USER GUIDE

DAMPERS
 Suggested Suggested Maximum
Damper Settings* Driving Air Air Pressure*
Pressure*

FRONT -____ Clicks up from full stiff ____ PSI/BAR ____ PSI/BAR

Rear
REAR -____ Clicks up from full stiff ____ PSI/BAR ____ PSI/BAR

My Settings
Damper settings Air pressure settings

Front
FRONT Left front
LEFT FRONT RightFRONT
RIGHT front
Street -_____ clicks Street _____ Street _____

Track -_____ Track _____ Track _____

Show -_____ Show _____ Show _____

Other -_____ Other _____ Other _____

Rear
REAR Left
LEFTrear
REAR RightREAR
RIGHT rear
Street -_____ clicks Street _____ Street _____

Track -_____ Track _____ Track _____

Show -_____ Show _____ Show _____

Other -_____ Other _____ Other _____

Torque Specifications*
Location Nm/Lb.-ft. Location Nm/Lb.-ft.

Location Nm Lb.-ft.
Camber plate adjustment bolts 10 7
Flexible adjuster extension 1 turn beyond hand-tight
Air fittings/braided air lines 1 3/4 turns beyond hand-tight
Locking collar 1/2 turn beyond hand-tight
* Obtain these numbers from the installation guides that came with the kits.
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Notation Explanation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Important Safety Notices. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Setting the Ride Height . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Aligning the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Using Lower Mount to Adjust Extended or Drop Height . . . 6
Trimming the Flexible Adjuster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Damping Adjustment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Adjustable Camber Plates. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Check for Pinching or Binding. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Using the System. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Tuning the Air Pressure for Damper Adjustment . . . . . . . 10
Checking for Leaks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Cutting Air Lines. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Preventing Leaks at PTC Fittings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Post-Installation Checklist. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Troubleshooting Guide. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Air Lift Performance Air Management. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Limited Warranty and Return Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Replacement Part Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Contact Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
 Damper Kit User Guide

INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this publication is to assist with the use of Air Lift Performance
and Slam Series damper systems.

Read the entire user guide before operating. The information includes instructions
for proper setup and use of the air spring kit that was designed specifically for
your vehicle. Failure to read and follow the instructions in this guide could result
in damage to the air springs, dampers or other vehicle components.

NOTATION EXPLANATION
Hazard notations appear in various locations in this publication. Information
which is highlighted by one of these notations must be observed to help
minimize risk of personal injury or possible improper installation which may
render the vehicle unsafe. Notes are used to help emphasize areas of procedural
importance and provide helpful suggestions. The following definitions explain
the use of these notations as they appear throughout this guide.

INDICATES IMMEDIATE HAZARDS WHICH WILL

DANGER RESULT IN SEVERE PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH.
INDICATES HAZARDS OR UNSAFE PRACTICES WHICH
WARNING COULD RESULT IN SEVERE PERSONAL INJURY OR
DEATH.
INDICATES HAZARDS OR UNSAFE PRACTICES WHICH
CAUTION COULD RESULT IN DAMAGE TO THE MACHINE OR
MINOR PERSONAL INJURY.

IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTICES

BEFORE SERVICING THE VEHICLE, TURN OFF “RISE
WARNING ON START” AND “PRESET MAINTAIN.” THIS WILL
ELIMINATE ANY UNINTENDED SUSPENSION CYCLING
IF THE VEHICLE IS TURNED ON FOR ANY REASON.

AFTER INSTALLATION, ENSURE ALL ORIGINAL

WARNING EQUIPMENT VEHICLE SAFETY FEATURES ARE
PROPERLY CALIBRATED BY A QUALIFIED
TECHNICIAN. CHANGING VEHICLE HEIGHT MAY
AFFECT FUNCTIONING OF SAFETY SENSORS AND
CAMERAS.

Air Lift Company reserves the right to make changes and improvements to its
products and publications at any time. For the latest version of this manual,
contact Air Lift Company at (800) 248-0892 or visit www.airliftperformance.com.

