User Manual

ManualsBrandsFirestone ManualsAutomotiveFirestone Ride-Rite 2550 Ride-Rite Air Helper Spring Kit

2550

07-12

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 benets 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 air helper spring kit is, of course, the

air springs. Remember that the air helper springs must

ex 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 ination 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 ination

system, your dealer can supply the optional “T” tting.

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

ination 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's side

door for maximum loads listed for your vehicle.

When inating your Air Helper Springs, add air pres-

sure in small quantities, checking pressure frequently

during ination. The air spring requires much less air

volume than a tire and, therefore, inates much quicker.

Remove the negative battery cable. It is not neces-

sary to jack up the truck to install this Ride-Rite kit, if you

do, please use chocks in front of the front tires. Also, use

jack stands beneath the truck's rear axle that are properly

rated to support the trucks weight.

224C AIR SPRING 6401 2

UPPER BRACKET 5572 2

LOWER BRACKET 5380 2

SADDLE BRACKET 5379 2

FUEL LINE BRACKET 5428 1

AXLE STRAP 1163 2

1/2" SPACER 5477 2

HEAT SHIELD 1004 1

BAIL CLAMP 3077 2

AIR TUBING 1

THERMAL SLEEVE 2

CAUTION TAG 2

TIE-WRAPS 6

5/16"-24 X 3/4" HEX HEAD BOLT 1

5/16"-24 FLANGE HEAD NUT 1

5/16" FLAT WASHER 4

3/8"-16 X 3/4" FLANGE HEAD BOLT 2

3/8"-16 X 1" HEX HEAD BOLT 8

3/8"-16 X 2-1/2" FLAT HEAD BOLT 2

3/8"-16 X 3" CARRIAGE BOLT 4

3/8"-16 FLANGE HEAD NUT 18

3/8" LARGE FLAT WASHER 2

3/4"-16 X 3" HEX HEAD BOLT 2

3/4"-16 X 1-3/4" HEX HEAD BOLT 2

3/4"-16 HEX HEAD NUT 4

3/4"-16 FRAME NUT 2

3/4" INTERNAL TOOTH LOCKWASHER 2

3/4" LOCK WASHER 2

3/4" FLAT WASHER 8

3/4" THICK FLAT WASHER 2

INFLATION VALVE 2

1/4 NPT STRAIGHT FITTING 2

PARTS LIST HARDWARE PACK (A21-760-2550)

DO NOT INSTALL if the truck has been lifted and the

stock jounce bumper spacers are not on the vehicle.

WARNING:

Do not inate this assembly when it is

unrestricted. The assembly must be restricted

by the suspension or other adequate

structure. Do not inate beyond 100 psi.

Improper use or over ination may cause

property damage or severe personal injury.

The air springs in this kit have a

minimum pressure of 5 psi and maximum

of 100 psi after the truck is loaded.

Summary of content (16 pages)

PAGE 1
2550 DO NOT INSTALL if the truck has been lifted and the stock jounce bumper spacers are not on the vehicle. 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 psi. Improper use or over inflation may cause property damage or severe personal injury. The air springs in this kit have a minimum pressure of 5 psi and maximum of 100 psi after the truck is loaded.
PAGE 2
1999–2004 Trucks Figure “A” NOTE: This diagram is of the left side of the truck. Reverse any orientations when assembling and installing the right side of the vehicle. KIT TO FRAME ASSEMBLY NOTICE: SEE FIGURE “B” FOR INSTALLATION OF THE 3/8” X 2-1/2” BOLT SOME TRUCKS WILL NOT HAVE THIS JOUNCE STOP. SEE FIGURE “C”. KIT ASSEMBLY Find the closest point between the exhaust pipe and the air spring. Mount the heat shield in this location.
PAGE 3
2008–2010 Gasoline and Diesel Trucks 2011+ Gasoline Trucks Figure “A” Note: This diagram is of the left side of the truck. Reverse any orientations when assembling and installing the right side of the vehicle. KIT ASSEMBLY UPPER BRACKET ATTACHMENT KIT TO FRAME ASSEMBLY 1“ FOR PROPER LOWER BRACKET HEIGHT SETTING, SEE FIGURE “C”. JOUNCE STOP WILL INSERT INTO THE LOWER BRACKET FOR PROPER LOWER BRACKET HEIGHT SETTING, SEE FIGURE “C”.
PAGE 4
2011+ Gasoline Trucks with In-Bed Factory Hitch Figure “A” FRAME NUT THICK FLAT WASHER & LOCK WASHER ʺ Note: This diagram is of the left side of the truck. Reverse any orientations when assembling and installing the right side of the vehicle.
PAGE 5
STEP 1—PREPARE THE VEHICLE IMPORTANT! Place the truck on a solid level surface. Remove the negative battery cable. Take necessary safety precautions such as using wheel chocks when working on your truck. On some 2008 and newer trucks some lines must be repositioned on the left side of the vehicle. Remove the nut holding the fuel line retaining clip. Rotate the retaining clip 90 degrees with the stud facing down. Install the relocation bracket with the nut previously removed.
PAGE 6
towards the front of the truck, on both sides. When the air spring is in place and properly aligned, install the internal tooth lock washer and ¾"-16 hex nut onto the stud of the air spring. On the right side, align the heat shield before tightening the ¾"-16 hex nut on the air spring. Make sure the heat shield will not interfere with the normal operation of the air spring or the vehicle’s suspension.
PAGE 7
COMBO STUD NOTICE: THE ALIGNMENT PIN ON THE AIR SPRING MUST BE INSTALLED INTO THE HOLE IN THE UPPER BRACKET. FAILURE TO DO SO WILL CAUSE THE ALIGNMENT PIN TO BE PUSHED INTO THE BEAD PLATE, CREATING AN AIR LEAK, AND RESULTING IN AN AIR SPRING FAILURE THAT IS NOT WARRANTABLE. ALIGNMENT PIN 21-8403 BEAD PLATE 05-11 www.riderite.
PAGE 8
COMBO STUD NOTICE: THE ALIGNMENT PIN ON THE AIR SPRING MUST BE INSTALLED INTO THE HOLE IN THE UPPER BRACKET. FAILURE TO DO SO WILL CAUSE THE ALIGNMENT PIN TO BE PUSHED INTO THE BEAD PLATE, CREATING AN AIR LEAK, AND RESULTING IN AN AIR SPRING FAILURE THAT IS NOT WARRANTABLE.
PAGE 9
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 10
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 11
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 12
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 13
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 14
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 15
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 16
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.