Air-lift or Firestone?

[SeanM]

I have a 01 2500 q cab 4x4 tow package ls 4. 10. 6sp HO. first ? Which has better quality?

second ? Easy instalation? (ie drill/bolt on).

Third ? Cost bang for my buck.

 

[Short Stack]

Air Bags

I have the Air Lift, easy to install work good pulling my 5er. Before I installed them my overload springs when hooked to the 5er were about a half inch from touching so they were always hitting so I took them off and installed the bags, rides much nicer with 40 to 45# of air.

 

[BGlidewell]

IMO if you want a lot of control/automatic settings (= complex installation and $$$) - Airlift

If you want less expensive/less features and easier install - Fire Stone



I think quality (of the airbags) is going to be similar.

 

[SeanM]

Just got a look at a 92 ctd with firestone bags looks beefy/ straightforward thanks for the input,

 

[TGibbs]

Either way you have to drill the frame, I am taking a set from an 03-05 and mounting them the same way. Have to fabricate my own bracket for the top and also torch off the big lip on the block but then I wont have to cut the inside of my inner fenders!

 

[FDNYMOPARGUY]

Just installed a set of Firestone Airbags on my wifes '05. Easy install. About 40 minutes to do the first side, 15 minutes for the other side. No drilling involved. "Push to seal" air fittings seem to be holding air well. Much needed improvement for crappy 3g rear suspension. This truck is enjoyable to drive now, loaded or empty.

 

[tgrfan2]

Have had a set of Airlifts on my 95 for 7 years. Have had a set of FS on my 98 for 4 years. Both have been great. I may put a set on my 06 3500 and do away with the overloads. I guess I will choose based on $ and ease of installation.

 

[BMcGuffie]

Just a warning, on my buddy's '03, he has the firestones, don't rely on just the bags to carry the load, if it's too heavy, dont over inflate the bags, because they mount in a weak spot on the frame, and his frame is CRACKED above the bag on one side, guess we put too much tongue weight on the truck, won't do that again, but anyway, just a warning... . other than that the firestone kit is real nice and easy to install, i have it on 2 of my trucks...

 

[Prairiedog]

I've had Firestones on 2 trucks and they hold up great. They're also used in most industrial applications.

 

[tgrfan2]

Just a warning, on my buddy's '03, he has the firestones, don't rely on just the bags to carry the load, if it's too heavy, dont over inflate the bags, because they mount in a weak spot on the frame, and his frame is CRACKED above the bag on one side, guess we put too much tongue weight on the truck, won't do that again, but anyway, just a warning... . other than that the firestone kit is real nice and easy to install, i have it on 2 of my trucks...

How much weight did you have on that tongue? MY TT took 55# to level without equalizers. My fiver takes the same 55# to bring back to empty ride height and the pin wgt is 2700#!

 

[BMcGuffie]

im guessing we were grossing about 40,000 lbs. a Cat D4C dozer and a bunch of oilfield drill stem pipe in short lengths stacked up in front of it, too close to the truck evidently, but we had to move it in one load, sometimes you gotta do it... .....

 

[TRAMPLINEMAN]

I've installed both sets and both are fairly easy. One thing tho, the Firestone bags have metal safety collars on each end of the bag to hold the bags together while Airlift does not. If your truck is ever lifted by the frame letting the axles hang, the bags can and will tear apart. Firestone claims the rings will hold the bags together.