I would like to add a tip for anyone doing this, compress the bag to the height you want and wrap the fitting with electrical tape, it will slowly reinflate then and can really help you get the assembly into position on tight installations.
wow. This is maybe the BEST youtube video I've seen. Not one of those guys that posts stuff and likes listening to themself ramble. All business and very information. Thank You!
You are the man! I’m putting air springs on my f-150 , only because they were free, lol, and I removed the factory bed and replaced it with one I built, I made the top as low as possible for easy loading and unloading when I use the truck later, this resulted in very tight clearance over the back tires, it’s just barely enough, i had intended to add a leaf, then someone gave me two air springs that are for a dump truck, specifically they are the bags that put weight on the drop axle once it’s down. I’ve discovered they are nearly identical to those LoadLifter 5000 bags, I suspect the loadlifter bags can handle more than 5000 pounds, I think these I was given are 5000 each, but they are dimensionally identical, and the same ply. Not that I would ever even consider putting that much on a pickup, lol. I just found it interesting those loadlifters are the same bags. If you see this(video is an older one) I would be interested to know how you like the air springs after you have ran them for a while? THIS IS AN AWESOME VIDEO!!! Short and to the point. All the info I needed as well, I was only given the bags, I have to fabricate the hardware, I can see that in your vid well enough and you supplied enough on torque specs and location that I’m confident I can install them safely. Thank you! Was that hardware stainless steel? It looked like shiny stainless in the video. Also, I would like to mention, I have researched all this a lot last couple of days, there are some control systems out there that are pretty reasonable for controlling pressure in your bags from the cab. Looked pretty easy to install, especially the wireless version, of course is more expensive , I’m going with what they call the analog version, it comes with a small panel you mount on the bottom of your dash and gives you a gauge for each bag so you can check pressure at a glance from the drivers seat and adjust if needed by turning the control knob on the panel. You could even just look the set up over and get the parts to make it yourself most likely.
After running the load lifter 5000 for sometime now I really would recommend them they have been very good for me. I’m not sure if the parts were stainless steel, can’t remember but I’m sure that something that can be looked up. Thanks for watching.
A while back I had the opportunity to change the shocks while I had the bed off but ran out of time. I may have to change them out in the future so stay tuned. Thanks for the comment
I’m glad I actually bought the Firestone brand, and not this nightmare of a copy. Number one, the trust is absolutely bad. And two, great video, great help for whoever buys the kit you did.
I bought this setup for my 2002 F350 DRW late in 2018. Watched the videos and installed it. Turns out it probably overloads the bumper stops as he calls them. my 17 year old truck broke one of them. I then figured it was a fluke and bought a replacement at a local wrecking yard. A tough deal as my truck had angled ones. I had to replaced my u-bolts to install them and then went on a 400 mile round trip. Guess what? broke again. I have now purchased after market mounts from an ebay seller that will eliminate the bump stops and let the air bag ride directly on my dana 80 rear axle. The first repair cost me over $80 plus time and the second will be about $40 plus time. Wish I knew how fragile these were to start with. I also don't like the clamping method to hold it in place on the bottom. Real bush league. My new system will look like a real strong installation.
Great video! I am looking at doing this with my truck. This has been really helpful. Did the T fitting for the air lines come with the kit? If not where did you get it?
Getting ready to install these on my 250 super duty. We have a 33 foot camper that likes to sway. I am hoping this and a new anti-sway hitch will help.
In your install, you used a "T" fitting so that both sides have same pressure. I'm wondering if now that you've had it this way for awhile if you would to that again or would rather have them separate? Reason I ask is, if one of them were to start leaking, how would you know wish one? I'm installing my Load Lifter tomorrow and was thinking of doing the "T" fitting but wanted to hear your feedback.
I would probably still do the T fitting. As of now I do not have a leak so all is well. The other advantage to doing them separate is that you can adjust the level by putting more pressure in one side, but for me this works well. Thanks for watching.
Are you worried at all about the exhaust by the air bags? also any idea what size spacers are under the old bump spot, i bought some bags used and they never came with the spacer
Are you not concerned that under a load body roll will increase because the T-Fitting will allow air to move freely between the bags? It seems like in a left turn the right side will have more pressure and force air into the other side causing more roll.
It seems to work quite well so far...I have had 2,300 lbs in the truck and towed a 35 ft. trailer with no problem. It definitely helps the handling under load because it keeps the truck level. Thanks for the question, hope this helps.
Curious, 1st Ive' read where someone intentionally tied the bags together. Then again my weight is in bed (3500+# slide in camper) so other than added weight handling is resisting lean/side to side roll. Tied together if truck leans to one side, instead of bag resisting, load would push the air into opposite bag, leading to increasing lean. Just an observation- if its working for you great-
Its not water that flows side to side. Seriously. I have a Kenworth that has 8 bag air ride and haul over 80,000 gross all the time and it makes no difference when cornering.
