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Air Ride Installation on a 1976 Ford F-100: A Step-by-Step Guide

Bolt-on Air Ride for a Classic Ford F-Series

As editors of F-Series Builders Guide, we’re always on the lookout for innovations that blend the classic charm of Ford trucks with modern performance and ease of installation. Recently, we had the pleasure of installing Ridetech’s air-ride suspension system on a 1976 Ford F-100, and we’re are extremely impressed with the results.

The challenge with classic Ford F-100 and F-150 trucks lies in upgrading their suspension while preserving their original character. These trucks were built tough for a different era, prioritizing reliability over corner-carving agility. However, with the Ridetech suspension system, we found a solution that perfectly balances heritage with handling.

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One of the standout features of Ridetech’s system is its ease of installation. The complete bolt-in suspension system replaces the factory front crossmember with a stout, bolt-on alternative. Designed to align seamlessly with the original rivet holes in the frame, installation is straightforward with basic hand tools and a bit of elbow grease. The result? A front suspension that’s not only stronger and more rigid than the original, but also significantly improves ride quality and handling.

At the heart of the system is the “Fox Mustang” style steering rack, a popular and easily accessible component. Combined with control arms featuring pre-installed ball joints and Delrin bushings, Ridetech ensures smooth, squeak-free performance with options for customizable caster settings. Compared to other aftermarket options, Ridetech’s system stands out for its structural integrity and uncompromised suspension geometry, making it a superior choice for enthusiasts seeking both performance and simplicity.

Moving to the rear of the truck, Ridetech employs a proven 4-link design to achieve a low stance while retaining full bed floor utility and load capacity. The bolt-in C-notch further enhances the frame’s strength, providing all necessary mounts for control arms and Panhard bar. Whether opting for Shockwaves or coilovers, both options elevate the truck’s ride and handling to new heights.

Ridetech’s suspension system offers a transformative experience for classic Ford truck enthusiasts. With its easy installation, robust construction, and exceptional ride quality, it’s a must-have upgrade for anyone looking to take their F-Series to the next level.

Ridetech’s complete bolt-in suspension
01. Ridetech’s complete bolt-in suspension removes the entire factory front crossmember in favor of our bolt-on front crossmember. Utilizing the popular “Fox Mustang” style steering rack, the control arm’s ball joints include Delrin bushings for smooth, squeak-free, long-lasting performance. They also provide options for caster so you can set your truck up as aggressively as you want. A proven 4-link design provides a low stance and still retains full use of the bed floor and load capacity of the truck. The Ridetech bolt-in C-notch is designed actually to improve the strength of the original frame and provides all the mounts for our new control arms and Panhard bar.
Prepare 1976 Ford F-100 to install parts
02. We used a super clean 1976 Ford F-100 for this install. This made it easier to take off the factory installed parts!
Front suspension removed
03. The front suspension was removed first after spraying a generous amount of WD-40 to loosen the threads.
come off sway bar and steering link
04. Next to come off was the sway bar and steering link. This freed up the frontend so we could get it all out in one shot.
Truck lifted off the front crossmember
05. Now the truck could be easily lifted off the front crossmember and moved out of the way all in one piece.
some cuts
06. Some simple cuts to make extra room for the new parts were made before we cleaned and painted the front frame rails.
New upper shock mounts bolted onto the frame
07. Now the new upper shock mounts could be bolted onto the frame.
New front crossmember
08. Next up was the new front crossmember. A few holes needed to be drilled in the frame and the included hardware bolted it all in place.
New upper control arms
09. The new upper control arms include Delrin bushings for a smooth, squeak-free long life, and the cross shaft allows for easy alignment and use of caster slugs. These also have adjustable steering stops.
upper control arms bolted
10. The upper control arms bolted to the new brackets with the supplied hardware.
lower control arms
11. The lower control arms went on next, again using the supplied hardware.
install airbags
12. We chose to install airbags on this truck, but you can pick coilovers as well. The process is the same; we just bolted in the option we chose.
Ridetech’s tall “pin” spindle
13. This kit utilizes Ridetech’s tall “pin” spindle, which uses “AFX brake kits.”  Many brake kits (including Wilwood) are dual-drilled for a 5×4.5- or 5×4.75-inch lug pattern.
spindle bolted
14. Now the spindle could be bolted on along with the brake caliper bracket.
hub spindle
15. Optional “hub” spindles offer the same geometry improvements as the pin spindle but add the performance and simplicity of late model Mustang hubs and brakes.
Inserting the cotter pins in spindle
16. The last step on the spindle install was inserting the cotter pins—don’t skip this step!
Sway bar holes marked
17. The sway bar holes were marked and drilled next. Ridetech is well known for its beefy front and rear sway bars.
Install new muscle bar
18. With the holes drilled, we could install the new muscle bar using the provided hardware.
Sway bar end links
19. We followed that up by attaching the sway bar end links.
front brake calipers
20. The front brake calipers could be installed, and we could now move to the rear of the truck.
Taking off the bed floor
21. Taking off the bed was the first step, and we hope you have a few friends to help because these classic Ford truck beds are heavy!!
leaf springs removed
22. The leaf springs were the first part of the rear suspension we needed to remove.
leaf spring shackles and hangers
23. Followed by the leaf spring shackles and hangers.
rear 4-link suspension kit from Ridetech
24. The rear 4-link suspension kit from Ridetech includes a parallel 4-link with Panhard and C-notch. It works with coilover or Shockwave airbags.
rear C-notch
25. The rear C-notch is not a fun job, but it’s not a tough job either. We simply used the provided paper template to mark and notch the rear frame with a cutoff wheel.
Drilled the mounting holes
26. With the frame notched, cleaned, and puff-can painted, we placed the new bracket in the frame and drilled out the mounting holes.
All the hardware install
27. All the hardware needed to install this kit is provided with the kit.
rear link bars
28. The rear link bars include R-joints on all links for smooth, bind-free, quiet operation and long life. This setup is engineered for an optimized roll center and anti-squat (60% anti-dive) for amazing traction and elimination of wheel hop. It also reduces rear weight by 50 pounds!
Axle brackets bolted to the new C-notch bracket
29. Next up were the axle brackets that bolted to the new C-notch bracket.
lower Shockwave mounts bolted to the brackets
30. The lower Shockwave mounts bolted directly to the brackets we just installed.
Add new link bars
31. Now we could add the new link bars which are thick and solid—perfect for a high performance classic truck.
New Shockwave air bag install
32. The last suspension piece to install was the new Shockwave air bag. Again, you can choose coilovers also if you would rather go that route.
Put the bed floor back
33. It was then time to put the bed back on. Remember to lift with your legs, not your back!
1976 Ford F-100 Black Truck Side View
34. Here is what our truck looked like with the factory wheels installed. It’s hammered but those wheels need to go.
1976 Ford F-100 Black Truck
35. Voilâ! The difference a set of wheels makes on a classic truck is immeasurable. Easy install, dramatic upgrades to performance and looks—we can’t recommend this kit enough!

 

Photo Credit: Ridetech

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