Airbags Installation VIDEO
#31
01-25-2011, 10:25 AM
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: North of Salt Lake City
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Yes, you will be heavy with all the machines in the back plus the trailer. I'm telling you though, I was surprised at the difference with the airbags. I simply was not expecting them to make the over-the-road pull so much smoother. And, remember that the whole on-board compressor thing is optional. I think most people install valve stems on the back bumper and call it good. The airbags themselves are less than $250 and a total bargain for their return in value.
#32
01-25-2011, 10:49 AM
I am sure this is a lame question but if I was going to replace the shocks in my truck with a Bilstein would putting air bags in the rear eliminate the need to replace the rear shocks? I would think the amount of air you place in the bags would override the rear shock. Is this thinking right??
I have never used air bags before and for me I do a lot more driving empty then pulling a trailer so would I just air down the air bags to 0 PSI and let the shocks do their job or just find the best PSI for ride quality unloaded. I hope this question makes sense.
I have never used air bags before and for me I do a lot more driving empty then pulling a trailer so would I just air down the air bags to 0 PSI and let the shocks do their job or just find the best PSI for ride quality unloaded. I hope this question makes sense.
#33
01-25-2011, 10:53 AM
That is a great price. I have been checking out pricing here in Canada, I am getting quotes for that exact kit from $450.00 & $550.00 ( air bags only ). I live about 15 minutes from the border and have started buying a lot more parts and having them shipped to a mail boxes unlimited in Blaine, Wa. I just ran down last Saturday to pick up a needle and seat kit for my 2005 Yamaha 450, price at home was $69.95 with a 6 to 8 weeks wait on " indefinite " backorder. Ordered it through the Yamaha dealer in Bellingham, it was there in 4 days paid $29.50. Sorry for getting a little off topic but I can't believe the difference in pricing and availability.
#34
01-25-2011, 10:59 AM
Outside airbag brackets would not work with the B&W hitch. The reason is that the truck frame is indented slightly above the rear axle toward the center-line of the vehicle. The hitch mount includes a side plate that spans that space on the outside of the frame and actually includes a spacer to "flatten out" the indentation (if that makes any sense). What I'm trying to describe is that if an airbag mount system is expecting the factory configuration, there's no way it will work after the under-bed hitch is installed (if that hitch uses side plates that mount to the side of the frame). Clearly, that's why they made the option to mount the bags inside the frame and over the axle. Even in that case, the airbag mount still had to share a frame bolt hole with the hitch. I can only speak to my experience with the B&W hitch but I understand the factory hitch is similar. If you're thinking you might change to a fifth wheel, it's a no-brainer. You'd want the airbags inside the frame.
I'm approaching 11,000 miles and haven't changed the fuel filter yet. But I will when the truck tells me to and I'll bring the camera along.
I'm approaching 11,000 miles and haven't changed the fuel filter yet. But I will when the truck tells me to and I'll bring the camera along.
They sell two different models for the 2011 Superduty..
Model 2535 for in bed hitch (will also work with no in bed hitch)
Model 2542 for no inbed hitch (will not work with in bed hitch)
The 2542 mount to the outside of the axle and are (suppose) to give a better ride because of this. But again you can't install an in bed hitch once these are installed.
The 2535 mount to the inside and will work with or without an in bed hitch, but the ride is not as good. Or so the Tech. told me.
#36
01-25-2011, 12:06 PM
No, have not pulled the trigger yet. Actually just called Turckaddons and they never heard of the 2452 kit. They then called the Firestone rep. and he claimed they never had such a kit. Funny around 4 months ago they did. If you look on Autoanything.com they still carry it.... Weird...
#37
01-25-2011, 12:27 PM
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: North of Salt Lake City
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I am sure this is a lame question but if I was going to replace the shocks in my truck with a Bilstein would putting air bags in the rear eliminate the need to replace the rear shocks? I would think the amount of air you place in the bags would override the rear shock. Is this thinking right??
I have never used air bags before and for me I do a lot more driving empty then pulling a trailer so would I just air down the air bags to 0 PSI and let the shocks do their job or just find the best PSI for ride quality unloaded. I hope this question makes sense.
I have never used air bags before and for me I do a lot more driving empty then pulling a trailer so would I just air down the air bags to 0 PSI and let the shocks do their job or just find the best PSI for ride quality unloaded. I hope this question makes sense.
#38
01-25-2011, 02:20 PM
Lead Driver
#39
01-25-2011, 02:36 PM
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: North of Salt Lake City
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I took a couple of photos inflated and deflated but because of the way I was holding the camera and the lateness of the evening, you couldn't tell anything was different (the pic in my avatar is with no airbags at all). I did put a tape measure on the fender however and found that the bags raised the rear end 2 inches when loaded. So here it is: Trailer on the back with the bags at 5psi = 3" sag. Bags at 55psi = 1 inch sag or exactly level front to back. No load and bags at 5psi = no sag and 1 inch higher in rear than front. Remember that this is a big toy hauler. Most would say that I should have a dually. For a lot of reasons I chose to go SRW and added bags to compensate for the 7,000 lb max springs. Now the axle is the limiting factor and I'm just under max there. I definitely needed airbags and have to believe any load that even approaches max would benefit from them as well.
#40
01-25-2011, 03:07 PM
Lead Driver
Remember that this is a big toy hauler. Most would say that I should have a dually. For a lot of reasons I chose to go SRW and added bags to compensate for the 7,000 lb max springs. Now the axle is the limiting factor and I'm just under max there. I definitely needed airbags and have to believe any load that even approaches max would benefit from them as well.
#41
01-25-2011, 04:28 PM
I am sure this is a lame question but if I was going to replace the shocks in my truck with a Bilstein would putting air bags in the rear eliminate the need to replace the rear shocks? I would think the amount of air you place in the bags would override the rear shock. Is this thinking right??.
Obviously, leaf springs are, well, springy and airbags are like bouncing a basketball inflated to 85 psi. I don't expect even the Rancho's that came stock to last long fighting all that action and re-action.
#42
01-25-2011, 05:41 PM
Regards
#45
01-25-2011, 07:41 PM
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: North of Salt Lake City
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Here's the invoice from TruckAddons.com. It's model 72000.
http://www.truckaddons.com/Catalog/s...ote-72000.html
Now don't blame me for spending your hard-earned money!
