Installing Airlift 1000 on a Sienna (2nd gen)

[rstanek]

Before I get to work, has anyone done this before? Any tips or tricks you've found when installing these?

Any feedback is welcome, thanks!

[tonystewart]

Follow the instructions, have good jacks, take your time, use talc to stop the squeaks, don't overfill them

[teachndad]

check out this thread. On the bottom of page 1, there is a link I found with some videos. I haven't done the install yet, but the bags I ordered are on a 4 to 6 week back order.

http://siennachat.com/forum/index.ph...b3&topic=103.0

[LennyO]

I am installing mine today. Just need to figure out where to place the fill adapter. I have a small bracket on my hitch I may mount it to. We'll see. I'm thinking it may be easier to remove the wheels while jacked up to get around everything. Routing the airlines looks to be the biggest pain. Will let y'all know how it goes.

[LennyO]

Not too bad - took about 2 hours. Easiest to jack up each side and remove the rear wheels. Getting the air bag into the spring takes great patience. Use a wooden spoon. The real trouble is the muffler is right in the way if you do the air lines as shown in the instructions. I did the passenger side first and ran the air line from underneath the spring above and along the rear "axle", tying it up as you go. Then I teed it near the driver side wheel and ran it back to the rear bumper. I drilled a 5/16" hole in the plastic below the bumper cover and mounted the valve. Inflated to 30 psi and did a test drive. Installed a cargo carrier and I (250 lbs) stood on it. The van barely dipped (maybe 1/4").

A word - those retainer clips for the air lines are not easy to work with and easy to bend. Use real pliers. Moving them up to secure the lines to the bags is not easy. Patience is required and you will be rewarded.

[gp4camping]

have any pictures of your install??

[rstanek]

After trying to figure out how to run the "t" to the rear and avoid the muffler/exhaust system, I found a small hole just in front of the rear tires and on both sides, and really close to the springs.

So something in my mind went "hey", and I sued these to mount the valves and opting for an install with each bag on it's own "circuit".

Pics are below?

[tonystewart]

Smart idea, I wish I had thought of that

[scubajoe]

I ran mine up into the cabin to avoid the exhaust. I haven't done it yet 'cause I need more air line, but I plan to add the "T" and tuck the fitting into the jack compartment. The advantage to having them on the same "circuit" is that both will have the same fill.

[edabbey]

Is anyone aware of a Canadian on-line distributor of air springs? I've found a couple of US based sites but I've been burned before by customs and brokerage fees. Thanks for your help!

[p220sigman]

Has anyone done an install with an on-board compressor? Curious about placement of the compressor and which system you got.

[jsm]

Is anyone aware of a Canadian on-line distributor of air springs? I've found a couple of US based sites but I've been burned before by customs and brokerage fees. Thanks for your help!

I bought mine @ Hitch City in Toronto. You could call Airlift and ask for a distrubutor near you.
Also, Goldwing Auto Care in Ottawa sells Airlift
Hitch City 5200 Dixie Rd. , Mississauga, Ontario L4W 1E4 905-625-4664 Hitchcity.com
Goldwing Auto Care 48 Colonade Road North, Ottawa, Ontario K2E 7J6 613-727-7000 Goldwingautocare.com

[powerslide]

I ran mine up into the cabin to avoid the exhaust. I haven't done it yet 'cause I need more air line, but I plan to add the "T" and tuck the fitting into the jack compartment. The advantage to having them on the same "circuit" is that both will have the same fill.

I like RSTANEK's mounting point. I plan to try the install next weekend and I think my plan will be to run the passenger side to the driver side, T-off and mount the bulkhead fitting in that hole. One circuit. One nicely concealed inflation point. I'll try to take pics along the way.

BTW, this purchase was in response to our camping trip over Memorial Day weekend in which we went tent camping with a loaded van, including rooftop carrier and a 5-bike hitch rack that resulted in about 2.5" of ground clearance.

[jh818]

Another trick when inserting the hoses, get soap water and Q-Tips. Wet the Q-Tip with the soap water and wet the inside of the hoses before attaching it to the air bags, T fittings, and valve. It will allow it to slide on better.

I used my son's bubble solution and it worked well.

Just a suggestion.

[RidgeRunnr]

I ran mine with the line out the top and you can secure the lines easier because you do not have to allow for spring travel. Installed my air valve on the hitch plate that is provided to fasten the trailer safety chains.