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Damper Kit User Guide

SETTING THE RIDE HEIGHT

1. For a better ride, know the vehicle suspension’s travel limits. Bumping
against the jounce bumpers will contribute to a harsh ride.
2. With the suspension fully compressed, take a measurement from the fender
to a chosen reference point – typically the center of the axle. Record this
measurement as max compression (MC).
3. Cycle the suspension to max extension (ME) and record the measurement
from the fender to the same reference point.
Max Compression Max Extension

3. Add ME and MC, then divide the total by 2. Set the suspension to this point.
This position will give 50% stroke in either direction and is a starting point for
ride height.

Formula for Calculating Ride Height

(ME+MC)÷2=MID STROKE
4. If the ride height is lower than stock, Air Lift Performance recommends
loosening all pivot points (bolts, nuts) on any control arm, strut arm or radius
rod that contains bushings. Once they have been loosened, re-torque to
stock specifications.

ALIGNING THE VEHICLE

The vehicle should be aligned at the suspension height it will most often be
driven. This will reduce tire wear and improve performance.

NOTE It may be necessary to cycle the suspension to loosen the bushings

from their mounts. This will help re-orient the bushing at their new
positions based on the chosen ride height.

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 Damper Kit User Guide

USING LOWER MOUNT TO ADJUST

EXTENDED OR DROP HEIGHT
NOTE Not all vehicles will have further drop height available.
These dampers have been preset at the
Air Lift Performance
factory to provide maximum drop height dampers may look
while maintaining adequate tire clearance different than this,
to the air spring. Use the following but they all allow
procedure to gain more extended height adjustment of
(lift), which is the same as reducing drop the locking collar
height or if you want to lower the chassis. with the included
spanner wrench.
1. Support the vehicle with jack stands or
a hoist at approved lifting points.
2. Remove the wheel.
3. Using the supplied spanner wrench,
loosen the locking collar.
4. Deflate the air spring to 0 pressure on
the corner you are adjusting.
5. Disconnect lower mount from
suspension.
6. Spin the lower mount to the desired location.
7. Re-install lower mount to suspension and torque fasteners as specified in
the Installation Guide.
8. Tighten the lower locking collar to the lower mount using significant force.

* Air Lift Slam Series kits do not have adjustable threaded mounts.

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Damper Kit User Guide
WHEN ADJUSTING HEIGHT UPWARD, MAKE SURE
CAUTION THAT THE DAMPER BODY ENGAGES ALL THE
THREADS OF THE LOWER MOUNT. WHEN ADJUSTING
DOWNWARD, MAKE SURE THERE IS ADEQUATE AIR
SPRING CLEARANCE TO THE TIRE/WHEEL ASSEM-
BLY. CLEARANCE MUST BE CHECKED WITH SYSTEM
FULLY DEFLATED AS WELL AS FULLY INFLATED TO
ENSURE THAT NO RUBBING OCCURS. FAILURE TO
MAINTAIN ADEQUATE CLEARANCE CAN RESULT IN
AIR SPRING FAILURE AND WILL NOT BE COVERED
UNDER WARRANTY.
DO NOT ADJUST HEIGHT BY SPINNING AIR SPRING
CAUTION ON THE DAMPER! DOING SO MAY CAUSE AN AIR
LEAK AND COMPROMISE THE ASSEMBLY.

For For
struts shocks

Increase
height
Increase
height At least one
Minimum 80mm thread MUST
(3 3/16”) from bottom of be showing in
damper tube to bottom of window.
lower mount

TRIMMING THE FLEXIBLE ADJUSTER

The flexible adjuster extension, which
is included in some kits, can be used to
extend reach of the damping adjuster knob.
Base
1. Use the supplied 2mm hex key wrench
to disassemble the flexible adjuster
extension. Determine desired length
of adjuster and cut cable to length.
Cut sheathing 16-20mm (5/8”-13/16”)
Adjuster
shorter than the cable length, allowing
knob
engagement of the set screws when
reassembled. Verify the cable is not
protruding beyond the mounting surface of the base.
2. Reassemble the adjuster. Tighten the set screws one turn beyond hand tight.

