I am installing my new air bags Air Lift 89399 LoadLifter 5000 Ultimate Plus+. With my F450 on my two post lift and the rear axle hanging, the bags are about 3" short. I have set it down to finish the install but wonder if the bags are strong enough to not rip when I do lift it in the future. Thoughts?

Not a problem. Rubber stretches.

My Firestone airbags said not to let axle dangle by them. I've seen some guys install straps to support the axle/suspension.

My air bags also had warnings about lifting the vehicle by the frame without additional axle support. Most springs have more droop than the bags can handle resulting in eventual damage. Running a cargo strap between the axle and frame before lifting is the easiest prevention.

ScottG wrote:My Firestone airbags said not to let axle dangle by them. I've seen some guys install straps to support the axle/suspension.Airlift says the same thing. You can pull the metal plug out of the end of the bag if it gets pulled on "too" hard.https://www.airliftcompany.com/workshop/air-springs-off-road-driving/bradw

Ok that’s good to know. Almost wish I waited to install them. I’ll see about strapping the axle to the frame so I cal lift it again.

Air bags and using a vehicle lift | Good Sam Community

Grit_dog
Navigator
Feb 14, 2019
Not a problem. Rubber stretches.
ScottG
Nomad
Feb 14, 2019
My Firestone airbags said not to let axle dangle by them. I've seen some guys install straps to support the axle/suspension.
Bedlam
Moderator
Feb 14, 2019
My air bags also had warnings about lifting the vehicle by the frame without additional axle support. Most springs have more droop than the bags can handle resulting in eventual damage. Running a cargo strap between the axle and frame before lifting is the easiest prevention.
BradW
Explorer II
Feb 14, 2019
ScottG wrote:
My Firestone airbags said not to let axle dangle by them. I've seen some guys install straps to support the axle/suspension.

Airlift says the same thing. You can pull the metal plug out of the end of the bag if it gets pulled on "too" hard.

https://www.airliftcompany.com/workshop/air-springs-off-road-driving/

bradw
SoonDockin
Explorer II
Feb 14, 2019
Ok that’s good to know. Almost wish I waited to install them. I’ll see about strapping the axle to the frame so I cal lift it again.
GeoBoy
Explorer
Feb 14, 2019
SoonDockin, what TC did you decide on?
I see you bought an AF1140. I would return the air bags and contact Timbrens about a fit for your truck. No compressor required.
Grit_dog
Navigator
Feb 15, 2019
I stand corrected. But I’ve never had airbags that came with instructions or warning labels.
SoonDockin
Explorer II
Feb 15, 2019
I looked at the instructions that came with mine. No mention of it there either. I did loop a 20k ratchet strap from frame under the sway bar and back to the other side frame. Seemed to hold the rear up nicely. Still a bit unnerving working around it. I might look into timbrens if this gets to be an issue. Won't need to lift the truck that often. Just for oil changes and the like.
Optimistic_Para
Explorer
Feb 16, 2019
Over in the Four Wheel Drive world, Daystar Cradles are very popular with the people who have air bags. There is no need to attach the bottom of the airbags to the axle when using them, so the axle is free to drop as far as the springs will allow.

http://www.daystarweb.com/productdetail.php?productID=1232
AISURFFISH
Explorer
Feb 16, 2019
GeoBoy wrote:
SoonDockin, what TC did you decide on?
I see you bought an AF1140. I would return the air bags and contact Timbrens about a fit for your truck. No compressor required.

I could not agree more with this statement after having issues with airbags on my 2004 f 350 back in the day on multiple occasions I went with a different style of suspension upgrade personally I went with the torklift stable loads..

Never a moment's trouble since..