FO-G1103
2007-18 2WD AND 4WD CHEVY/GMC 1500 AIRBAG LOAD ASSIST
For your safety and to prevent potential damage to your vehicle, DO NOT exceed the maximum load recommended by the vehicle’s manufacturer (GVWR).
The air springs are rated at a max 150psi, this pressure may allow you to carry a load greater than the vehicle is capable of handling. It is in your best interest to have the vehicle weighed once it is completely loaded and compare the loaded weight to the max allowed by the manufacturer. Check your owner’s manual or data plate in the driver’s door jamb for max loads allowed per your vehicle.
While inflating the air springs, add air in small amounts, frequently checking pressure. The air springs require much less air volume to reach capacity and will inflate quickly.
MINIMUM PRESSURE- 5psi
NORMAL PRESSURE- LIGHT LOAD- 60-80psi
MAX PRESSURE- HEAVY LOAD- <150psi
BURST PRESSURE- 550psi
CAUTION- WHEN CUTTING OR TRIMMING AIR LINE, ONLY USE A HOSE CUTTER, RAZOR BLADE, OR SHARP KNIFE. A SHARP SQUARE CLEAN CUT IS REQUIRED TO ENSURE A LEAK FREE AIR SYSTEM. YOU CANNOT USE WIRE CUTTERS OR SCISSORS, AS THESE TOOLS FLATTEN/CRIMP THE AIR LINE AND WILL CAUSE A LEAK IN THE FITTING.
GUIDELINES FOR INFLATING SYSTEM
- Start with vehicle level or slightly above level
- When in doubt, always add air.
- If the vehicle dives while braking, increase the pressure in the front bags (if equipped)
- If you ever suspect the air bags have bottomed out, increase the air pressure.
- Adjust the pressure up and down to find the best ride quality.
- It may be necessary to maintain different pressures on each side of the vehicle (if applicable). Loads such as water, fuel, and appliances will cause the vehicle to be heavier on one side. Variances as much as 50psi is not uncommon.
FOLLOWING STEP WILL IMPROVE LONGEVITY OF YOUR AIR SPRINGS
- Check air pressures weekly.
- Always maintain a normal ride height
- If the system develops a leak, use a soapy water solution, 1part dish soap, 4 parts water, to check all air line connections, inflation valve core, air springs, for leaks. Address the leak immediately.
- When increasing load, always adjust the air pressure to maintain a normal ride height. Increase or decrease pressure from the system needed to attain normal ride height for optimal ride and handling characteristics. Remember loads carried behind the axle, including tongue loads, require more leveling force/pressure than those carried over the axle.
Installation Instructions
1. The vehicle has bump stops located on the frame directly above the axle, remove these bump stops. NOTE: The bolt used to attach the bump stop may be a flat head or a hex head depending on the year of the vehicle.
2. Attach the upper bracket to the frame where the bump stop was located using the flat head bolt and placing the spacer between the upper bracket and the frame rail.
3. Attach the lower bracket to the air bag using the 3/8”-16x3/4” bolt and lock washer provided. Do not fully tighten to allow the bracket to be adjusted and rotated still.
4. Place the lower bracket and air bag assembly on top of the bump stop pad on the axle housing, making sure the bracket is pressed flush to the leaf spring stack. Install the air fitting into the air bag using proper sealing tape or Loctite 545. Bolt on the air bag to the upper bracket using the two 3/8”-16 nuts provided, but do not completely tighten yet. NOTE: on the driver’s side of the vehicle the parking brake line will need to be zip-tied away from the air bag assembly.
5. With the assembly attached to the frame rail, now secure the lower bracket to the vehicle. Tighten the bolt to secure the airbag to the lower bracket. Install the bail clamp under the leaf springs from the outside of the leaf stack through the holes in the lower legs of the lower bracket. Secure, hand tight, using the 3/8”-16 nuts. Insert the 6” carriage bolts through the lower bracket and capture them on the bottom side of the axle with the bracket strap. Secure, hand tight, using the 3/8”-16 flange nuts.
6. Begin to tighten the nuts on the bail clamp first, to draw the lower bracket towards the leaf stack, making sure the bracket fits around the U-bolts. Alternate to the bracket strap, below the axle, until the bracket is evenly secured.
7. Make sure all nuts and bolts are securely fastened on both the upper and lower bracket. NOTE: In order for the air bag to function properly, there must be a minimum of ½” of clearance around the air bag.
8. Repeat above steps for the passenger side.
