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deano · 10-12-2003, 06:36 PM

I split this thread because of different rear axle components 81 and earlier:
The original post was:
>>>The road side of my 310 is unlevel by 2 inches to the curb side.<<<

I have the same issue on our 79', how are the pressure valves adjusted?

PeterH-350LE · 10-12-2003, 07:25 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by deano
I have the same issue on our 79', how are the pressure valves adjusted?

The 2 leveling valves on the 81's and earlier have a small nut right at the valve for adjustments. Caution! Support your frame before attempting adjustment.
To the best of my knowlegde. later models only allow for front to rear adjustment and not side to side.

SebastianD · 10-13-2003, 09:19 PM

I have some new air bags showing up tomorow because mine where shot. I was reading my owners manual and it documents the steps to set the ride height by loosening the u bolts that hold the assembly that the airbags attach to while the rear is jacked up. This would get you more rear end height with less air extension on the air bags, and give you a chance to level the two sides. I found the right socket for the job, but need a metal bar to gat the leverage to turn it, so I may have a shop do it. I would think that a u bold could well slip over the years...
Sebastian

PeterH-350LE · 10-14-2003, 08:19 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by SebastianD
... I was reading my owners manual and it documents the steps to set the ride height by loosening the u bolts that hold the assembly that the airbags attach to while the rear is jacked up. ......

Can you be more specific? To the best of my knowledge the only adjustment that can be made with the U-bolts is "Wheel side clearance".

ALANSD · 10-14-2003, 09:12 AM

I second Peter's request...it would be great to be able to slightly raise the rear. Mine with (minimal air in the bags) drags the hitch on exiting dipped driveways, and entering steeply inclined hills.
I am still working on raising the air in the bags.

SebastianD · 10-14-2003, 08:26 PM

Well, mime has been draging the rear so much that the spare tire holder made a dent in the rear panel...
The whole assembly that the airbags , shocks and springs attach to is held to the axel with one u bolt on each side. It makes sense to me that it could slip over the years, and that if you loosen it up with the back end jacked up, and then tighten it with it in the new, slightly rotated position, that the rear would ride heigher on the springs, and the airbag would ride heigher up. It is under "weel side clearance" Am I way off?

Sebastian

PeterH-350LE · 10-14-2003, 09:37 PM

Sebastian, I am afraid you are off.

If you look at page 1-21 figure 9 you will see that Air bag Mounting bracket is not only held into position by the one u-bolt, but also two additional u-bolts for the leaf springs. Those demand one location, give or take fractions of an inch.
The only adjustment possible is side to side wheel clearance of the axle.
The only other way possible to increase the ride height, besides the leveling valves, would be by welding a spacer plate under the air bag on the Air bag Mounting bracket.
The only time I experience dragging of the rear is when I pull out of an inclined driveway or gas station. In most cases it can be avoided by taking it at an angle.
I run at a system pressure of ~100psi, with air bag pressure of ~95psi.
If you don't have an inline check valve, your system/airbag pressure will drop to ~80psi before the compressor kicks in. This condition can drop your rear by an inch or so.

74Argosy24MH · 10-14-2003, 09:51 PM

There is also a dowel from the spring into the spring perch so the axle doesn't rotate or slide sideways.

John

ALANSD · 10-15-2003, 06:59 AM

Oh well wishful thinkin'. My air bags will be working one way or another soon enough.
Now that my compressor is out, I put in a manual input valve, and with the 12v line to the valves turned on, still no air went into the bags. I used the gas station air pump set at 90 lbs.
Got to believe a valve must be plugged up, or the tank is a problem. I will pull out the tank next.
Might pull the lines after the tank and see if the air will go thru then.

74Argosy24MH · 10-15-2003, 07:18 AM

Before you pull the tank I would check the valve. When you put 12v to it does it click? Mechanical/electrical parts usually fail before something like the tank. If there is a drain on the tank pull the plug and see what comes out.

John

PeterH-350LE · 10-15-2003, 07:27 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by 74Argosy24MH
....When you put 12v to it does it click? .....

First I would look for a wire. I don't think the post 1981 Airbag systems have the energized solenoid valves.
Alan, if you have a couple of inches of metal showing on the bottom of your bags, they are full. Any more air added just exits through the dump on the leveling valve.

ALANSD · 10-15-2003, 11:58 AM

ok guys. Well I will crawl under there today and see what I see. I thought the valves had a wire as there are two connections in the grey box, but maybe only one for the input 12v and one for the compressor. There is a wire running in the same tube as the air line goes in as i recall.
Anyway I will check again. I don't have more than an inch of bell showing at the bnottom of the bags, and they seem like they are too soft when I push on one.

thenewkid64 · 10-15-2003, 05:09 PM

Alan,

If they have sufficent air pressure in them you should not be able to "push in" on them The standard PSI should be 80-90 LBS. If you are able to push in there is one of two things going on. Low air or you are spending too much time at the gym!

SebastianD · 10-16-2003, 11:03 AM

OK, well I got to thinking about it last night, and I guess I am way off... too bad!
If anyone happens to be crawling about under their rigs, and could tell me the number on that little adapter between the transmision and the speedo cablel, I would even be willing to mail you a twenty dollar bill... it would be great to know how fast I'm going.

Thanks, Sebastian

PeterH-350LE · 10-16-2003, 12:09 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by SebastianD
....
If anyone happens to be crawling about under their rigs, and could tell me the number on that little adapter between the transmision and the speedo cablel......

Stewart Warner
666F X1
.8000 T

Now you owe me a cold one, when we see each other at the next rally.