Firestone Air Bags

[MasterChief]

Hey All,



I am going to have a set of air bags installed next week. My question for you is, should I have an electric air pump installed or go manual? If I go with the pump, where is the best place to install the pump, gage and switch?



Thanks

Mike

 

[jelag]

Mike. .



We purchased 3 sets of Air Lifts from Summit Racing for our 3500 duallys... we used the air from the exhaust brakes to power the air bags as well as the air horns... . I picked the Air Lift brand becuase of the way it mounted on the axle... over the other brands... And Summit Racing because of the price... .



On the air lift brand you remove the rubber snubber and install. . very straight forward. . we put on the 5000 lb kit and use an air regulator to change the air pressure as the load in the trailer changes.....



You don't mention a exhaust brake, but the 06 48re has been upgraded to function well with an exhaust brake. . we're pacbrake distributors and have helped many on the TDR with an exhaust brake..... this would kill two birds here as the electric compressor mounted on the engine would take care of both needs... . and save your service brakes on those hills.....



Just my thoughts... hope it helps. .

 

[Sixpac2]

on my 04. 5 3500 I installed the firestone bags. They also mount where the jouice bumper is and are a no drill application. I went with out the pump for a while, BUT what a pain to fine tune the bags. I then bought the pump and had a hard time to find a place to mount it. I finally mounted the pump under the driver side back seat and the controller under the driver front seat. Ran the air lines under the carpet next to the wire runs. I just load up the fiver and can adjust the air from under the seat and then hop in a go. The firestones are made well and in the long run I think you would be much happier to be able to adjust the air with a flip of a switch. Good luck

 

[CLAYTON]

The Firestone Ride Rites and the Air lifts install exactly the same. Both took about 45 minutes to install and is very easy and straight forward. I would hook up the compressor now if you could. I still need to hook one up. You'll be happy with either one. This place Suspension Connection has always seemed to have good pricing. Plus they have free shipping.

 

[JRG]

I didn't use my pump (yet) I placed the fill valves next to each other inside the fuel door. I don't have to run from side to side, and use my battery jump box w/ built in compressor. Works for me for the small amount of time I have to muck w/ it.



JRG

 

[CLAYTON]

I connected the lines together and have one valve that comes out by my licence plate. I figure my 5th wheel puts the pressure right in the middle anyway. If I had a camper or my payload varied I would put in separate valves.

 

[GFritsch]

Picture of air bags, compressor, and tank in my readers rig section. Feel free to pm me if you have any questions. (I won't be checking TDR again until monday)



Greg

 

[Big MAK]

I have the firestone bags and am happy with them. I mounted the pump in my in-bed toolbox; controller in the cab. Although I use the controller so infrequently maybe I should put it in the toolbox too... only time I need it is to pump up or air down when I hook or unhook the trailer. You can get an adapter and attachment to use the pump for airing tires and so on.

 

[crobertson1]

I HIGHLY recommend the on-board controls. It really makes for a sweet setup. The convenience is awesome. You can see my setup here:



https://www.turbodieselregister.com/user_gallery/displayalbum.php?&userid=15030&albumid=16888

 

[MasterChief]

Thanks Everyone

Thanks for all the great ideas and advice. I think I will go with the pump. I like the idea of having the pump and switch installed inside my tool box.



v/r

Mike