How to Install Air Lift Performance Suspension Kit - Rear (15-17 All) on your Ford Mustang

PREPARING THE VEHICLE
1.    Elevate and support the vehicle with a hoist or jack stands.
2.    Remove the rear wheel and support the hub assembly (Fig. 2).

REMOVING THE REAR SUSPENSION
1.    Disconnect and remove the stabilizer bar end link from the bar and from the lower
control arm (Fig. 3).

2.    With the hub supported, unbolt the lower shock mount from the lower control arm
(Figs. 4 and 5).

3.    Unthread the two upper shock mount bolts and remove the shock from the vehicle.
4.    Remove rear coil springs from vehicle.

CAUTION: COIL SPRINGS ARE UNDER SIGNIFICANT LOAD. PROCEED WITH CAUTION AND FOLLOW FACTORY INSTRUCTION FOR SAFE REMOVAL OF THE COIL SPRINGS.

AIR SUSPENSION INSTALLATION
1.    Begin by installing the air fitting into the air spring (Fig. 6). Apply thread sealant to
the threads of the air fitting. Tighten the appropriate fitting to the air spring 1 3/4 turns
beyond hand-tight.

2.    Insert long bolt (K) with lock washer (J) through the upper bracket center mounting
hole (Fig. 7). Retain the bolt to the upper bracket (Figs. 8 and 9) using push nut (D).

3.    Place the roll plate (F) over the air spring (Fig. 10). Attach the upper mount to the air spring (Fig. 11) using two short bolts (I) and two lock washers (J). Torque to 27Nm (20 lb.-ft.)

4.    Insert the nut plate (L) into the opening within the upper spring perch with the flat of
the plate facing downward, nut facing upward (Figs. 12 and 13).

5.    Apply the second roll plate (F) within the lower control arm spring pocket (Fig. 14).

6.    Center the assembly over the upper spring perch, with the upper bracket “sight hole” aligned with the notch in the upper spring seat (Fig. 15). Thread the upper bracket bolt into the nut plate, torque to 27Nm (20 lb.-ft.).

7.    Seat the air spring within the lower control arm/roll plate and align the threaded center of the air spring with the lower spring seat. Apply a long bolt (K) and lock washer (J) through the centering spacer (C) and into the underside of the control arm (Fig. 16). Thread the bolt into the air spring (Fig. 17), and torque to 27Nm (20 lb.-ft.).

8.    Swap the upper shock mounts from the OE shock to the new shock (Figs. 18-20). Torque rod nut to 27Nm (20 lb.-ft.) Attach the mount to the chassis, torque bolts to 90Nm (66 lb.-ft.).

9.    Bolt the shock to the lower control arm using the supplied nuts attached to the shock lower mount (Fig. 21). Torque to 48Nm (35 lb.-ft.)

10.    Reinstall the stabilizer bar end link opposite the way it was originally mounted with upper stud facing towards air spring (Fig. 22). Torque end link nuts to 103Nm (76 lb.-ft).

SETTING THE RIDE HEIGHT
1.    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).
2.    Cycle the suspension to max extension (ME) and record the measurement from the
fender to the same reference point.
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 (Fig. 23).
4.    With the suspension at this position, loosen, then re-torque the lower control arm bolts to manufacturer’s specifications (Table 1):

1. Inflate and deflate the system (do not exceed 125 PSI) 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.
2. Inflate the air springs to 75-90 PSI and check all connections for leaks.

CAUTION: MAKE SURE THE FRONT WHEELS ARE STRAIGHT WHEN DEFLATING AND REINFLATING AIR BAGS.

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 brake dive 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 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.    The dampers in this kit have 30 settings, or “clicks,” of adjustable compression and
rebound damping characteristics. Damping is changed through the damper rod using
the supplied adjuster (Fig. 24) or an 3mm hex key (not included).
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.    Each damper in this kit is preset to “-15 clicks.” This means that the damper is
adjusted 15 clicks away from full stiff, which starts at 0. Counting up from full stiff
is the preferred method of keeping track of, or setting, damping. This setting was
developed on a 2015 Ford Mustang 2.3L EcoBoost.

1.    Set the vehicle to the height at which it will most often be driven.
2.    If the ride height is lower than stock, Air Lift 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 (Table 1).

NOTE: It may be necessary to cycle the suspension to loosen the bushing from its mount. This will help re-orient the bushing at its new position based on the chosen ride height.

3.    Get a shop alignment of the vehicle at the new chosen ride height.

ADJUSTING EXTENDED OR DROP HEIGHT USING LOWER MOUNT

These dampers have been pre-set at the factory to provide maximum drop height while maintaining adequate tire clearance to the air spring. If you wish to gain more extended height (lift), which is the same as reducing drop height, or want to lower the chassis further and there is still adjustment available at the lower mount, please use the following procedure:

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 (Fig. 25).

