2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission 2001 overload airbags mounted inside the springs?

[CCooper]

Hi everyone, I am trying to find a set of heavy duty overload airbags for my 2001, 2500 4x4 that are mounted inside the springs. All that I can find for the 2001 are mounted on top of the spring and that does not leave enough room for my heavy duty tire chains that I frequently need here in Colorado. I found some for a 1994-1998 that mount inside the springs and emailed the MFG to find out the differences between the 2 kits but have not gotten any reply from them. Does anyone know of any that will mount inside the springs on a 2001 or the differences between the 2001 and the 1998?



Thanks C Cooper

 

[GreggNoble]

Hi, have you considered just buying some wheel spacers to give you the clearance for your chains? I know lots of guys use them they are on ebay!

 

[DGamelin]

Check on a AIRLIFT I just put some on my 04 I dont see why they wouldn't work on yours. I have firestones on my 93 and the airlift rides better. I think the bags are made of a softer material. I had to reinforce the lower bracket but the bags worked out good. Call the Gauge Store 317 865-1810 talk to the owner tell him what you want, air ride is all he dose.



_________________________

93 250 2wd xc 354 auto 278k

04. 5 3500 4wd qc dully 373 6speed 116k

 

[CCooper]

Thanks for the info guys, I had not thought of spacers will look in to them if I can't find some that will give me the needed clearence.

C Cooper

 

[charlessmith]

Check on a AIRLIFT I just put some on my 04 I dont see why they wouldn't work on yours. I have firestones on my 93 and the airlift rides better. I think the bags are made of a softer material. I had to reinforce the lower bracket but the bags worked out good. Call the Gauge Store 317 865-1810 talk to the owner tell him what you want, air ride is all he dose.

I've got Airlift's on my '96, and they are on the springs and the top is outside the frame rail. My '97 has Firestones which are on the axle inside the springs and the tops are inside the frame rail.

I've had two Firestones punctured by abrasions from being close to the frame on the left side. I finally installed a rub-barrier on the left, using the piece designed for the right side to protect the airbag from the exhaust pipe.

I don't see much difference in ride, but I think the Airlift mounts are stronger. I used larger than stock bolts to hold the top bag mounts to the frame. I sheared one of the original supplied bolts running 100 PSI in the bags with a 5000# camper load.

Make sure you use the separate air control switches, don't connect the two air bags directly together. If you do connect them together, you will gain a lot of side-to-side leaning as air from one bag goes into the other on turns.

 

[JMcCoy]

Carli also makes a "long" travel set of air bags for 3nd gens. I don't know if they will work on 2nd gens. BIG $$$ though. If you go with spacers, make sure they are of high quality. Not the Mr. Gasket ones at Auto Zone. Good luck. Please let us know how it works out.