One thing we've never really done before in Modified Mustangs & Fords is an air bag suspension system, which enables you to do things with an old Ford you've never done before. Air bag suspensions improve ride and handling, and allow you to position and show the car anyway you'd like-nose high, rear high, flat on the ground for showing off or up in the air to let the sun shine through. Did you know air bag systems are available for just about every Ford, Mercury, or Lincoln imaginable from compact all the way up to fullsize, including trucks?
Why install an air bag suspension system from RideTech? Because it gives you versatility like you've never had before in a suspension system. You can dial in ride quality, height, and firmness from the driver seat. Want it flat on the ground at a cruise-in? All you have to do is deflate the air bags from the driver seat.
This is the affordable Level...
This is the affordable Level 1 ARF11500 front suspension package for classic fullsized '60-'64 Ford and Mercurys that includes all mounting hardware, F7681 255c air springs, A641 lower spring plates, A638-1 upper air spring cup brackets, A008F upper shock mounts, A035 lower shock mounts, and a pair of MON33033 shock absorbers.
To demonstrate how to install an air bag suspension and show you just what it can do, we got together with Mike O'Brien whose '62 Galaxie convertible sports slippery top-down comfort and 390 FE big-block-power. Mike runs the full service restoration shop at Mustangs Etc. in Van Nuys, California, and has been building street rods and customs for most of his life. His craftsmanship is unbeatable and worth checking out if you happen to be in the area. We're going to show you how to install a complete RideTech Level 1 air bag system on a '60-'64 fullsize Ford, Mercury, or Lincoln and get it in proper tune. Although this is a '60-'64 Ford, the basic principles are the same for other fullsize '57-'59 and '65-up Fords.
In front, we have two air springs dampened by hydraulic gas shocks. In back, a complete subframe setup with air shocks and a four-link system, which replaces leaf springs entirely. This month, we're going to focus on the front end and air compression system. Next month, we will wrap up with the rear suspension.
RideTech offers three levels of air bag systems for vintage Galaxies. For about $6,000, you get the complete Level 3 Street Challenge system that gives you the best of everything from RideTech-StrongArms, MuscleBars, and the AirPod control system.
Mike O'Brien demonstrates...
Mike O'Brien demonstrates why his '62 Galaxie needed a RideTech suspension upgrade, and no it does not have hydraulics on it. On the original Ford suspension, which has been lowered, body roll and center of gravity remain poor. Our RideTech Level 1 suspension will change that.
Level 2 retails around $4,800, and gives you more air ride tuning options with the addition of the ShockWave front suspension kit and enhanced RidePro e3 control system. ShockWave is a simple bolt-on system that uses an air spring and hydraulic shock combo that gives your underpinnings a cleaner look. A 4-Link AirBar positions the rear axle and eliminates the instability of a leaf-spring rear suspension. A five-gallon dual compressor air system provides four-way digital control.
Level 1 is the system O'Brien ordered from RideTech for his '62 Galaxie. It is a system bent on doing a good job for less money. The Level 1 system, which tips the scales at approximately $3,900, provides you with the CoolRide system in front, along with a sweet four-link air spring and shock system in back. A three-gallon compressor system tucked neatly in the trunk provides pressure via a four-way independent control with analog instruments.
Installing the ARF11500 front suspension system is straightforward. Air springs take the place of your Ford's coil springs. Shocks are moved from where the coil springs originally were to a new location in front of the control arms, which involves welding new shock mounts to the framerails and lower control arms. We're going to show you how to install it here.
First thing we do is measure...
First thing we do is measure ride height before making any changes, then write measurements on each fender lip with tape.
Once cotter pins and castle...
Once cotter pins and castle nuts are loosened, ball joints and tie-rod ends are broken loose using a removal fork. Because these ball joints and tie-rod ends are worn out, they will be replaced.
We're also going to replace...
We're also going to replace control arm shafts and bushings.
