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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 2)

Dual Air Compressors

In the final phase of the proje ct, Bruce installs the dual air compressors and dual air tanks to provide the adjustable suspension.

• The air lines from all four suspension units are routed through the car as needed to get to the valve mounting, which--in our case--will be behind the front seat. We use zip ties to secure the air lines as we proceed. All of our air lines were run into the compartment previously, so we're ready to hook everything up.

  Dual air-compressor setup

  One of the dual compressors

  
  

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  	Bruce installs the system wiring

• The red battery wire from the air suspension system is connected to the main battery wire coming into the compartment.

• The black ground wire coming into the compartment is connected to the central ground stud that we built into our board. It's secured using a lock washer and nut, and tightened down.

• The black chassis ground wire coming into the compartment is connected to the compressor ground wire, keeping it separate from the central ground on our control board.

• The air tanks go in, then pressure switch wires are run from the control board and connect them to the tanks.
  

  	The system wiring
  	The four-way valve system
  	The computerized control module
  	The dash-mounted key pad allows full control of the modified suspension system.

• Before connecting the air lines from the valves to the front and rear suspension units, let the air out of the system. We remove the quick-fill fittings that we installed earlier when we moved the car off the lift.

• Connect the air lines to the output fittings on the valves.

• A clean cut at the end of the line will ensure a good seal with no leaks. Push the line in all the way, and then pull it out to seat the connection. Fresh air lines are connected to the inlet fittings of the two air tanks.

• The other ends go to the output fittings of the two compressors. Two new air lines are connected to the output fittings on the tanks and they connect to the inlet fittings on the valves. The tank goes into the compartment and fits nicely and the control board fits well on the other side.

• The air lines and wires to the front of the car can be tucked away neatly.

• Finally, the control keypad is mounted onto the dashboard using hook and look tape and the wireless receiver is mounted in the rear. The carpet goes back on, and the project is done.

Important: Included in this project summary are the steps in this automotive procedure as shown in the episode. These steps are general guidelines that are applicable to most vehicles. With any particular vehicle, there may be procedures, specifications, settings, tolerances, components, etc. that are specific to that vehicle. There are also variations according to the type and brand of repair-kit you select. Always consult your vehicle's service manual when undertaking significant automotive repairs, and read and follow the manufacturer's directions and precautions that come with your kit or replacement parts.

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GUESTS :

BJ Ellmore and Darren Schilling
Air Ride Technologies
www.ridetech.com