1949 Chevy Ridetech Air Suspension System - Air Raising

With the link rod cut to length, it was pushed into the nylon end until it seated, and held in place with the shrink tubing supplied. This is lined with adhesive, so it won't move once it is shrunk.

With the front sensors mounted, I could begin to run the airlines. While they could be tie-wrapped to the chassis, I prefer to use line (hose) clamps to ensure no movement, I attached them to the 'rails using self tapping hex head screws.

The arms are connected to the suspension using link rods and plastic ends with shouldered 1/4-inch bolts. The link rods are supplied over length and have to be cut down to suit. With the air-spring in its inflated position I connected one link end and the rod to determine the length required.

The finished installation at the front. At ride height the link rod will be vertical. The sensors are supplied pre-wired, with a plug that connects into the dedicated harness.

If possible, use a proper hose or tubing cutter, as I did, to ensure all airline cuts are clean and straight. If they're not, they won't seal perfectly, and chasing leaks at the end of an install is no fun.

The fittings used throughout the RideTech system are DOT-approved, push-to-connect style. The airline is simply pushed into the fitting upon installation. To release the airline, all that's required is to push the gray collar toward the fitting (arrow), and pull the airline out. The fittings shown all came supplied with thread sealant.

Though the airline is strong, it makes sense to keep them away from sharp edges. Here the airline is routed from a front Shockwave; clamps are used to route it around brackets and prevent it from chaffing. While the plastic clips are fine in most situations, I used the rubber lined type at the end of the route, as there is a little movement in the airline since the ShockWave can rotate slightly on its mounts. I may also trim the lower edge of the upper spring cup (arrow) for clearance before final installation. There is a gap, but it's close, plus the fitting can swivel too.

With the valve block mounted on the bracket I fabbed last month, I could mark and drill the floor for the airlines to pass through. Rubber grommets were used to protect the 1/4-inch airline. Mounting the valve block here keeps the tank-to-block airline of minimal length, plus looks neat in my opinion, without yards of airline on view.

Looking up past the axle, the four airlines pass through the trunk floor, the pair on the left to the front ShockWaves, and the pair on the right to the rear. It's important to follow the installation instructions and get this right, or the wrong air springs will inflate and deflate when the control panel is used! Note the use of clamps at short intervals.