Suspension Air bags

pianotuna wrote:
Hi,

So how do you decide on inflation pressure? Is it just intended to make the vehicle level? I have air bags--but they are manual so there is no way to adjust them "on the fly".

You are only supposed to return the truck to stock ride height, no more. Per their instructions.

I've got a pair of FS Ride rites on my DodgeVan and love them.

10 more PSI in the drivers bag levels it out. Generally keep 15 passenger side 25PSI drivers side to keep the same height between tire and wheel well lip front and rear.

Greatly reduced lean in turns and being pushed around on the highway by big rigs. 50 PSI rides rough adds 2 inches of height, but turns flat. I believe increasing the rear ride height too much stresses the U joints more and reduces front suspension caster which increases highway wandering.

100 PSI adds over 4 inches to rear ride height compared to 0 PSI.

Individually plumbed with the Shrader valves inside the van, and a masterflow mv-50 next to them. Takes about 35 seconds to reach 100 psi per bag.

Great for leveling out campsites/ parking spots.

Hi,

So how do you decide on inflation pressure? Is it just intended to make the vehicle level? I have air bags--but they are manual so there is no way to adjust them "on the fly".

I DIY'd the 5,000 lb Airlift kit & dash controls on the Tiger about 4 years ago. The ride quality improved markedly, with just 20-30 psi. The bags take that short thick bottom leaf out of play in normal driving.... traded "slamming" for "bouncing". Rancho 9000 shocks helped that. The old AirLift compressor from another kit died pretty quickly, and I replaced it with a $25 unit from Harbor Fright.

Main tip is not to install them with a single fill point. That'll increase sway.
Change the rear shocks if they're at all weak, since air has no self-damping quality, unlike steel springs.

I also DIY'd a 1000 lb kit on my '95 Toyota SR5 4x4 pickup in '98. So far no, problems.

Jim, "You're just jealous because the voices are talking to me."

Yep, Timbrens can give a hard ride. Super Springs has a similar product, with a progressive spring constant. This makes a softer ride. Within their rubber material are lots of tiny air bubbles.

I don't like the air bags on my C MH. The more air in them, the bouncier the rear gets.

Sal

Adam-12 wrote:
I had Timbrens and didn't like them. It's like wedging a hockey puck in to level the load. I switched to Firestone "Air Springs" (bag) and have never looked back.

Moved from DIY

2nd F250, 2nd set of Firestone Ride Rite's.

I like for my truck to have the normal stance that it would have when empty. I realize it isn't necessary, but I just prefer it. It feels better, it looks better, and the headlights fall on the road where they should.

After various iterations, I've put a 12V compressor under the hood, just forward of the battery. Quick-disconnects both to hold it down and to connect the air, plus an air gage right there to show what I've inflated to. Works great, very handy, and I can pull the compressor out for other jobs whenever needed. Got the additional parts for hookup from truckspring.com, including a check valve for just a few $$.

I had Timbrens and didn't like them. It's like wedging a hockey puck in to level the load. I switched to Firestone "Air Springs" (bag) and have never looked back.

Inflating is so easy, my kid does it with a manual bicycle pump. With my 2500HD loaded and the heavy trailer, my truck is perfectly level and no porpoising down the 101 freeway.

They can really take a heavy load. I also run my truck off road all the time and I've never ever sprung a leak. They are ultra reliable in my opinion.

I put Airlift 5000 on my 2012 Ford F250.I have a 34 foot travel trailer.I also have the Blue ox system also.Blue Ox says to deflate your airbags when using there system which is ok BUT You will never get your vehicals perfectly level so I found that I can adjust the ride better with the trailer level and the tow vehical level.After hookup I run about 20 to 24 pounds of air and though it does not sound like much it is.I have an on board compressor and can adjust as I drive down the road.I adjust untill I have a good feel at the steering wheel.Another great use is hooking up as once I am under the trailer hitch I can lower the trailer so far and then run up to 90 pounds and close the latch and the pull the trailer out of where i parke it then straight in my long driveway then set the trailer jack down,drop the air to 5 pounds then hook up the blue ox system.By the way when I put the trailer on board there is absolutly no sag at 90 pounds.Also when you load the truck bed with all your gear you can set your air accordingly.To me airbags are a must have and you will find many reasons and find yourself using them for lots of situations.I prefer Airlift over the Firestones as they have a great track record ( to many horror stories about Firestons )and are the manufacturer for most of your big tractor trailer trucks.One more thing I am very mechanical but they are not an easy install so save yourself some greif and have it done by someone who does them all the time.I am glad I spent the money to have it done as I watched them install mine and they looked like they were not having fun installing them.

Chris Bryant wrote:

WeBeFulltimers wrote:
My firestones worked well, but only lasted 2 years. Replaced with Timbrens at the advice of an owner of a snow plow business. He was right...love my Timbrens!

Why did you pay to replace them?- they have a lifetime warranty. Just about every air suspension semi tractor you see uses the very same Firestone bags. I suspect you may have had AirLift- not Firestone.

They were Firestones without question. One of them developed a leak in the bag while quite a distance from home. Did not have the time to worry with warranty hassles. Not so sure mine had lifetime warranty. Still stand by my decision to go with Timbrens.

BTW, I drove OTR for 20 years on many trucks with airbags. Yes, they had Firestones, but MUCH better quality than one puts on a pickup.