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 Damper Kit User Guide

DAMPING ADJUSTMENT
Suspension damping is a matter of compromise. Setting it too stiff will make the ride
feel jarring. In addition, if the suspension is too stiff, the tires will lose contact with the
road, reducing control and power delivery. On the other hand, if the suspension is
too soft, the car can experience floatiness and excessive bouncing. The sweet spot
lies somewhere in the middle. Air Lift dampers have a range of adjustment, which
allows the driver to tune the ride and handling to his or her preferences.
Air Lift recommends damper and air pressure settings for every vehicle kit, but it is
impossible to consider every situation. For example, even though most Air Lift kits
replace the dampers and springs, vehicles with sport-tuned suspensions might
have stiffer bushings, larger anti-roll bars, bigger wheels, wider tires, etc. These
settings may need to be adjusted to different vehicles and driving characteristics.
1. Air Lift Performance dampers* have 30 settings, or “clicks,” of adjustable
compression and rebound damping characteristics. Damping is changed
through the damper rod using the supplied adjuster, a 3mm hex key (not
included) or a damper adjustment wheel.

NOTE Air Lift Performance dampers use a variety of types of damping

adjusters. Here are some examples.

2. Turn the adjuster clockwise (H) and the damping settings are hardened,
reducing oscillations and body motion. Turn the adjuster counterclockwise
(S) and the damping is softened.
3. On inverted dampers, the damping adjuster is on the bottom. Turn the
adjuster counterclockwise to harden the damping on this type of damper.

4. To adjust the dampers, start at full stiff, which is 0. Count up to keep track of,
or set, the damping.
* Air Lift Slam Series kits do not have adjustable damping.

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Damper Kit User Guide

ADJUSTABLE CAMBER PLATES

Camber on many Air Lift Performance dampers* can be adjusted with four bolts
on top of the camber plate. These bolts come preset from the factory but can be
used to change the vehicle stance or impact vehicle handling.

Camber
plate
bolts

The camber plates have multiple sets of holes to allow for maximum
adjustability. Use the outer holes to achieve maximum negative camber. The
camber plates must always be secured with four bolts.
Before making any changes to the camber, take photos of the camber plates to
establish a starting point. That will make it easier to go back if necessary.

Demonstrating Camber
Negative camber Neutral camber Positive camber Tire Con

Travelin

Corner

Raise the vehicle on a hoist or with a jack — supported by safety stands, of

course — and loosen the 4 small bolts on top of the struts with a 5mm hex
wrench.
With the camber bolts loose, push the top of the strut toward the center of the
car to increase negative camber. Pull it out from the vehicle to increase positive
camber. Don’t be afraid to put some muscle into it.
Once the camber is set, torque the 4 bolts to 10Nm (7 lb.-ft.).

* Some Air Lift kits do not have adjustable camber plates.

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 Damper Kit User Guide

CHECK FOR PINCHING OR BINDING

Whenever changes are made to the suspension setup, it is important to check
for pinching and binding.
Inflate and deflate the system (do not exceed the maximum air pressure for the
air springs in these kits) to check for clearance or binding issues. With the air
springs deflated, check clearances on everything so as not to pinch brake lines,
vent tubes, etc. Clear lines if necessary.

USING THE SYSTEM

1. Always check the air pressure before driving.
2. Regardless of load, air pressure should be adjusted to maintain adequate
ride height at all times while driving.
BEFORE SERVICING THE VEHICLE, MAKE SURE TO
WARNING TURN OFF “RISE ON START” AND “PRESET MAINTAIN.”
THIS WILL ELIMINATE ANY UNINTENDED SUSPENSION
CYCLING IF THE VEHICLE IS TURNED ON.

TUNING THE AIR PRESSURE FOR DAMPER ADJUSTMENT

Pressure determination comes down to three things — level vehicle, ride
comfort and stability.
1. Level vehicle
Depending on load, it is possible one side will need more pressure than the
other to level the vehicle.
2. Ride comfort
If the vehicle has a harsh ride, it may be due to either too much pressure or
not enough causing frequent bottoming out. Also, riding the vehicle at the
top, or close to the top of the available stroke will cause an uncomfortable
ride due to a lack of rebound travel (See “Setting the Ride Height,”
page 5). This situation should be avoided for driving any significant distance.
Try different pressures to determine the best ride comfort. See the Air Lift
suggested driving air pressure for this vehicle.
3. Stability
Stability translates into safety and should be the priority, meaning the driver
may need to sacrifice a perfectly level and comfortable ride. Stability issues
include roll control, bounce, dive during braking and sponginess. Tuning out
these problems usually requires additional air pressure, damping or both.

