2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Firestone Air Helper Springs

[Silver Ratler]

I am looking at adding air helper springs to the rear of my 2001 3500 4x4. Firestone says the the part I need is their #2071 kit that does require drilling the frame. No problem with that... ... The problem is that they state "they will not work with fifth wheel or goose neck hitches".



Having a fifth wheel that could be a problem... ... I assume that the issue is the brackets that attach the hitch rails to the frame.



Does anyone know for sure what the issue is and does anyone have any experience adding these to an '01 with a hitch??



Need some help... .....

 

[ABennin]

Recently installed Firestone 5000lb airbags on my father's truck. I think it is the same kit you have listed. Very nice kit and work well. He has the reese fifth wheel rails and there was no issues with the install. He has the type of rails that go across the box, not the ones that run along the wheel wells front to back. His truck is a '98 so it should be similar. I remember when we did it there was something about additional leaf springs such as those in the camper package. The bottom bracket strap with the kit goes under the additional leaf sping not under the main leaf pack. That was one thing that stuck out in my mind when we installed them. The instructions explain it well.

 

[mfurrh55]

i PUT A SET ON A TRUCK SAME AS YOURS AND HAD NO PROBLEMS WITH IT, PULLED 5TH WHEEL AND 36FT. GOOSENECK, 38 FT. GOOSENECK, dON'T KNOW WHAT PROBLEM WOULD BE, JUST DRILLED THE HOLES AND ATTACHED THE BRACKETS , SET THE BAGS UPON THE SPRING PLATE ,WORKED FINE FOR 7 YRS. , gOOD LUCK

 

[Cosmo]

My 98 2500 has a gooseneck ball and I had to slightly trim the brackets due to interference. Not a big deal. Go for it.

 

[ALSAN]

I had them on my 02 with a Cody gooseneck hitch and a set of 5th wheel hitch rails in the bed no problems with the install or operation

 

[HHhuntitall]

If you have a hitch like the B&W where the support plates come down the side of the frame, there could be an alignment problem, as the upper airbag bracket will be pushed outward around 1/4-1/2", while your airbag stays centered on top of the springs. I've replaced several that the air bags had holes rubbed in them from the inside bolt heads or edges of metal pieces... . It can be made to work fairly easy, but be sure your lower air bag supports are centered below the upper, so your airbag only works straight up and down.



If you have no rails on the side of the factory frame directly over the axle for a distance of 7" or so forward and back, there should be no issues whatsoever.