DIY: Air Lift Suspension Install

[yuicebox]

Originally Posted by xxscaxx

Seen it but I'm just not satisfied lol. I want to see an independent person tracking this suspension.

And if we're comparing to a coilover, we should have detailed information about the setup of both cars. Spring rates, damper settings, bag pressure and ride height. And some information about the approximate spring rate simulated by the bags at a given pressure.

Probably asking a lot, but I'd rather ask now than after I spend 3-4 grand on suspension parts lol

[yuicebox]

@xxscaxx

I'm pretty sure you're running the Air Lift Performance kit, what's your take on it? I mean, I'm sure you're probably relatively biased since you purchased it and all, but how would you compare the ride and handling to stock?

Also, how do you like to set yours up?

To my current understanding, you get the stiffest spring rates at the highest ride height. Would it be possible to set the coils' ride height so that max bag inflation is at or slightly below stock height?

I was kind of envisioning a setup where you had a "track mode" that essentially raised your suspension up to around stock height and maximum bag pressure to simulate very stiff springs. I would assume alignment plays a big factor as well.

I'm still not sure that what I want to do is possible, so I'm just trying to collect information.

[kingscratchie]

Coming from the mini trucking world, I'm happy to see an FRS on air, but used to seeing a lot of rim disappear lol.
I will be referring to the set up in my truck for comparison as far as stiffness/handling goes
(2000 4 cyl s10 slam specialty 6/7 bags).
With the bag fully inflated it is a very stiff/bumpy ride, and of course with it deflated some it rides smooth like a Cadillac.
As far as setting up my ride height on the truck, I usually ride around stock s10 height and it handles about the same and the ride is smooth. But to each their own and the members in my club cruise pretty low. @yuicebox
With this kit having 8 different presets, I'm sure you'd be able to do your "track mode" set up, but you might see a tiny bit of positive camber with the bag maxing out. I don't believe the alignment would be affected other than the camber. Although I would deff ask someone who owns this kit.

Also air lift/ viair compressors and very reliable and I've seen them run for years. If I were to bag my frs I'd consider this kit.

The only question I have is with the switch box/ digital controller.
Are you able to adjust an individual corner or front/ back? Or does it auto level itself?

[Nomed Alucard]

I completed the wiring today. I found that trying to fish the wire through the said hole was damn near impossible for me. I used the sound tube hole. So much easier and was able to make it look very clean.

[AdamBomb518]

Originally Posted by Nomed Alucard

I completed the wiring today. I found that trying to fish the wire through the said hole was damn near impossible for me. I used the sound tube hole. So much easier and was able to make it look very clean.

I'm gonna rewire mine through this. I've got it through one of the factory plugged holes higher up on the firewall and it fits but is damn snug. The sound tube grommet hole is way larger so I'll reroute mine through there too with a new rubber grommet.

[Kylefujiicaelian]

What is like to have the tank and everything in the place the spare tire used to be? I would still like to utilize the trunk. Would resting anything on top damage anything?

[diirk]

Originally Posted by Kylefujiicaelian

What is like to have the tank and everything in the place the spare tire used to be? I would still like to utilize the trunk. Would resting anything on top damage anything?

I'm working on this right now too. I'll let you know as soon as I'm done.

[kingnba6]

very nice writeup. really makes me want this kit now

[diirk]

So, was working on my install last night.

A couple of notes so far:

• Instead of drilling holes for the braided stainless lines up front, I just routed them along the brake lines into the engine compartment. Clean and easy.
• As was already mentioned, I ran the wiring harness through the Sound Tube firewall penetration. In my case, the Sound Tube was already disconnected, so no big loss.
• The fuse tap I received with the kit is too big for the APS Style (micro) fuse that was recommended for use. I'll pick up something more appropriate.
• At this time I haven't exactly decided where I'm putting the controller, so it will be in the center console for now, no holes drilled yet.

[Jyn]

Originally Posted by diirk

So, was working on my install last night.

A couple of notes so far:

• Instead of drilling holes for the braided stainless lines up front, I just routed them along the brake lines into the engine compartment. Clean and easy.
• As was already mentioned, I ran the wiring harness through the Sound Tube firewall penetration. In my case, the Sound Tube was already disconnected, so no big loss.
• The fuse tap I received with the kit is too big for the APS Style (micro) fuse that was recommended for use. I'll pick up something more appropriate.
• At this time I haven't exactly decided where I'm putting the controller, so it will be in the center console for now, no holes drilled yet.

Let me know whenever you decide where the controller is going. Center 'armrest' seems like the only place...

[diirk]

Originally Posted by Jyn

Let me know whenever you decide where the controller is going. Center 'armrest' seems like the only place...

That's what I'm thinking too. I wish the little storage space in the console was rotated 90°. Then the controller would fit perfectly in there.

I'm hoping they'll come up with a wireless one I can retrofit.

[Musickmixxer90]

So has anyone ever measured how high the suspension can go?

I am interested in this only because of the ability to posible go up higher on driveways/ bumps/ parking lot entrances etc..

Is it like stock +0.5" or +1"?

And if you do set the collar or what ever it is to the highest ride height and "stiffest ride" when you drop it to lets say 1" lower than stock does the ride quality worsen than if that collar is at a lower height?

Sorry for the long post

[diirk]

So today I ran the air lines and cleaned up the electrical some.

I ran the air lines along the fuel lines. I pulled one side of the under body panel to make it easy to access. I pulled them up near the fire wall and routed to the appropriate side.

I'm not sure if I like how I have them routed for the rear. I'll have to wait and see.

For the electrical, I pulled through a lot of the harness so there's plenty to work with. I have everything running long for now. After I verify operation, I'll cut them to length and route and tie. For the Ignition connection, I ordered a fuse tap off of Amazon. That will make for a cleaner connection. The fuses in this car are not the most common type. It's called a Low Profile Mini. I believe a regular mini fuse will work, but that will stick up higher than the rest. And since I have the time, I just ordered the correct one.

[Kylefujiicaelian]

Originally Posted by diirk

I'm working on this right now too. I'll let you know as soon as I'm done.

Thanks!