2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Firestone Air Bag install

[Nate]

Hey guys, looking for a little advice on a Firestone Air Bag install. I'm right in the middle of doing this, so I hope putting it in the "911" section will get more views.



My truck is a 98 2500. I took the overloads off since I got the kit which is for non-overload trucks.



Now the springs don't sit parallel to the trucks frame, so when I put the air bag in place, the frame bracket is at an angle to the frame.

Now to me, that seems like the most logical way to place it.



But, the Firestone instructions say to have 1 1/2" from the top and bottom of the frame from where you drill the holes... leaves a narrow margin.



So is it safe to mount the bag without putting spacers so it's parallel to the spring... not to the frame, or should I use the weak looking spacers to level the bag and place it in the middle of the frame?



I've attached pics to show what I'm talking about.

 

[CStraface]

I would say spacers. You want your bag to be level at ride height (which will be achieved with the spacers) that way you get the full benefit of the bag. If your truck is under load, and you have that bag tweaked at an angle (which would happen in the first pic/app) you will be putting a lot of stress on the seams of the bag (top and bottom). This will cause premature failure, and a less desirable ride and benefit from the bag.

 

[Nate]

Well I went to the trucks pulls this afternoon and the trucks I saw with bags all had them like in the first pic. So that's what I'm going to do.

There was an F-550 with a set that had the metal bracket that goes on the leaf spring bent into a "U"... I guess from ALOT of weight and the bags were still fine.