I purchased compressor kit w/ 2 gal.air tank, dual control, Quick Shot System by Air-lift. I purchased thru http://www.truckspring.com, its a good site to compare systems, They carry both Air-Lift & Firestone kits, compressor systems and/or just the bags. The quick shot system w/ dual control allows adjusting air bags individually, also has a quick connect fitting with supplied hose to use for general air use (tires etc). Picked up a small accessary kit w/ blow nozzle etc.
Thanks to Mike turned out really cool install. We fabbed an aluminum plate and mount, bolted compressor on plate that puts the compressor up in between the bed walls. Wish Id taken pictures, Air tank I was able to bolt directly to frame. I also added a small water separator between the compressor and tank, available any hardware store. That took us one day, next day we ran the air lines & wiring. Air lines to switches run up inside body sheet metal under door sill, thru floor & into then up passenger door pillar, across dash to gage. The quick connect hose coupler and air intake filter line are installed back of pass seat. I figured air intake would be better inside getting drier air to tank. With hardware mounted, air lines and electrical run to dash loocation, all that was left was modifying my dash.
Not having any "under dash" on our 01 Ford I decided to remove guages and switch from supplied mount and install on dash. I used mount plate that gauge and switches came in for template for the hole sizes. I modified the relative locations a little bit-cant move them much with the stock tubing configuration of the switch setup. I also added a main switch that feeds power to the compressor. I didn't want it powered all the time (or not have the ability to easily turn off the compressor should a problem arise.
VERY carefully used dremel to cut it out dash-figured the worst could happen is having to make a plate to mount switches on then cover up dash mess 0r worst case Id have to buy a new plastic dash cover. MIke went inside-said he couldnt watch-ha. I succesfully cut out for gage and switches, mounted and finished hooking every thing up. Looks and works great. Some of you may have factory installed acc. in the location I used.
But it all worked-I like it. Its nice. I can get pretty level at camp just using the air bags. Its nice to adjust the air to road conditions, though I don't while driving. A word-the dual needle gauges are fairly deep- kinda hard to read. A bezel that angled gage up would be the ticket. Maybe next time. Ford dash panel pops off pretty easy for access - with a bit of persuasion after removing the radio, heater knobs etc. (Radio tool you can make out of stiff coat hanger, bend 2 U shapes w/bout 3" legs matching hole spacing on radio, insert into radio to release the internal clips).