Okay, so, let’s talk about this whole air ride SUV thing. It’s been a journey, let me tell you.
It all started because I wanted my SUV to ride smoother. You know how it is, sometimes you hit a bump and it feels like your teeth are gonna rattle out. I figured an air ride system would fix that. Plus, being able to adjust the height? Sounded pretty sweet for getting in and out easier, and maybe even a little off-roading.
So, I dove into research. Hours on forums, reading reviews, watching videos. It was a lot. I learned that leaks are a big deal with these systems. Makes sense, right? Air leaks out, suspension goes kaput. So, I made a mental note to keep an eye out for wear and tear on the air shocks and lines. Also, figured out that these things talk to your car’s computer system, so any error messages are not a good sign.
Getting My Hands Dirty
After all that research, I finally decided to take the plunge. Bought a kit online, seemed like a good one, good reviews and all that. When it arrived, I cleared out the garage and got to work. First thing, I disconnected the battery. Safety first, you know? Then, I jacked up the SUV and got those wheels off.
Taking out the old suspension was a bit of a pain, had to wrestle with some rusty bolts, but I managed. Then came the fun part – installing the new air shocks, the compressor, the air tank, all the lines. It was like a giant puzzle. I spent a good chunk of a weekend on it, but I got it done. I connected everything, double-checked all the fittings, and made sure nothing was loose.
Testing and Tweaking
Once everything was in place, I reconnected the battery, lowered the SUV, and fired it up. Held my breath for a second, and then… it worked! I could hear the compressor kick in, and the SUV slowly rose. Success! I played around with the controls, raising and lowering it, just to make sure it was all good. I took it for a test drive, and man, what a difference! It was like gliding on a cloud. No more jarring bumps.
But it wasn’t perfect right away. I noticed a slight hissing sound, so I spent some time tracking down a tiny leak. Tightened a fitting, and boom, problem solved. I also realized that the system was a little slow to respond sometimes, but a little adjustment here, a little tweak there, and it was pretty much dialed in.
Now, my SUV rides like a dream. I can raise it up for a little more clearance when I need it, or lower it down for easier access. It’s been a few months now, and I’m still loving it. Sure, it was a bit of work, but totally worth it in the end.
- Remember to check for leaks regularly.
- Listen for any unusual noises, like hissing.
- Keep an eye on your dashboard for any error messages.
It’s not a project for everyone, but if you’re handy and you want a smoother ride, it’s definitely something to consider. Just be prepared to get your hands dirty and spend some time troubleshooting. It’s all part of the fun, right? You will be happy you did it!
