Firestone Airbags & B/W hitch on a 2005

[jtek]

I have a 2005 3500 4x4 and I recently installed a B&W hide-a-way ball hitch.

Question is since the hitch bracketry wraps around the frame how can I mount the airbags as looking at the mounting it will go in the same spot?



Alan

 

[Jumbo Jet]

The brackets for the 3rd gen do not go in the same place. I have both on my 2004.



The top bracket replaces the bump stops. The bottom plate uses a single u-bolt and wedges in between the inside u-bolt for the springs.



It's a neat setup.

 

[BGlidewell]

there is no interference from the hitch. There IS a little on the `05 frame.



I had to tweek the driver-side upper bracket to get it square as the bracket for the emergency brake cable cants it out a feww degrees from level. If you install it anyway and apply enough force to tightnen it down, it will square up a little.



You may also have to grind the lower brackets to fit behind the leafstack u-bolts, or loosen those to get the lower brakets in. I gound mine down to fit snug.

 

[CLAYTON]

The install was really easy and I didn't have to modify anything on the truck to make them fit.



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You can see that the bag doesn't get in the way with the B&W hitch assembly.





.

 

[jtek]

Thanks A bunch

Makes a lot of sence now.

Since I am in the market for a set were is a good place to purchase?

 

[BGlidewell]

These guys did me right.

http://www.suspensionconnection.com/cgi-bin/suscon/2299D.html

 

[CLAYTON]

I bought mine here TRUCKSPRING. COM. Not sure if they'll be able to beat the NO shipping charge that SUSPENSION CONNECTION has going right now.

 

[jtek]

I ordered from SUSPENSIONCONNECTION. COM to save a bit on shipping.



OK next question

What is a good running pressure in the bags for a max GVRW / loaded truck?

The bag is say a max 100 PSI but I presume it is more of a butt & kidney factor on the driver more than anything.

 

[CLAYTON]

I put mine around 38psi to bring it back up to level. I'll run 40 sometimes to. Right in that range feels good to me. It depends on the "butt & kidney factor" as well as hitch weight. You'll love having them.

 

[BGlidewell]

I ordered from SUSPENSIONCONNECTION. COM to save a bit on shipping.



OK next question

What is a good running pressure in the bags for a max GVRW / loaded truck?

The bag is say a max 100 PSI but I presume it is more of a butt & kidney factor on the driver more than anything.

the instructions tell you how to calculate pressure. 5PSI for every 100lb of pin-weight/etc. Just remember, if you have clearence issues with a 5thwheel, it's best to hook and unhook with 5PSI, otherwise you may hit your trailer with your bed-rails.