2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Air Bags - Firestone - 3500 dualie

[dpost]

I've had Firestone air bags on my 2002 dualie since new because I have a 11' truck camper (I may be overloaded). When first installed, I was running about 60 psi in the bags and kept breaking bag mounting bolts (grade 8). After several years of that I went back to the installer and they recommended removing the overload springs, which they did. After severl years of still breaking mounting bolts, they suggested using shims under the bottom leaf spring and going to 80 psi on the air bags, which I did. Haven't broken any bolts since then but I recently noticed that the air bag supports, both top and bottom are now slightly bent. I'm now thinking about going to a spring guy and adding another leaf spring. Anyone got any experience with this? Anyone with suggestions? Please give me a call at 253-926-0463........Thanks, Don Post

 

[SAndreasen]

Been thinking of getting air bags but after seeing this maybe not

 

[NIsaacs]

That's too much air, you are carrying most of the load on the bags. I would reinstall your overload springs and either space them up closer to the overload brackets or space them down. You need to engage them sooner so they carry more load. https://www.turbodieselregister.com/threads/252289-Quicker-factory-overload-spring-contact

Nick

 

[SAndreasen]

That's too much air, you are carrying most of the load on the bags. I would reinstall your overload springs and either space them up closer to the overload brackets or space them down. You need to engage them sooner so they carry more load. https://www.turbodieselregister.com/threads/252289-Quicker-factory-overload-spring-contact

Nick

So will the air bags work with monster loads if you shim the springs ??

 

[NIsaacs]

Is your dually a cab Chassis or pickup? My Ford dually is a cab chassis with heavy springs and overloads, I only use about 30 psi empty then load it up. I haul big loads with it. I would think you would be fine with bags.

Nick

 

[RustyJC]

I know mine is a 4th generation, but check out the pin weight (see my signature) that I'm supporting with the Firestone Ride Rite air bags. I'm running 37.5 PSIG to bring the truck level. The rule of thumb is 100 lbs of load should be carried by the bags per 1 PSI of air pressure - you're set up to carry 8000 lbs of load on the airbags. Either the bags or the shocks must be topped out when the truck is empty!! At 80 PSIG, I don't think the springs are even in play - they're just locating the rear axle. The bags and their mounts and fasteners are, in effect, taking ALL the suspension forces. I doubt they're designed to do that since they're helpers, not the primary suspension springs.

Rusty

 

[dpost]

If you don't have a truck camper, I wouldn't advise getting them. However, with a truck camper, and a way to readily adjust the pressure in the air bags, you can use the air bags to help level your rig............Don

 

[dpost]

Thanks for the input Nick. I just went to see a spring guy today. He will be making some custom overload springs for me........Don

 

[dpost]

After talking to a spring guy today, I believe I will be having some custom overloads installed...........Don

 

[dpost]

Right you are in all you said Rusty, as I learned today talking to a spring guy. I'll be having custom overload springs installed and go to a much lower air pressure............Don