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  • '85 El Camino: Air Shocks, Adjustable Suspension and Sway Bar
    		•
    An Air-Controlled Suspension System for the "Original Hybrid" Vehicle
    From "Weekend Mechanic"
    episode WKM-402


    (Continued from page 1)

    PHOTO

    Figure C
    Installing The New Gas-Filled Shock Absorbers With The Air Spring System

    With the work completed on the front upper and lower control-arms and front air suspension system, work begins on the second phase of the project. Bruce and technician Darron Schilling install the rear air bag suspension system as well as a rear stabilizer bar. Here are the basic steps:

    • Starting with the old shocks, remove the lower bolt and freeing up the bottom of the shock.

    • Loosen and remove the top shock absorber bolts (figure C) and the old shock comes out.

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      PHOTO

      Gas-filled shock absorber
      PHOTO

      The rear air springs
      PHOTO

      Removing the original rear-shock assembly

    • Push the rear end down slightly, and the coil spring should come out easily.

    • After applying Teflon tape to the threads, the air fitting is installed onto the air bag and tightened down. The fitting should be fairly easily rotated.

    • The upper cup bracket goes on, slipping the air fitting through the slot, and the fasteners go on.

    • The mounting stud goes into the center hole, and the air bag assembly is complete.

    • Before installing the new air bag, remove the old coil spring gasket.

    • The new airbag goes into the coil spring pocket, with the mounting stud placed into the upper pocket hole.

    • Install the mounting plate, washer and nut onto the stud on top of the housing and tighten the nut down.

    • Install the shock absorber mounting bolts in the upper mounting bracket and bolt on the top of the new shock.

    • Tighten down the nuts to secure the upper shock bracket.

    • Load the bolt and spacer onto the bottom of the new shock and install it into the lower shock mount, lifting the axle up as needed to line it up.

    • Install the lock washer and nut, and tighten them down.

    • To complete the air bag installation, the lower air-spring bracket goes onto the bottom coil spring mount and the rubber bag is pulled down to it.

    • After a clean, straight cut on the air line, the line is installed into the airbag fitting.

    • Push the line all the way in, then back out to lock it in place.

    Repeat the same steps on the driver's side rear suspension.
    Photo

    Bruce and Darren inspect the air spring construction.
    		Photo

    The rear air-spring

    PHOTO

    Figure D
    Rear Stabilizer Bar

    Next, Bruce and Darren install a performance rear sway bar--or stabilizer bar--on the El Camino. This specialized performance component is added to the rear of the vehicle to help with cornering.

    This particular sway-bar is designed for air suspended vehicles, and the bar simply bolts on (figure D).

    The next phase of the project is installation of dual air compressors and dual air tanks to provide the adjustable suspension.


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  • ALSO IN THIS EPISODE:
  		• '85 El Camino: Air Shocks, Adjustable Suspension and Sway Bar