How do you install air shocks?

Answer 1

Air shocks are typically installed the same as regular shocks, jack the vehicle up, be safe and use jackstands, under each side of the axle if they are goin on the rear, this will compress the shocks making them easier to remove. If you have shocks inside of coil springs, i would recommend having a shop install them, or purchasing a coil spring compressor, but the store bought spring compressors are often still dangerous to use. Be careful as this point although the shocks are compressed they can still rebound and extend as they are unbolted. Anyways with the shocks compressed remove the top bolt from the top of the shock and mount, once these are removed, carefully jack up the vehichle again, remove the jack stands, and carefully lower the vehichle and allowing the shocks to extend again, you can carefully tap out the upper portion of the shock from the mounting point. For the lower bolt undo it, and remove the shock. New shocks typically come with a plastic "keeper" that keeps the shock compressed, tying the top and bottom of the shock together to ease the installation. Generally with air shocks the air inlet should face the center of the rear differential, install your new shocks with the keeper in place. Generally bolt the top shock mount in 1st, after it is bolted on securely, undo the "keeper strap" usually cutting it loose. This allows the shock to decompress, and maneuvering it into the lower shock mount easier. With both shocks mounted, decide where you are going to mount your main Inlet valve for filling the shocks. I used to mount mine under the rear license plate out of view, but easy to get to. Once you have the location selected connect all the lines up from the shocks to the main inlet valve determine if any thing may snag, or get in the way or damage the lines, once satisfied on the positioning of the lines, secure them to parts of the undercarriage using plastic zip ties, rubber coated loops fasteners, even velcro round strap/loop fasteners. Make sure when you secure the lines, nothing will chafe or rub on the airlines. When you are done, fill up the shocks from the main valve, and check each valve for any airleaks. Hope this helps.