Air Ride Technologies Strong Arm Suspension System - Amended Modifications

Obviously, the first thing to do is remove the OEM suspension. Control arms, springs, spindles, brakes-it all goes, right down to the frame and crossmember. The factory upper shock stud needs to be removed as well to make room for the forthcoming bolt-on mount.

The first order of business for the new components is to mock up the upper air spring mount plate. using the plate as a template, mark and drill the four 3/8- inch holes that will locate and hold the mount on the truck's crossmember.

After the holes are drilled, it's a good time to clean and detail the frame/ crossmember. Next, install the air spring onto the plate, fasten the air line fitting and a length of air line, and bolt the entire assembly into the crossmember. You will need to route the air line through the crossmember in a safe (unobstructed) location.

The upper StrongArms include ball joints and bushings and will bolt in the same location as the stock upper arms. Air Ride has changed the ball joint angle, ultimately reducing the bind normally experienced with a dropped stance.

The new upper shock mount has a tab that locates off the factory shock hole and lines up with the bottom of the framerail. With the mount held firmly in place, mark the mounting holes and drill with a 3/8-inch bit. This taller mount allows you to use a longer travel shock and raise it above the lower control arm for better ground clearance.

The lower StrongArms are a direct-fit bolt-on component that include ball joints (adjusted angle), bushings, and crossshafts. Line up the notched holes in the cross-shaft with the pins on the crossmember and bolt the arm in place.

For pre-'73 applications, you can upgrade to a five-lug bolt pattern disc brake with dropped spindles. If you prefer not to order Air Ride Technologies' dropped spindle, they offer StrongArms to fit stock C-10 spindles as well.

With the new tubular control arms joined via your spindle of choice, line up the air spring with the hole in the center of the lower control arm (air fitting side "up") and bolt in the 'bag.

Unlike your old shocks, the new ones feature an eyelet lower and a post-style upper mount. Make sure to use the supplied billet spacer between the bushing and the control arm on the lower. (The linkage you see hanging beside this mount is for the LevelPro ride height sensor.)