AirLift Bags = No Wheel Travel!

[PHeadings]

Tried a new set of airLift bags last week and I fell like I am in my low rider truck again. These things have zero down travel. I will pull them out as soon as I get a chance. anyone else have this problem?

 

[Bob4x4]

The stock overloads have to come off before adding the bags.



Bob

 

[MMeier]

Buddy of mine is still running the factory overloads with no problems, loaded or empty. Planning on getting a set for mine here soon also.

 

[SHyans]

The stock overloads have to come off before adding the bags.



Bob

I was just researching these on the web today. I was looking at the pdf instructions the Firestone air bags... first step is to remove the "jounce bumpers". Are these the same as the stock overloads. (????)

 

[MMeier]

I was just researching these on the web today. I was looking at the pdf instructions the Firestone air bags... first step is to remove the "jounce bumpers". Are these the same as the stock overloads. (????)

The jounce bumpers are directly above the axle on each side. The overloads(in my book anyhow) are the seperate leaf springs on top of the others(i. e. camper springs).

 

[SHyans]

The jounce bumpers are directly above the axle on each side. The overloads(in my book anyhow) are the seperate leaf springs on top of the others(i. e. camper springs).

That's what I assumed, but the Firestone directions say nothing about removing any overloads. ANyone out there with positive experiences with the air bags?

 

[Big MAK]

The plate where the airbag is mounted bolts to the same spots as the bump stops -- that's why you remove the bump stops. The 'camper springs' (the extra leaf) are something completely different.



I ran Firestone airbags quite a while -- they should make no difference at all to how you ride until you put enough air in them. Kept mine at 5 lbs unless I was towing or heavily loaded.

 

[Toshiro]

Firestones here, no problems, overload not removed, 5lbs of air empty, 85lbs of air with my 3400lb camper. Truck rides great in both situations. The camper does rock front to back a bit but that's a different problem to figure out...

 

[MMeier]

You guys already running them, are you using the on board compressor and dash mounted fill/ release also?

 

[Lorenz]

Airbags limit your travel to 6".

 

[CDonaldson]

I'm running the Firestone Ride Rites, removed the bump stops to install them. The overload springs stay in place. Great ride! I am running 10lbs empty and the air up to accomodate the load, they give the formula in the handout that came with the bags. As far as the front to rear bob, I'm installing the KORE HD Leveling kit up front, that should end that issue. I am also planning to put Bilstein shocks in the back same as are going in the fornt. The suspension should then have balance side to side and front to back.



CD

 

[Cattletrkr]

Airbgs aren't meant to smooth out big bumps, just minimize the small ones while allowing you to carry extra weight somewhat level. When I'm loaded, mine only have about 2-3" of travel... but that's not their fault. It probably has more to do with the 30K trailer... . :-laf

 

[PHeadings]

I think you guys are missing the point. With the AirLift you remove the rear bump stops which are 3" tall. In it's place you insert the 6" or so air bag which in turn you just lost about 3" of up travel.

 

[MMeier]

I think you guys are missing the point. With the AirLift you remove the rear bump stops which are 3" tall. In it's place you insert the 6" or so air bag which in turn you just lost about 3" of up travel.

 

[ColemanR]

Love my air bags would not tow without have on board air compressor and tank,gauges. in cab switches

 

[Task125]

I have a KORE recon with my firestone air bags,Love them they work great when pulling my 10,000 dump trailer. My truck sits level empty but if I hook up trailer and load up quads and tools for the woods it sags and I hate that look and the way it feels when driving. air bags bring it back to level and firm up the ride.

 

[Bob4x4]

Carli suspension is working on a long travel airbag system for those that want to use airbags and still have decent travel off road... ..... And for those that are happy adding air bags on top of the overloads... ... ... ..... you don't know what you are missing.



Bob

 

[turbinesurgun]

if you are gonna take them off are you interested in selling them? Just wanted to ask if so PM me please. Doesnt hurt to ask

 

[y-knot]

I don't know what or how you mounted your air bags, but to get my to work and mount properly I had to remove the overload spring pack. Know I do not miss it, the Air Bags more then make up for them. My air bag also help smooth out the road, and it is very noticeable, empty or loaded. If you are not going to invest the time and money to install an on-board air compressor, with the right controls to properly inflate or deflate the bags, then do nothing and save yourself the headache and money. I would rather not have any air bag system, then to have an half/assed one, the beauty of the system is in the control.

I also use the BFG Velvet ride Shackles, they help smooth out the ride as well.

 

[JohnCooper]

Carli suspension is working on a long travel airbag system for those that want to use airbags and still have decent travel off road... ..... And for those that are happy adding air bags on top of the overloads... ... ... ..... you don't know what you are missing.



Bob

Bob, I'm with you on this one. Why would you leave the overload spring (I don't know if you can call it a spring) on there. I want to put airbags on so that I can remove that damn thing and still tow my trailer. I will be talking to Carli before I make any changes.



John