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Damper Kit User Guide

CHECKING FOR LEAKS

If the air suspension system develops a leak, follow these steps.
1. Inflate the air spring to maximum pressure as specified in the
installation guide.
2. Spray all connections with a solution of liquid dish soap and
water. Spot leaks easily by looking for bubbles in the soapy R
WATE
water. & AP
O
DIS H S
3. After the test, deflate the springs to the minimum pressure
required to restore the system to normal ride height.
4. Check the air pressure again after 24 hours. A 2-4 PSI (.14-.28BAR) loss
after initial installation is normal. Retest for leaks if the loss is more than
5 PSI (.34BAR).

CUTTING AIR LINES

When cutting air lines, use a sharp knife
or a hose cutter and make clean, square
cuts. Do not use scissors or wire cutters
because these tools will deform the air
line, causing it to leak around fittings. Do
not cut the lines at an angle.
The minimum bend radius for 1/4” air line
is 1” (25mm). The minimum bend radius for
3/8” air line is 1 1/2” (38mm). Do not bend
the air line less than the minimum bend
radius or side load the fitting connections.
Install air lines straight into fittings.

Go to air-lift.co/cuttingairline
to watch a video on proper air
line cutting.

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 Damper Kit User Guide

PREVENTING LEAKS AT PTC FITTINGS

After insertion, check the push-to-connect (PTC) fitting connection by pulling on
each line to verify a robust connection.
To release the air line from the connection, first release all air from the system.
Push in on the air line (step 1), push the collar in (step 2), and with the collar
depressed, pull the air line out of the fitting (step 3).

The steps for reconnection are the same as disconnection.

PTC fitting Collar Air line TIPS
• Cut off the end of the air line where it
STEP 1 is indented by the PTC collar before
reinstalling.
• If fitting is leaking at the threads, it may
be necessary to remove and re-apply
STEP 2 STEP 3 thread sealant on the threads and re-
install 1 3/4 turns beyond finger tight.

MAKE SURE THE FRONT WHEELS ARE STRAIGHT

CAUTION WHEN DEFLATING AND REINFLATING AIR SPRINGS.

POST-INSTALLATION CHECKLIST
 Overnight leak down test — Recheck air pressure 24
12 1 12
hours after installation and driving of the vehicle.
11 If the 11 1
10
pressure has dropped more than 5 PSI (.34BAR), there 2 10 2
is a leak that must be fixed. Either fix the
9 leak yourself 3 or 9 3
return to the installer for service. 8 4 8 4
 Air pressure requirements — It is important7 to
6 5 7 6 5
understand the air pressure requirements of the air
24-HOUR
spring system. Regardless of load, the air pressure
24-HOUR
Pressure check Pressure check
should always be adjusted to maintain adequate ride 19
height at all times while driving. 0 0 0 5 0 00
 Thirty-day or 800km (500-mile) test —Recheck the
air spring system after 30 days or 800km (500 miles),
OR

30
whichever comes first. If any part shows signs of
rubbing or abrasion, the source should be identified
and moved, if possible. If it is not possible to relocate
the cause of the abrasion, the air spring may need to
be remounted. If professionally installed, the installer days
should be consulted. Check all fasteners for tightness.