4.    Deflate the air spring to 0 PSI on the corner you are adjusting.
5.    Disconnect lower mount from suspension.
6.    Spin the lower mount to the desired location.

NOTE: Not all vehicles will have further drop height available.

7.    Re-install lower mount to suspension and torque fasteners.
8.    Tighten the lower locking collar to the lower mount using significant force.

CAUTION: WHEN ADJUSTING HEIGHT UPWARD, MAKE SURE THAT THE DAMPER BODY ENGAGES ALL THE THREADS OF THE LOWER MOUNT (FIG. 26). WHEN ADJUSTING DOWNWARD, MAKE SURE THERE IS ADEQUATE AIR SPRING CLEARANCE TO THE TIRE/WHEEL ASSEMBLY. 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.

CAUTION: DO NOT ADJUST HEIGHT BY SPINNING AIR SPRING ON DAMPER! DOING SO MAY CAUSE AN AIR LEAK AND COMPROMISE THE ASSEMBLY.

 Clearance — Inflate the air springs to 75-90 PSI and make sure there is at least 1/2”
clearance from anything that might rub against the air spring. This should be checked
with the air spring fully inflated and fully deflated.
 Leak — Inflate the air springs to 75-90 PSI and check all connections for leaks. All
leaks must be eliminated before the vehicle is road tested.
 Heat — Be sure there is sufficient clearance from heat sources, at least 6” for air
springs and air lines. If a heat shield was included in the kit, install it. If there is no
heat shield, but one is required, call Air Lift customer service at (800) 248-0892.
 Fastener — Recheck all bolts for proper torque.
 Road — Inflate the springs to recommended driving pressures. Drive the vehicle 10
miles and recheck for clearance, loose fasteners and air leaks.
 Operating instructions — If professionally installed, the installer should review the
operating instructions with the owner. Be sure to provide the owner with all paperwork
that came with the kit.

 Overnight leak down test — Recheck air pressure 24 hours after installation and
driving of the vehicle. If the pressure has dropped more than 5 PSI, there is a leak that
must be fixed.
 Air pressure requirements — It is important to understand the air pressure
requirements of the air spring system. Regardless of load, the air pressure should
always be adjusted to maintain adequate ride height at all times while driving.
 Thirty-day or 500-mile test —Recheck the air spring system after 30 days or 500
miles, 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 should be consulted. Check all fasteners for tightness.

1.    An Air Lift air management system is strongly recommended for this product, but it is possible to operate without one. The air lines can be routed to Schrader valves for use with a separate air compressor. Air lines and Schrader valves are not included with Air Lift Performance kits and would need to be purchased separately. To learn more about Air Lift management systems visit air-lift.co/productlines.

2.    Check the air pressure before driving.

WARNING: BEFORE SERVICING THE VEHICLE, MAKE SURE TO TURN OFF “RISE ON START” AND “PRESET MAINTAIN.” THIS WILL ELIMINATE ANY UNINTENDED SUSPENSION CYCLING IF YOU NEED TO TURN THE KEY ON IN THE VEHICLE FOR ANY REASON.

TUNING THE AIR PRESSURE.

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. 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. 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 (Table 2).
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.

When cutting air lines, use a sharp knife or a hose cutter and make clean, square cuts (Fig. 27). 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.

Do not bend the 1/4” hose at a radius of less than 1” and do not put side load pressure on fitting. The hose should be straight beyond the fitting for 1” before bending

Inspect hose for scratches that run lengthwise on hose prior to installation. Contact Air Lift customer service at (800) 248-0892 if the air line is damaged.

1. Inflate the air spring to at least 80 PSI.
2. Spray all connections with a solution of 1/5 liquid dish soap and 4/5 water. Spot leaks
easily by looking for bubbles in the soapy water.
4.    Check the air pressure again after 24 hours. A 2-4 PSI loss after initial installation is normal. Retest for leaks if the loss is more than 5 PSI.

1.    Air line to PTC fitting: Try pushing the air line firmly into the fitting to ensure it is
properly seated. If leak persists, deflate the spring and remove the air line by pushing
the collar toward the fitting body and pulling firmly on the air line. Trim 1” off the end of
the air line making sure the cut is clean and square. Reinsert air line firmly into fitting
and pull back on the air line to make sure it is seated.
2.    Threaded connection: If possible, tighten the fitting another half turn. If the leak
persists, deflate spring, remove fitting and re-coat threads with thread sealant. Reinstall
to hand tight and then use wrench to finish tightening an additional 1 3/4 turns.
3.    Air spring O-ring seal: If a leak is found at the upper or lower air spring seal on a
strut or shock, contact Air Lift customer service at (800) 248-0892.