The firestone ride-rites come with a heat shield/deflector for the right side to shield the tail pipe. The load lifter options don't seem to have that. Any knowledge of why or why not? It seems the spacing from the bag to the tail pipe would be about the same on either product.
Could you offer a link to product please? I've got an f250 2007 and Amazon says it won't fit my truck (not that that's always the truth). Or maybe the product model number. Thanks!
I believe the tubes and fittings are 1/4" and I cut the tubes after I ran them to their correct location so that they would be the exact size needed. Hope this answers your questions, Thanks for watching.
Hi I have the same truck and the same kit. Did you have any trouble with the shock bracket in the way so you couldn't move the lower bracket over far enough to get the bag straight.
It can be a harsh ride if the bags have too much pressure. I usually run a very little bit of pressure unless I am towing or hauling then I pump them up till the truck is level. Thanks for watching
That is something that you will have to investigate. Many people like different things and have different applications. Check out some forums on the topic and see what most people are saying is the ups and downs of your set up, Hope this helps, Thanks for watching.
Do you happen to have a hardware(nuts and bolts lengths and size) list for this exact install? I just bought a kit off a used truck and I have only half or less of the nuts and bolts that I need to install them. I believe I have all the brackets but I will need to purchase the hardware.
Where you routed the air lines through the frame, grommets would have helped to prevent chafing. Also, wonder why people always place the air fill in the worst place for dirt and grime, not to mention, under the truck where access is poor. Would be better up higher with a gauge to have preset load numbers.
It would be nice to have a pressure regulator, and air dryer, and air oiler in order to keep the tools well lubricated, a more convenient location for the air outlet, a larger air tank, and a larger compressor. But as it stands this set up works very well for what I use it for and is has for some time now. Thanks for watching.
Hola un saludo desde tomatlan Jalisco México en la costa norte de Jalisco mi pregunta es enque lugar compro e instalan estos equipos de suspencion grccs
Funbro 1 thanks for the Video! Anyone ... Ive got a couple questions had an issue with the B&W tractable Gooseneck frame plate being in the way of step 1?I also must have a newer version of the Airlift 5000 a few items were not assembled but I figured it out
I went with Air Lift brand, but there are other brands that will work for your truck. You will need to contact the manufacturer to find the correct one for your truck.
go to air lifts site, you can enter your truck then it shows you all the kits that fit it, and tells you if it fits fifth wheel hitches! I chose the air lift brand because it has lifetime warranty
You shouldn't t your intakes lines. In a turn you can push air from one bag to the other making for a harsher ride. Separate them and you'll be better off
Manufacturer sells and recommends using a T in some instances. The only way I would do them separate is if I wanted to park on a slight hill and "try" to level the load by using more air in one side. Other than that I would not want to have to fill up two separate bags all the time, instead I'll just slow down in a turn. Really I've never had an issue. Thanks for watching.
Please test the air connections before you try to install. Mine leaked at the brass fitting insert that goes into the plastic end cap (yup they are plastic if you order them thru any online retailer). That cannot be repaired and I doubt you’d see any bubbles if you sprayed a soapy solution when installed. Called the company and they want you to submit an online request. They are not willing to overnight a replacement to a brand new defective part. Their warranty on a brand new product is too slow if you are planing a time to do the install. Makes me wonder what would happen if you’re on the road and there is a warranty issue. Ah sir, go on line and submit a request, while your truck suspension is out of service? Be aware.
No need to be fearful, a little surface rust on a vehicle of this age is to be expected. Also no need for an inspection. Try not to be so timid, and thanks for watching.
???Inspection for what? a 10-15 year old truck? whos supposed to inspect it? Its not a DOT commercial vehicle. You must live in one of those restrictive communist states. I have a 2006 F250, and its never been "inspected" by anyone but me.
Do you live way up north? I remember back in 2010, Stuttgart Germany had a scandal where the automotive manufacturers bought all the salt for the roads in the city with the instructions to salt the hell out of the roads in order to corrode the vehicles as soon as they could so the could sell more cars. I took a brand new Tacoma over there and after just tow winters, the salt had corroded the brakes so badly it failed Germany's vehicle inspection. After Germany, I don't think I would ever have a newer vehicle where they treat the roads and corrode the vehicles. A vehicle is literally ruined by salt. Also @ 3:53 I've watched a few of these videos and read the instructions for my air bags. The instructions say "no more than 20 lb/ft torque" but all the videos say "tighten to 20 lb/ft"
I always back up my jack with proper NON-Jack support when/if I get under the vehicle. How do you know there is not a NON-jack support. OOOOOOOOOO. Thanks for watching.
Listen up it seems nobody is talking about trucks with lift kit I have 4" lift and purchased this the solution is to flip the top brackets literally upside down and drill holes and mount
Listen up, This is a good fix for a 4" lifted truck but the video is not for that. It is for a stock truck looking to add airbags. Thanks for watching.