In our May 2002 issue we showed you how Just Dashes restored the dash panels in Ron Aguirre's latest project, a '72 Ford Ranchero. Well, in this article we're featuring another part of the project, a super-clean air suspension system from Air Ride Technologies (in Jasper, Indiana) installed by Joe Pineda, owner of Ground Control Custom Suspension (in Rancho Cucamonga, California).When a man like Ron--who literally "invented" hydraulics for cars back in the mid-'50s when he juiced his Corvette X-Sonic--says that he's going to "bag" his pickup, we take notice. Ron was having Air Ride's ARC4600 RidePro Max system installed, which includes two 150-psi air compressors, two 3-gallon air tanks, a four-way rocker-switch control panel with dual 150-psi pressure gauges, four Firestone air springs (air bags), spring plates, cups, 3/8-inch air line, brackets, fittings, hardware and complete installation instructions with wiring and plumbing diagrams.
The most unique feature of the Air Ride system is the RidePro Max solenoid/manifold air valve control system. The assembly can be placed anywhere in the vehicle (Joe mounted it up under the frame), and the switches and gauges can be mounted elsewhere: in the console, in the dash, the glovebox, etc. Only the wiring harness and the smaller 1/8-inch airlines are routed into the passenger compartment.
The RidePro Max air valves have a larger orifice so they will flow more air. This means getting the vehicle up quicker. When configured in the four-way mode, rise time is even faster, due to doubling the amount of orifices as well as increasing their size. When configured in the four-way mode, the valve assembly also prevents air transfer from side-to-side. This will improve cornering and handling and help reduce body roll by compensating for unequal loads.The RidePro solenoid system comes with a complete wiring harness that uses WeatherPak connectors. The air valves can be set up in a two-way or four-way mode allowing for single or dual axle operation, or to operate each air spring individually for side-to-side and corners moves. The air valves are also "bubble tight," which means that they have been tested for complete leak-free operation. We're told that RidePro will also be compatible with future Air Ride products such as AutoLeveling and remote control air suspension systems.
Because the Ranchero has a front suspension similar to a GM vehicle with upper control arms and lower control arms, the front installation is very similar with a Chevy pickup. Some cutting and welding is involved for the air bag mounting plates and new front shock brackets, but any seasoned DIYer or welding shop can easily handle the work. The Ranchero comes with rear coil springs from the factory, so installing the rear air springs is a snap. The factory lower spring cups are compatible with the air bag mounting cups and the shocks don't need to be relocated.
Air Ride also offers application-specific Monroe and KYB shocks as options, to provide even greater ride comfort and steering control. Joe installed a set of KYB Gas-A-Just shocks on the Ranchero. (To further improve handling, driving stability and reduced un-sprung weight, Ron also added a set of Bridgestone Firehawk performance radials and 17-inch Vision alloy wheels.) Follow the photos and you'll see just how easy it is to pump up a pickup with a pneumatic suspension package from Air Ride.
1. Ron Aguirre's Ranchero was rolling on air in no time thanks to the RidePro Max System from Air Ride Technologies.
2. Two custom compressor and air tank setups were built using 3/4-inch plywood covered with OE-type trunk carpeting; a fuse block was also mounted to this setup.
3. Power for the compressors was run directly from the battery and up through the carpet in the compressor mounting area.
4. & 5. With the bench seat removed, the power wires were fed through a hole in the passenger side compressor/tank setup, then both setups were placed beneath the cab rear window area and bolted to the floor pan.
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6. After wrapping the threads with white plumber's tape, the air lines between the two tanks were connected with the supplied brass fittings. |
7. Here's how it looks with both compressor/tank setups installed and the power connected to the fuse block (with no fuse for now) and the compressor. | 
8. The supplied control switch wiring is connected to power and run through a hole in the carpet (along with the 1/8-inch air lines) where the custom switch box will be mounted. |
9. A custom wooden box was made to hold the supplied switch panel and pressure gauges. | 
10. This is what the backside of the switch panel box looks like before being covered. |
11. Here's the finished lighted switch box, covered in tan automotive carpet to complement the truck's interior. | 
12. The wiring and air lines are connected and the switch box mounted to the floor. |
13. Jose began the bag installation with the front. Here we see a (double convoluted) air bag, cup and air line/fitting assembly. | 
14. This view is looking down inside the front bag assembly cup. |
15. Next, the front springs were removed and the lower spring perches (on the control arms) cut off. | 
16. The supplied lower bag mounting plates were then positioned and welded in place. |
17. The supplied upper shock relocation brackets are positioned and welded to the frame. | 
18. The front bag assemblies are now installed and bolted in place. |
19. Here's how the front bag looks installed. | 
20. This shot shows the bag installed and the new KYB gas-pressure shock installed. |
21. With the rear springs and shocks removed the rear air bags will be a snap to install. | 
22. Here's a shot from under the rear axle showing the rear bag bolted in place. |
23. Jose chose to mount the MaxAir valve/solenoid assembly up under the truck midway between the front and rear suspension. Then the 1/8-inch lines from the tanks and the 3/8-inch air lines to each bag were connected to the assembly. | 
24. Finally, the tires/wheels were remounted, the fuse was installed in the fuse block and the system was checked for air leaks. |
25. Ron had a pair of custom upholstered panels made to cover the compressor/tank setups and provide a super-clean finishing touch. | 
26., 27. & 28. Now, Ron can lay the Ranchero low, lift it high and even do side-to-side moves at the push of a switch. |
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