracket
points to the
outside (tire-
side) of the
vehicle.
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