Talk to a F-150 Sales Tech
1-888-706-1096
M-F 8:30A-11P, Sat-Sun 8:30A-9P
$20K Sweeps! 10 Chances to Win! Enter Daily >

How to Install Firestone Light Duty Air Command Single-Path Air Control System - Analog Gauge

Tools Required
  • 3/16" DRILL BIT
  • 1/4" DRILL BIT
  • WIRE CRIMPER/STRIPPER
  • PHILLIPS SCREW DRIVER
  • (2) 7/16" WRENCHES
  • 3/8" DRILL BIT
  • POWER DRILL
  • PLIERS
  • UTILITY KNIFE
  • CENTER PUNCH

AIR LINE & WIRING DIAGRAM



STEP 1—SELECT A MOUNTING LOCATION FOR THE CONTROL PANEL

Select a mounting surface under the dashboard or other protected location. Using the control panel as a template, mark each of the mounting points with a center punch. Drill a 3/16" diameter hole on each center mark see Figure “B”. Do not attach the control panel at this time.

STEP 2—PREPARE THE COMPRESSOR

Install the 1/8" NPT straight fitting into the head of the air compressor
see Figure “A” (Torque to 30 -in. lb).


STEP 3—MOUNT THE COMPRESSOR

Begin by removing the negative battery cable. Select a convenient location to mount the compressor. This location should provide ample air flow and be protected from airborne debris and moisture. Mark and drill four 3/16" holes using the compressor as a template for the hole location. Any burrs in the holes should be removed to prevent damage to the rubber isolators. Mount the compressor using the supplied 10-32 x 1" machine screws, 10-32 lock nuts, and 3/16" washers, see Figure “A”. Over tightening will crush the brass insert and the rubber isolator, reducing vibration isolation. Before drilling, ensure that there are no electrical, fuel, or brake lines on the opposite side of the mounting surface that can be damaged by the drill. Attach the ring connector on the compressor to a suitable ground source on the vehicle see Figure “A”.


STEP 4—ROUTE THE AIR LINE

Before installing the air line tubing, ensure that there is no pressure in the air springs. To release the air pressure, remove the valve core from the inflation valves or release the pressure by using a tire gauge to depress the valve stem.


A) Compressor to control panel

Cut a piece of air line tubing that will reach from the control panel to the compressor. Cut the air line tubing as squarely as possible and install the tubing on to the barbed fitting on the back of the switch marked SUP (supply) see Figures “A” & “C”. Before attaching the air line tubing to the control panel, soak the end (1") of the air line in warm water for a few minutes to soften the tubing. Do not use pliers to work the tubing on to the barbed fitting, as the tubing may be damaged. It may be necessary to drill a hole in the firewall to route the tubing. Do not fold or kink the tubing. Ensure that the tubing is protected from sharp edges when passing through the firewall.

B) Control panel to air springs

Cut a length of air line tubing that will reach from the control panel to the rear of the vehicle. Slide the tubing as far as possible onto the barbed fitting marked DEL (delivery) on the back of the paddle switch see Figures “A” & “C”. Before attaching the air line tubing to the barbed fitting on the gauge panel, soak the end of the tube (1") in hot water for a few minutes to soften the tubing. Do not use pliers to work the tubing on to the barbed fitting, as the tubing may be damaged. Install a T-fitting on the opposite end of the tubing at the rear of the vehicle. Route a length of air line tubing from the T-fitting to each air spring. Use the suppled nylon ties to secure the tubing to the vehicle. Make sure that the tubing is protected from sharp edges when passing through the firewall.

STEP 5—ATTACH THE CONTROL PANEL TO THE DASHBOARD

Place the air control panel on the dash where the holes were drilled in Step 1. Using the provided machine screws and nuts, attach the air control panel to the dashboard or other selected mounting surface see Figure “B”.

STEP 6—ROUTE THE ELECTRICAL WIRE

Install the relay within three feet of the compressor. Nylon ties can be used to secure any excess wire and the relay neatly into place. Route the white wire labeled “Switch Panel” to the control panel. Connect the white wire to one of the white wires on the back of the switch. The remaining white wire will be grounded to the vehicle. Next, connect the orange wire labeled “Comp ” to the red (positive) wire on the compressor. Connect the red, fused wire labeled “Bat ” from the relay to the battery or another 12V (positive) source capable of supporting 20 amps. See Figure “A”.

STEP 7—CHECK THE SYSTEM

With the Light Duty Air Command™ kit and your air helper springs installed, you are ready to test the system. Reattach the negative battery cable. Turn on the vehicle’s ignition. Push the paddle switch up to inflate the air springs. The gauge will display how much air pressure is in the air springs. Inflate the air helper springs to 70 psi, or the maximum pressure of the air springs, whichever is less, and check the fittings for air leaks with an applied solution of soap and water. If a leak is detected at a tubing connection, check to make sure that the tube is cut as square as possible and that it is pushed completely into the fitting. The tubing can easily be removed from the fitting. First, release the pressure from the air spring. Push the collar towards the body of the fitting and pull out the tube.

SYSTEM OPERATION

The Light Duty Air Command™ kit allows the air springs to be inflated from the inside of the vehicle. Push the paddle switch up to inflate the air springs and push the paddle switch down to deflate the air springs.