How-To: Add Digital Command For Air Rides

In the June 2006 issue, we showed you how the custom suspension experts at GO-EZ (in Placentia, California) installed a sweet air ride system on our 2003 Chevy Avalanche. Then, in the August 2006 issue, we covered how we added a Watt's link kit to the rearend for better control from Totally Polished (in Simi Valley, California). In the September 2006 issue, we upgraded the air source with the new Air Boss engine (belt)-driven air compressor system from Kilby Enterprises (in Burbank, California) that fills our air tanks much faster than an electric compressor.

Now, we complete the air ride system with the new EasyStreet Auto Pilot digital control system from Air Lift (in Lansing, Michigan), the most advanced system on today's market. Features that have never been available in a digital controller come standard with this incredible compact unit.

The Auto Pilot provides accurate, instant control over your air suspension with one button. Features of the control module include one-touch ride height that allows your ride to return to its programmed ride height without tapping switches and watching gauges. Whether you're below or above your height, just touch one button to return to your aligned height, and prevent tire wear. The auto ride height on-start feature automatically lifts your vehicle to the programmed ride height when the engine starts up (this feature can be turned off).

The Auto Pilot's individual wheel control allows you to adjust each wheel separately (front, back and side-to-side). The all inflate and deflate (pancake) control gives you four-wheel up and down height control with one switch. Another Auto Pilot exclusive is the tuning feature that teaches the system the exact requirements to lift each wheel; ensuring that the auto ride height function is perfect every time.

The system also includes manifold-mounted transducers; the most accurate pressure sensors come pre-mounted to the valves. This eliminates the risk of leaks and makes for an easier install. Auto leak detection will monitor all four corners; if a leak occurs, the system will automatically add air accordingly and warn you of a problem. A digital voltmeter is also included that reads the vehicle's voltage to help prolong equipment and battery life.

With fully illustrated instructions and only one wire to the dash, installation is a breeze, "normally" requiring about an hour. (One wire means no power lines to run or wiring every switch independently.) However, because we did a "custom" installation that involved mounting and painting the control panel in the center console (instead of mounting it on or under the dash with the pedestal mounting bracket and Velcro), it took longer. And, because the kit is universal, we had to add two 5-foot and two 6-foot airline extensions as well.

The Auto Pilot kit that we installed (P/N 27600) is for vehicles that already have air ride. If your baby isn't "bagged" yet, you can also get a complete air ride kit (P/N 27630) that includes the Auto Pilot and everything that you'll need to bag it. For now, follow the photos and look at the diagram (from the installation instructions) to see how simple it is to add one-button digital control to your air suspension.