Firestone Airbag Install Q's

[IdaH.O.Train]

I have read threads both on the TDR and RV sites, to near exhaustion. In my research I have read posts indicating factory overload springs should be removed before installing the airbags, as well as posts indicating there are no problems leaving the springs in place. This is regarding the amount of allowable travel when empty, so as to not cause possible damage to the airbags. Also, with regards to 01. 5 (and I guess 02's as well) model year trucks, there was a post talking about having to relocate brackets or brake lines and discussions regarding the wheel well liners, remove or modify?



What I'm looking for is input from those who have had/installed Firestone airbags on trucks within these model years and what problems or issues you have run across. In addition to the overload springs I also have 1 add-a-leaf. Don't know if this will make a difference or not on the install.



Still considering just paying for the install and not worrying about it.



Thanks,



Dan

 

[GFrance]

I didn't put mine on Les Schwab were I bought them did. Didn't look like a hard install, just that I wanted to get them on before towing my 5vr that weekend. That was 3yrs ago. No problems with them. Mine are on top of the overload spring & I run 5lbs in them when empty with no damage to the bags. Nothing had to be done with brake lines & my wheel liners were trimmed with a utility knife for easy access to the springs & where the bags mount.

 

[y-knot]

If you want the air bags installed correctly and according to the manufacturers recommendations, there is just no way you can leave the factory overload spring packs in place. There is not enough room for them between the top of the spring to the frame, they have a specified minimum and maximum top mount height, and with the overloads in place, they don't make it. They just make it with them removed. If you try to cheat the system, you will only hurt yourself. By cramming them in there, without the proper amount of distance between mounts, you eliminate the needed wheel travel. The result will be a pess poor installation and very bad ride. If you are not going to install them right, save your money and don't install them at all.

 

[GFrance]

What you are saying y-knot is not true. It depends on what year truck & what kit you have. The kit you probably have is #2220 for 94 to 98 kit # 2071 up to 2002.

Here is there site www.ride-rite.com

Here is the pdf file for instalation on a 2001 http://www.ride-rite.com/installation_instructions/2071.pdf



Edit: On the instructions for our year you will notice where it shows the pic of the spring pack it shows the overload as optional. With that in mind if you don't tow alot you may want to take off the overload spring for a softer ride.

I opted to leave it on for I tow heavy 90% of the time when my pick up is in use.



Hope this helps

Glenn

 

[GFritsch]

Installed on my stock 3500 and used for various heavy loads. Did not remove anything. The install instructions didn't mention anything about removing factory springs. System works very well for me. Maybe with the truck grossly overloaded and hitting a big bump with the bags empty there could be a problem? With as much as 7k in bed no problems. (and that was in my old 2500)



I would simply follow the instructions for your truck. As GFrance shows you can download the instructions and see what is needed.



Greg

 

[y-knot]

GF,

Thanks for showing me the new mounting brackets that come in the kit. I see where they require 5-61/2" of distance between the mounts, the older ones required 6-7 1/2" between mounts.

You left your overloads on because you tow alot, but that is the main benefit of the air bags, they will handle the load without the stiff suspension of the factory overload springs. When the suspension goes to travel, it can only move a very short distance, before the overload springs hit the stops mounted to the frame. This makes for a very rough ride, and is what causes the back to smack so had on speed bumps, curbs and so fourth. By removing the overloads the suspension can flex and not be limited by the stops. For towing capacity, the air bags are good for 5000lbs, more then enough for anything the Dodge will pull. I tow a large gooseneck enclosed trailer that weights over 16,000lbs and has 3800lbs pin weight, the bags work great, even the truck out and make the drive much nicer .

 

[BStoecker]

I am amazed at the difference with the air bags. I put a set of the Firestones in as well on my 3500. The ride loaded and empty is sooo much better. Well worth the $200 or so for the rear bags. Now I just need to add the air compressor and in-cab controls and gauges.

 

[dalton4]

Be sure the mount bolts used are high strength. Keep a check on the mount bolts if you are loading the bags. I have replaced three over the past six years and read where others have also lost/broke mount bolts.

 

[GFrance]

Another reason I opted to leave the overloads on, is if an air bag fails I wont be sagging on one side until I can get it replaced. I have air bags on my big truck tractor only & have lost a bag then your dead in the road if loaded heavy, & My big rig loaded is 105,500 lbs.