Air lift 1000 install pictures?

[jh818]

I would put the disc on the top.

[wiswind]

Instead of starting a new thread, I thought that some folks might like some pictures added to the excellent pictures posted here......that show the installation of the air bags on a 1st Gen (2003) sienna.
As has been mentioned, use WIDE pliers to install the hose clamps.
I installed with the air fill tube pointed down.

This picture shows the air bag with the air pressed out.....note how the "top" is pressed out....not folded over, this is important for a EASY insertion into the spring.


This picture shows the air bag part way into the spring.....



This picture shows the routing of the air hose on the passenger side, zip tied to the brake line at thumb and the parking brake cable at finger.


This picture shows the passenger side routing from under the vehicle.....zip tied to the parking brake cable and then UP to the steel lines as shown
to hold the air hose HIGH above the exhaust as it is routed to the driver's side, passing between the rear of the gasoline tank and the front of the vapor recovery unit.


Here the arrow indicates the "T" connector with the air hose for inflation adjustment routed straight back (avoiding the spare tire) and to a grommet into the luggage compartment that is located near the rear of the floor pan, driver's side.


Arrow indicates the air hose going through a small hole in the center of the grommet.


Here is a interior view with the base trim panel removed and carpet pulled back.
The air hose will be routed under the base trim panel along with the other wires....and into the jack compartment.

[sfhondapilot]

Greatly appreciate everyone posting their experiences and pictures. I decided to order the Air Lift 1000 as my Hidden Hitch kept catching on my driveway, among other places.

Installed the Air Lift last night (with the nozzles up and the disk on top). Routed the air line through one of the rubber plugs, located under the third row 40% seat, then under the carpet to the side trim then along the trim and exiting by the jack bay. Haven't tucked everything into the jack bay, yet cause I expect to be installing wiring for a trailer soon and I figured I'd get everything packed into that bay at that time.

The hardest part was that I had parked the van too close to the garage wall and it took me forever to jack up that side of the car (note to self: gotta get a floor jack).

[DTJ9610]

Thank you to everyone that provided input and pictures. A special thanks to powerslide as I followed his detailed instruction and pictures to a "T" and was able to replicate his mounting. Took a little over 2 hrs due to jack height making it difficult to maneuver. Otherwise tested the pressure and as of last night was still holding. I'll check again tonight after work and hopefully we are set.

1 step down 2 to go. Dealer is swapping out the current hitch for Class III and installing break control on Wed. Will pick up the camper then and hit the road for our 1st trip on Friday. I'll take some pics and let everyone know how the maiden voyage went.

[DTJ9610]

Stupid question.

I ran the nozzel out the top of the coil. However I place the disk at the bottom thinking it was there for support. Do I need to swith this to the top?

[brian_bp]

I ran the nozzel out the top of the coil. However I place the disk at the bottom thinking it was there for support. Do I need to swith this to the top?

My Coil-Rite set didn't come with this sort of disk. It could be to protect the bag from sharp edges on the spring perches - in which case it could be needed on either end but apparently is needed on neither - or it could just be a spacer to fit the bag length to the space (which is what the Firestone rep suggested when I called). I don't see any connection to the hose fitting. Whatever the reason, with my kit in my Sienna is apparently is not required.

[sfhondapilot]

Stupid question.

I ran the nozzel out the top of the coil. However I place the disk at the bottom thinking it was there for support. Do I need to swith this to the top?

I would switch it. IMO, the disk is designed to protect the nozzle.

[brian_bp]

It seems to me that if the bag moves so much that the hose fitting is in danger of damage from the edges of the hole in the spring perch, it must not be inflated and something is significantly wrong.

[DTJ9610]

Well I had looked under last night and say I'm now missing a disk. Hopefully it cam out when the dealer installed the hitch. If nt does ayone have any suggestions for a replacement. I assume I could just get some hard plastic and cut out the same diameter. Just not sure where to get a nice thick piece of plastic like that. Had the disk been on top where the hose was it would have held in place by that... UGH!!


Update: Nevermind. Called the company and there are sending out another set at no charge. I guess the disc cost about $4 so the rep didn't bother charging.

[wiswind]

From what you have experienced......I would guess that the best place for the disk is on the end that you have the air hose connection.
This will keep the disk from falling out.

[DTJ9610]

Anyone have issues with the hose melting. I had followed "powerslide's" instructions and everything seemed to work out great. Will say I love the way the plug sits in the fuel cover. However, I did have on issue already. I ran the hose from driver to passanger side behind that "v" shaped metal bar running from side to side (rear axel beam per robo 5). In one hole, ran it along and out the other end. However my hose snapped in the middle which appears to have been from melting. Curious if anyone else ran into this at all or if there were other suggestions on how to run the hose.

[brian_bp]

In a 2WD second-generation Sienna, the muffler is immediately ahead of the axle beam, which would certainly be a heat source. I have not had any melting problems, but I didn't run either line beside the muffler. Also, keep in mind that the axle beam twists whenever there is a difference in suspension movement between the two rear wheels, so mounting needs to account for some movement.

[rckymtnsienna]

I essentially followed powerslide's installation. I figured I would post my pics up. I jacked up under the drivers side spring perch. Being a Jeep guy I am used to flexy vehicles. The Sienna did now flex. I didn't get it very far in the air before both side were up. I put my jack stands under the hitch. My install took me over 3 hrs, but I am a bit of a bull in a china shop so I went slow to make sure I didn't break any clips on the interior panel and I triple checked everything before I drilled and so on.


Here are my pics.










Overall it was pretty simple. I installed the drivers side with the air hose attached and not deflated. I installed the drivers side with the bag deflated and the cap put back on. No air hose attached. Most of my time was being careful talking the interior panel off and putting it back on.

I aired up to 35 psi for 24 hrs. The bottom of my hitch was at 10.5" but aired up it was 10.75" off the ground. I didn't notice alot of difference in feel until I hit some speed bumps. Then it felt like a tank.

Thanks for the writeups and pics guys!!

[rckymtnsienna]

Inside

[rckymtnsienna]

Underside