"Elwood" the 77_remix

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by gringoloco

Much mo betta! What are you using to protect the lines where they pass through the framerails?

I slide a piece of fuel hose over the air line on individual lines. Where those are clustered together I have a rubber boot.

[N2TRUX]

Wiring, wiring, and more wiring. Yesterday Chris came over and we sorted out the wiring. I had planed to wait till I got in the cab to pull the Ride Pro E3 system. Unfortunately it was in my way and we decided it was time for it to go.

[N2TRUX]

With the E3 system clear we looked at where to mount the Ride Pro X processor. It will go inside a custom enclosure under the seat. Till we get inside the cab that will have to wait.

For now we ran the compressor turn on wires and pressure sensor line to the rear. That was combined with two power wires and tail light wiring in one loom.

[N2TRUX]

Chris and I analized how to terminate all the wires necessary to run the Viaair compressors. I hated having a big cluster of connectors, so we opted for a terminal strip.
I ran to the local electronics warehouse and grabbed a 4 junction 60 amp strip. I had hoped to get one that was weather proof, but they didn't have any.

[N2TRUX]

Since there wasn't a weather proof option, I made a cover myself. It's not weather tight, but it covers the exposed connections.

Each wire was precisely measure for fit, then terminals were swedged on and covered with marine grade shrink tube.
I had to modify the pressure sensor line so it was soldered and protected with weather proof shrink tube as well.

[N2TRUX]

With the wiring in place I topped the strip off with a protective cover. I will take it all apart to paint again. When I do final install all the long bolts will be cut short and braided wire loom added.

[N2TRUX]

Now that the wiring is wrapped up I can do the final assembly. I decided the air tanks needed to contrast a bit so I brushed the raw aluminum with 150 grit followed by a green Scotch Brite. I had planned to use satin clear but ran short so I was forced to use gloss instead. Not my first choice but I needed to move forward.

[N2TRUX]

I had previously installed all of the fittings and cinched them down. I mounted the tanks in place one last time and adjusted the fitting to the proper orientation to route the air lines. The lines were trimmed to length and pushed in place. I will check for leaks once the system is active.

[N2TRUX]

I had previously downloaded the Ride Pro X app on my Android phone. Its also available for you iPhone guys. Its becomes obvious that RideTech paid big money to have this app programmed. It has a very animated control screen with highly visible graphics.

I discovered that you must calibrate your system before some features are functional. Once I realized that your phone becomes married to the system after the calibration, the ease of operation was very simple.

[N2TRUX]

AwwWe needed to get the X management system up and running quickly. With out it I would have to rig an input line to air the system up so I could move the truck. Chris and I removed the Ride Pro E3 system and set it aside. We laid out the X components and mapped out a plan.

I will mount the electronics inside a custom enclosure under the seat. RideTech includes a cool bluetooth control that plugs in the cigarette lighter. Instead, I plan to install a 7" tablet to control and demo this app, along with others I will be using. Until then I connected the necessary wires and fired the system up. Its not pretty, but it is functional.

Once we get inside the cab and I'm able to route the wiring properly I will give more details on the RidePro X. Until then take a look here. RidePro X

[N2TRUX]

With no fuel in the system yet, I cant start the truck. Consequently, trying to run two ViAir 444c compressors off of a dead battery and charger was a lesson in frustration.

The Ridepro X system runs to compressors to 150 psi before shutting off. To calibrate it goes through 200+ small steps that use air and drain the tanks. This process should be done with the truck running, or on a high output charger, and mine was neither.

I finally had an epiphany and turned one compressor off. With a fully charged battery I was able to complete the calibration process. With that done I could set the 3 presets and finally take control the system.

[smbrouss70]

I'm at the same stage with mine. Another idea I had was to screw-in in a fitting for an air tool into an unused port on my tank and let the shop compressor do all the work.

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by smbrouss70

I'm at the same stage with mine. Another idea I had was to screw-in in a fitting for an air tool into an unused port on my tank and let the shop compressor do all the work.

I considered that option. I even bought a 3/8" T fitting to use. I decided it was to my advantage to get the system operational instead. That clock is running away and I'm chasing it.

[nuke1]

Truck is looking great Bud!!!!

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by nuke1

Truck is looking great Bud!!!!

Thank you. Its slowly coming together.

[N2TRUX]

It was a productive weekend at the @n2trux shop. I took a break Friday night for some quality time with my family. My wife and I took my daughter and son-in-law to dinner and had some much needed time together.

Saturday morning I helped a neighbor with a busted water pipe, then settled down in my shop. It was time to get the front suspension updated. I had some quality parts from RideTech and Wilwood that would give Elwood better handling and stopping ability.

[N2TRUX]

With the truck secure on jack stands, I let the air out of the bags and got busy. The complete 12" stock disc and 3" spindle assembly was going away to be replaced with Wilwood components. I opted for 13" rotors with 6 piston calipers. These are mounted on modular spindles from Wilwood as well. This should make a huge improvement in my stopping power.

[N2TRUX]

The current suspension was changed several years ago when RideTech developed the latest in air suspension. It included Strong arms tubular A arms, a Muscle Bar, sway bar and upper shock mount to add additional length for the HQ series shock.

[rustytruck50]

Looks great Ken! How much is changing on the front suspension or are you doing detail work?

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by rustytruck50

Looks great Ken! How much is changing on the front suspension or are you doing detail work?

The core of the system will remain unchanged. The shocks and mounts are new, along with the sway bar and it's mounts.

[moregrip]

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

With the wiring in place I topped the strip off with a protective cover. I will take it all apart to paint again. When I do final install all the long bolts will be cut short and braided wire loom added.

not many things better than a nice clean wiring setup!

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by moregrip

not many things better than a nice clean wiring setup!

I'm an Electronic Technician by trade, and I'm OCD as well. I cant help myself when it comes to details. especially wiring.

[N2TRUX]

I removed all of the RideTech suspension except the lower Strong Arms. I was able to strip them clean and prep for paint with them in place. The rest of the components were removed and prepped or replaced.

[N2TRUX]

While I was waiting for the painted parts to dry I kept busy building new tie rods. Mine were in good shape, but I had purchased new ones several years ago along with some cool billet adjusters from RideTech. I guess these are considered vintage now since they have the old Air Ride Technologies log on them.

[N2TRUX]

With the paint cured, I bolted the new upper shock mounts in place. If your not running these mounts on your lowered or bagged truck, you should be. There is no way a shorter shock has the same damping ability as a longer shock. By adding additional length you gain fluid capacity and travel.

The RideTech HQ shocks are adjustable so you can dial in your rebound and firmness preference. They have 24 positions to choose from. RideTech suggests starting in the middle and tune to your driving style.