ridetech install 86 c10

[swilliams]

I have decided to put a ridetech air ride system on my 86 c10. I hope to have pics of all the steps I go through. All questions, comments and advice are welcome. Hope you enjoy.

[bake74]

     I would be very interested in following this project.  I am more of a 4wd truck owner.  I thought maybe after the project I have now I would do a 2wd.
     So the more pics and details of what you have to do would be great.  I have wondered how well a adjustable air ride system would be in today's advancements compared to the standard static drop systems.

[swilliams]

Getting started

I don't know what size stock springs are but mine were not that long (not a lot of spring tension)

Finished first side. Took a little while I have never done this before but nothing hard.

Its funny to look at but this is all that comes off except tie rods were changed out also and I am reusing the stock spindles.

Parts pile is growing

I used this fender skirt to cover my fuel pump and lines when grinding off the sway bar bracket rivits

Some of the stock connections have to be reused

Starting on install

This is the first issue I have with the kit that the instructions tell you which size nut, bolt and washers but bags are not labeled so I am going to spend a lot of time separating lots of nuts, bolts, and washers

[bake74]

     Stock springs are either 52" or 56" long, yours are probably 52" long.  How are the instructions you have, easy to follow ?
     It is always a pain laying everything out first before you start, especially on a big project.

[swilliams]

The instructions are real straight forward with pics but they seem to jump around a bit. If you go to the ridetech websitewww.ridetech.com they have PDFs of the instructions that are provided with the parts.

[Captkaos]

Looks like a good start.  Looks like you moved the original pictures.

[Skyshadow]

 I'll Bite

[swilliams]

Sorry about the first pics here they are

[swilliams]

A cordless drill works but it takes a long time and uses up the batteries fast. If you have an electric drill or need an excuse to buy one this is it.

Had to do a little grinding to get the washer to fit.


I used wire hangers and some rope to hold up the heavy lover control arm to reinstall mounting u bolts.

Nothing out of ordinary just big and heavy. I do suggest using something to hold the control arm up the u bolts don't just slide in place they have to be lined up then taped into place with a hammer.

[swilliams]

Has anyone had  jack stands bend the their frame rail


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[swilliams]

Has anyone had  jack stands bend their frame rail


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[MANCHU1-9IN]

Looks like Christmas in your garage. I love getting new parts in! lol

[bake74]

Has anyone had  jack stands bend their frame rail


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     I have never had one bend that way before, what was above the jack stand, the cab ?

[bd]

Has anyone had jack stands bend their frame rail

If you look at the placement of the saddle under the flange of the rail you'll notice the stand is pushing on the inside edge of the flange levering it off the radius of the rail.  A proportionate amount of vehicle weight is resting directly on the inner edge of the flange.  Try using a flat-saddle stand that distributes the weight evenly across the flange face.

[swilliams]

Yes it is close to the front cab bushing. It happened on both sides


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