Help with rear cool ride install!!!

[Chopper]

Hello, I'm having a problem with the rear install of the cool ride kit on my 71 Chevelle. Other than the fact that I can barely get the nut and washer in place over the coil spring plate, the stud that goes into the airbag seems to be too short. I guess I could get a longer stud but I don't know. Anybody had a problem similar to this that they could advice me on? Any helpful hints on actually getting a wrench in there to tighten it up?

Thanks Much.

Corey

[svtjackal]

Hello, the stud that goes into the airbag seems to be too short. I guess I could get a longer stud but I don't know. Anybody had a problem similar to this that they could advice me on? Thanks Much.

Corey



I had the same issue with the install on my Lightning, the bolt that goes on the bottom mount/plate of the rear airbags would only go in about 3 threads into the airbag, I called air ride and they assure me that 3 threads was enough that the main function of that bolt was to keep the airbag centered on the plate, so I put it like that lets see if my rear airbags won't go flying the first time I get the truck out.

[Chopper]

Thanks for the reply. My problem is the stud on the top. The stud is not long enough to even reach the airbag, or if I put it in the airbag and fit it in place, it's not long enough to go through the hole on the top. I guess I could get a bigger stud or modify it in some way but I've heard how easy the rears are on this car and I'm worried that I'm doing something wrong.

Thanks

Corey

[darren@ridetech.com]

I think I talked to you on the phone this morning. If you need anything else just let me know.

For any listeners......
His upper coil spring pocket is shaped differently and needs a longer stud.

[Chopper]

Yes, that was me, going to get a longer stud at lunch today and try the install tonight.

Thanks for you help.

Corey

[Chopper]

Looks like the longer stud helped. I got a 2.5" instead of the supplied 2". Another problem I had is the upper coil spring perch has a lip on it that cut my air valve when I installed it. Not good, glad I caught it early. The solution was to go to the nearest truck supply store and get a brass air line fitting. Much more durable and I may replace the fronts with new fittings too. I'll be hooking the airlines up tonight and I hope everything goes well from here.

[downset71]

what i did was drill straight up into trunk for a pilot hole. then i took a hole saw about 1'-1 1/2" and opened up the hole from the top. Now it is very easy the tighten up the center screw! just capped it with an electrical supply pop-in plug after. Easy access!! I dont mind hackin up my car if it makes life easy...

[darren@ridetech.com]

Thats a good idea, we have done that before too. Some guys give you a funny look when you tell them to cut hole in their trunk pan tho.

[downset71]

lol. i couldnt even count the amount of times i drilled or cut up original "GM metal" to get my car where its at!! as long as the good looks over-ride the bad ones, im alright!!