Ride Rite install
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Ride Rite install
Finally got around to putting in my new airbags. It's almost not worth posting but there are a couple things worth noting that can make it a little easier. This is the Ride-Rite kit for a 4wd Excursion - 2251.
In summary though,
- Install took about 4 hours
- There were 3 things that didn't match the instructions (or should have been included)
1 - Driver's side frame mounted bracket, lower side bolt interferes with the fuel lines
2 - Passenger side axle bracket interferes with the heat shield mounted on the shock mount / axle
3 - The instructions should tell you to not tighten the nuts/bolts that hold the 2 pieces of the axle side brackets together until after the axle side bracket is bolted to the axle
- And the two bolts used to hold the bottom of the bags to the axle side bracket were too short
In summary though,
- Install took about 4 hours
- There were 3 things that didn't match the instructions (or should have been included)
1 - Driver's side frame mounted bracket, lower side bolt interferes with the fuel lines
2 - Passenger side axle bracket interferes with the heat shield mounted on the shock mount / axle
3 - The instructions should tell you to not tighten the nuts/bolts that hold the 2 pieces of the axle side brackets together until after the axle side bracket is bolted to the axle
- And the two bolts used to hold the bottom of the bags to the axle side bracket were too short
Last edited by bfediuk; Nov 29, 2013 at 02:44 AM. Reason: forgot stuff
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Supported the truck under the frame with some stands, high enough to play with the height of the rear axle
Opened up the package. This is everything
Here is one assembly. Upper bracket (frame side), bag, and 2 piece lower bracket (axle side). Both sides are identical. On the bottom bracket, you can see 2 of the 4 bolts that hold the 2 pieces together. It's best to leave these finger tight and tighten them after the bottom bracket is bolted to the axle.
Opened up the package. This is everything
Here is one assembly. Upper bracket (frame side), bag, and 2 piece lower bracket (axle side). Both sides are identical. On the bottom bracket, you can see 2 of the 4 bolts that hold the 2 pieces together. It's best to leave these finger tight and tighten them after the bottom bracket is bolted to the axle.
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Here's the driver side from the outside.
The lower bolt in the previous picture (without the big washer), is the one that interferes with the fuel line. Had to bend the lines a little to get a socket on the bolt.... oh ya, I put the nut on the outside of the frame so that the bolt wasn't rubbing against the fuel line
And here are both installed. This is the passenger side which, just behind the leaf spring, the big heat shield is tight against the new lower bracket for the air bag. I used the u-bolt and the axle clamp to pull the lower bracket into place.
The lower bolt in the previous picture (without the big washer), is the one that interferes with the fuel line. Had to bend the lines a little to get a socket on the bolt.... oh ya, I put the nut on the outside of the frame so that the bolt wasn't rubbing against the fuel line
And here are both installed. This is the passenger side which, just behind the leaf spring, the big heat shield is tight against the new lower bracket for the air bag. I used the u-bolt and the axle clamp to pull the lower bracket into place.
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Last thing to do (the easy part) was to mount the filling valves and run the lines.
I mounted the valves in the license plate holes because I didn't really want to drill any holes in my bumper or body. The lines just go right from the valves, over the fuel tank, right to the bags. I didn't cut the tubes to length either, just coiled up the extra.
Done
I mounted the valves in the license plate holes because I didn't really want to drill any holes in my bumper or body. The lines just go right from the valves, over the fuel tank, right to the bags. I didn't cut the tubes to length either, just coiled up the extra.
Done
FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 11,273
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From: North Dakota
Looks good.
On the pickup I had, I used a "T" to connect the airlines together, so faster easier fills.
On the pickup I had, I used a "T" to connect the airlines together, so faster easier fills.
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More Turbo
Joined: Oct 2008
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From: Pueblo, CO
Nice install and writeup.
Just installed the same kit a couple months ago. Only problem I had was that the square u-bolts were too short. Not sure if it's the same ones mentioned by the OP.
Was impressed with Firestone's customer service - they shipped out the longer u-bolts without question. Even though I had bought the kit well over a year ago!
Just installed the same kit a couple months ago. Only problem I had was that the square u-bolts were too short. Not sure if it's the same ones mentioned by the OP.
Was impressed with Firestone's customer service - they shipped out the longer u-bolts without question. Even though I had bought the kit well over a year ago!
Tuned
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 348
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From: Owensboro, KY
IMO doing this and connecting the bags together takes away stability. Bags should be plumbed individually. For load leveling only it it makes sense (setting still), but on the highway rounding a curve to the left, the right side bag provides no support/resistance, the air just goes to the other side.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 6,180
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From: Georgia
Nice install. I just put on another set of bags on my '13 F350. One thing I would check is your valves on the tag. Mince were a little too short on my 350 for some fittings to engage the shrader valve. I found a couple on Etrailer that are about a 1/4" longer that work great. Just check with a couple of different fittings to see if in fact they are long enough. I too, want to put a set on the X eventually.
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golfmedic, you are right on the money, the valves are a touch too short. One of my air chucks wouldn't fill them, had to use a shallower one.
Easy fix though, will put some longer ones in when I get a chance. The valves work with my small portable compressor that I carry in the truck, so I can still change the pressure on any trip.
Easy fix though, will put some longer ones in when I get a chance. The valves work with my small portable compressor that I carry in the truck, so I can still change the pressure on any trip.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,923
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From: Sacramento Area
On mine with Modded Bs on the back, I get 2" of lift at the hitch ball with the bags at 65psi...all of that lift gets compressed with the trailer hooked up, so the truck rides at the same ride height with the trailer as without (15psi).
Not sure if anyone with the Ride Rite setup can confirm this or not...anyone?
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