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Damper Kit User Guide

TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
PROBLEM CAUSE SOLUTION
Air spring Leak at fitting, air line Find location of leak by spraying listed
won't maintain not cut properly, air components with soapy water solution
pressure. line has scratches and look for bubbles. Tighten air fitting,
that run lengthwise. re-cut air line or replace damaged
or damage to air line components.
during installation.
Leak at lower O-ring Spray bottom of air spring with solution
on damper if air of water and dish soap and look for
spring is over the bubbles. Contact Air Lift customer
damper. service at (800) 248-0892 to determine if
component should be replaced.
Knocking noise Loose suspension Tighten lower locking collar with significant
when hitting component such force, check and tighten suspension
bumps. as locking collar on components to factory specs at desired ride
damper or rod nut. height. Replace rod nut, apply high strength
threadlocker to clean threads and torque
M12 rod nut to 54Nm (40 lb.-ft.). M10 rod
nuts to be torqued to 38Nm (28 lb.-ft.).
Driving vehicle too Check current ride height and compare
close to maximum to maximum height. If there is less than
extension. 25mm (1”) difference, reduce air pressure
to lower ride height.
Lengthen strut or shock to increase
available up travel.
Suspension Air pressure is too Raise air pressure.
bottoms out. low, causing air
springs to bottom
out.
The ride is Air pressure is too Lower air pressure and adjust damper
too bouncy. high, causing air length if necessary to achieve proper ride
springs to be too height.
stiff.
Damping is Increase damping with adjusters.
inadequate.
The ride is too Damping is
soft or floaty. inadequate.
The ride is too Excessive damping Reduce damping with adjusters.
harsh.
Rubbing Excessive camber, Adjust camber, drop height adjustment
sounds, wheel improper drop height and air pressure to find setup that does
wells or other adjustment, too not cause rubbing.
components little or too much air
show signs of pressure,
rubbing.

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 Damper Kit User Guide

AIR LIFT PERFORMANCE AIR MANAGEMENT

An Air Lift Performance air management system will allow you to get the most out
of your #LifeOnAir. Visit air-lift.co/productlines to learn more.

THE MOST ADVANCED AIR MANAGEMENT

Air Lift Performance 3H® uses
height and pressure sensors
to provide the most innovative
air suspension control system
ever. Or opt for ALP 3P® with
pressure sensors only. The
third option in the ALP 3®
system is 3S®, which provides a
lower-cost digital air
management solution. All
versions of ALP 3® allow users
to download the free app to
control their air suspension
with a smartphone.

With AutoPilot V2, program favorite ride

pressures and easily adjust suspension
dynamics to compensate for additional
passengers and cargo. With eight presets,
owners can set one for “all up” one for “all
down” and anywhere in between.

MANUAL AIR MANAGEMENT

Pressure control is adjusted with the
simple push of the paddle valves
which can be custom mounted into
the dash or mounted to the supplied
stainless steel panel. This is
Air Lift’s most affordable
air management system.

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Damper Kit User Guide

LIMITED WARRANTY AND RETURN POLICY

Air Lift Company provides a 1-year limited warranty to the original purchaser of
Air Lift Performance damper kits (not including universal kits) from the date of
original purchase, that the products will be free from defects in workmanship
and materials when used on vehicles as specified by Air Lift Company and under
normal operating conditions, subject to the requirements and exclusions set forth
in the full Limited Warranty and Return Policy that is available online at
www.airliftperformance.com/warranty.

REPLACEMENT PART INFORMATION

If replacement parts are needed, call Air Lift customer service at (800) 248-0892 or
go to airliftperformance.com. Most parts are immediately available and can be
shipped the same day.
Contact Air Lift Company customer service first if:
• Parts are missing from the kit.
• Need technical assistance on installation or operation.
• Broken or defective parts in the kit.
• Wrong parts in the kit.
• Have a warranty claim or question.
Contact the retailer where the kit was purchased:
• If it is necessary to return or exchange the kit for any reason.
• If there is a problem with shipping if shipped from the retailer.
• If there is a problem with the price.

CONTACT INFORMATION
Mailing address P.O. Box 80167
Lansing, MI 48908-0167
Shipping address 2727 Snow Road
for returns Lansing, MI 48917
Phone Toll free: (800) 248-0892
International: (517) 322-2144
Email service@airliftcompany.com
Web address www.airliftperformance.com

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 Thank you for purchasing
Air Lift Performance products!

Need Help?
Contact Customer Service
U.S. and Canada: (800) 248-0892
Outside the USA: (517) 322-2144
Email: service@airliftcompany.com

Air Lift Performance

2727 Snow Road
Lansing, MI 48917
www.airliftperformance.com

Printed in the USA JJC-0818 California: WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm
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