Plan before you wrench

Lay out brackets, hardware, torque specs, and airline routing before you lift the vehicle. A tidy mock-up prevents chafing and leaks later. If you are repairing factory air with Arnott parts, confirm part numbers per axle and gather any seals or fittings the job requires.

Air spring kits: key steps

For Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 or RideControl, bolt brackets square to the frame and axle, then route lines with gentle bends and heat clearance. Decide if you want one fill point (tee both sides for a single valve) or two fill points (independent side-to-side tuning). Independent valves let you correct a slight side-to-side lean with uneven cargo.

Air-assisted shocks: quick wins

Monroe Max-Air and Gabriel HiJackers install like stock shocks, then plumb to fill valves at the bumper or fuel door. Keep the hose away from moving suspension arms and sharp edges. Air up for trips, then return to your preferred daily pressure after you unload.

Factory air repair or conversion

With Arnott replacement struts, springs, or compressors, work clean, check O-rings, and follow the platform’s procedure for venting and filling. If you are installing an Arnott conversion kit, remove air components per instructions and torque new spring hardware to spec. Clear warnings, then recalibrate or align as needed.

Pressure targets and safety

Use the pressure window in your kit instructions. Air springs and air-assisted shocks each have stated minimums and maximums. Stay within them, and adjust in small steps until the stance and steering feel right. Remember that support products do not raise GVWR or GCWR. They level and stabilize; they do not let you carry or tow more than the vehicle’s ratings.

Pro test loop

Set pressures cold, then drive a loop with a rough patch, a long sweeper, and one mile of highway. If the rear still feels busy, add a few PSI and retest. If the steering wheel sits off center after a big height correction, book an alignment. Save your best settings by load, trailer, or trip in your notes so you can repeat them.

Closing

Whether you are installing Air Lift, Monroe Max-Air, Gabriel HiJackers, or Arnott parts, Shockwarehouse has the kits, hardware, and advice that make one weekend of work pay off for years.