If you'd rather not risk damage...
If you'd rather not risk damage to a ball joint or tie-rod end boot, a solid whack with a 5-pound sledge should jar ball joints and tie-rod ends loose.
Brake lines are disconnected...
Brake lines are disconnected next in order to remove the brakes, as well as the spindles. You're going to want a catch pan or jar for stray mineral-based brake fluid, which can damage paint.
With the lower control arm...
With the lower control arm supported, shock removal is next. There are two bottom bolts and a top stud. Remember, the shock absorber keeps your Ford's coil spring compressed. This is why you must carefully support the lower control arm.
The brake assembly and spindle...
The brake assembly and spindle are removed next.
Carefully lower the support...
Carefully lower the support jack, which releases the coil spring. Remember, there is a tremendous amount of spring pressure, which can cause injury.
This hole in the lower control...
This hole in the lower control arm is your reference point for the RideTech air spring baseplate. Install a 3/8-inch x 1 1/4-inch bolt provided in the kit through this hole and tighten.
Three holes are drilled into...
Three holes are drilled into the lower control arm to make way for three 3/8-inch x 1 1/4-inch bolts also provided in the kit. Start with a small 1/4-inch pilot hole, then increase to a 3/8-inch hole.
The air spring baseplate is...
The air spring baseplate is installed as shown, using the four 3/8-inch x 1 1/4-inch Grade 8 bolts provided.
This plate serves as a platform...
This plate serves as a platform for the RideTech air spring.
This is the air spring upper...
This is the air spring upper cup, which mates the air spring with your Ford's coil spring cup. Nylok lock nut fasteners join the air spring and upper cup together.
The stud penetrates your chassis...
The stud penetrates your chassis spring cup where the old coil spring was.
The air spring is installed...
The air spring is installed as shown, with the stud visible on top. The stud is then secured with a Nylok lock nut fastener.
The air lines are fed through...
The air lines are fed through the top. Make sure the line doesn't interfere with suspension movement or get close to hot exhaust system parts.
The lower control arm with...
The lower control arm with the new RideTech baseplate is installed using a new cross-shaft and bushings. You may also opt for urethane bushings for crisp handling and control.
The air spring is secured...
The air spring is secured to the baseplate with this bolt, which is accessible via the factory shock mount passage.
The complete front air spring...
The complete front air spring installation should look like this. This is a nice, clean installation ready to deliver improved ride quality and handling.
Sway bar endlinks and bushings...
Sway bar endlinks and bushings are installed next. If you really want to tighten up handling, go with urethane endlinks and bushings.
Shock mounts provided in the...
Shock mounts provided in the kit have been welded in place and are ready to go. Wheelhouses must be cut as shown to clear the new upper mounts.
Lower shock mounts, which...
Lower shock mounts, which have been pie-cut to fit, have been welded to the lower control arms.
Here's our front shock installation,...
Here's our front shock installation, which shows the shock relocation. This is the Monroe shock absorber (PN MON33033) that is compatible with RideTech air springs. And yes, we did tighten the upper shock mount bolt.
Here's the three-gallon air...
Here's the three-gallon air tank package, which can be located in your trunk or underneath in a frame pocket. It consists of an air compressor and tank, which keep air shocks and springs inflated via a system of electric solenoid valves operated from inside the cabin.
These solenoids are electrically...
These solenoids are electrically activated to vector compressed air to each of the air bladders (springs and shocks). They allow compressed air in or out depending upon driver command. They may be located just about anywhere. In this application, they're located behind the rear seat. Make sure nothing metallic touches these terminals.
This is the RideTech air management...
This is the RideTech air management panel, which can be located just about anywhere within the driver's reach. Power should be switched power, meaning it only has juice with the ignition switch is on or in accessory mode.
It must also be fuse- or circuit-breaker...
It must also be fuse- or circuit-breaker protected. Gauges tell us something about air pressure fore and aft.