Firestone Air Bag Installation
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Senior User
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Firestone Air Bag Installation
All . . . .Has anyone installed the Firestone Ride Rite Air Bags to the 2011 F350 rear suspension? How did it go? The instructions say it takes 1 to 2 hours to install. Do you think that a senior citizen could install the air bags by himself?? (He has his own tools and a shade tree).
thanks ken
thanks ken
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 5,158
Likes: 35
From: North of Salt Lake City
It's an easy deal. The airbags go in pretty quickly. If you do an on-board air compressor, that adds to the task. Here's a quick video:
2011 Ford Super Duty Airbags Installation - YouTube
2011 Ford Super Duty Airbags Installation - YouTube
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 5,326
Likes: 18
From: Gilbert
I went to do mine last weekend and ran into lines on the inner left frame rail (keep in mind mine's a 6.2) that I wasn't sure what to do with and couldn't get the bracket to line up with them there. I didn't pull the rear wheel off so it was cramped (and late) so I bolted the bump stop back up and left it. I tried to review the directions online but Firestone's website is so poorly written the online manual link didn't work once I found it 15mins later. The hard copy of the manual goes over this but some installation pics would've been nice.
I'm going to try again maybe this weekend or next weekend now that I have a better understanding of the setup (it's been 11 years since I last did a set of bags).
I'm going to try again maybe this weekend or next weekend now that I have a better understanding of the setup (it's been 11 years since I last did a set of bags).
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2010
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It's an easy deal. The airbags go in pretty quickly. If you do an on-board air compressor, that adds to the task. Here's a quick video:
2011 Ford Super Duty Airbags Installation - YouTube
2011 Ford Super Duty Airbags Installation - YouTube
Mountain Pass
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 112
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From: Carlisle Pa
I did not have a problem took more than 2 hours but us seniors are a little slow.Pretty much basic skills had to read directions more than once.I did not take wheels off or jack truck.Give it a try.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2010
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It's an easy deal. The airbags go in pretty quickly. If you do an on-board air compressor, that adds to the task. Here's a quick video:
2011 Ford Super Duty Airbags Installation - YouTube
2011 Ford Super Duty Airbags Installation - YouTube
ken
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Post Fiend
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From: North of Salt Lake City
I am simply He-Who-No-Longer-Cares-If-He's-Pretty any more. Gave up any and all fear of what people think of me. It's very liberating!
That and it's nice to learn from others and pass on learnings. Part of the old professor in me
That and it's nice to learn from others and pass on learnings. Part of the old professor in me
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Thanks for the video . . . . good information and guidance. . . . ken
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2009
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From: Greenwood, SC
Installing a compressor is pretty easy, especially if you use an up fitter switch for power which is doubly nice because it is fused.
To integrate the compressor to the air bags you need to have the right gauge. Firestone has a specific dash mount air pressure gauge that also controls the pump bit if you use this system you can't have a tank. They also have a dash mount air gauge that controls the inflation/deflation of the bags using air from a tank. This is how mine works, I have the VIAIR system that works as an independent air system and the firestone bags and gauge just use the air from the tank, very nice set up.
My VIAIR system has a 100% duty cycle compressor motor and a 2.5 gallon tank, 150psi at .4 cfm I think. Then I have an air chuck on my rear bumper for tires, etc.., an air horn, and the air bags. When I move the rocker switch to inflate the airbags it just draws air out of the tank. When I deflate the bags air comes out of them but not the tank.
To integrate the compressor to the air bags you need to have the right gauge. Firestone has a specific dash mount air pressure gauge that also controls the pump bit if you use this system you can't have a tank. They also have a dash mount air gauge that controls the inflation/deflation of the bags using air from a tank. This is how mine works, I have the VIAIR system that works as an independent air system and the firestone bags and gauge just use the air from the tank, very nice set up.
My VIAIR system has a 100% duty cycle compressor motor and a 2.5 gallon tank, 150psi at .4 cfm I think. Then I have an air chuck on my rear bumper for tires, etc.., an air horn, and the air bags. When I move the rocker switch to inflate the airbags it just draws air out of the tank. When I deflate the bags air comes out of them but not the tank.
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Joined: Dec 2014
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Ruschejj,
I'm hoping this message finds you.
Currently have the same Compressor and tank as you do.
Looking to install Airlift or Firestone airbag set-up, and would like to use the air set-up i already have.
How is this done taping off the tank?
I'm interested in the wireless airbag fill, if it's possible. If not I'd still like what info you make bring to light for me on using the current air system you and I have.
Thank you!!
I'm hoping this message finds you.
Currently have the same Compressor and tank as you do.
Looking to install Airlift or Firestone airbag set-up, and would like to use the air set-up i already have.
How is this done taping off the tank?
I'm interested in the wireless airbag fill, if it's possible. If not I'd still like what info you make bring to light for me on using the current air system you and I have.
Thank you!!
Hotshot
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 11,591
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From: Pflugerville, tx
Ruschejj,
I'm hoping this message finds you.
Currently have the same Compressor and tank as you do.
Looking to install Airlift or Firestone airbag set-up, and would like to use the air set-up i already have.
How is this done taping off the tank?
I'm interested in the wireless airbag fill, if it's possible. If not I'd still like what info you make bring to light for me on using the current air system you and I have.
Thank you!!
I'm hoping this message finds you.
Currently have the same Compressor and tank as you do.
Looking to install Airlift or Firestone airbag set-up, and would like to use the air set-up i already have.
How is this done taping off the tank?
I'm interested in the wireless airbag fill, if it's possible. If not I'd still like what info you make bring to light for me on using the current air system you and I have.
Thank you!!
I will be doing this early next year. Have the valve. I want to move the airlift controller to manage air for my trailair triglide pin box airbag
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 6,521
Likes: 11
From: Greenwood, SC
Ok cool. Lots of variables here but I will try to help.
1. You need a Firestone air gauge/manifold Firestone #2149 - Single Control Panel (black face) - Pneumatic (use with air tank) | SuspensionConnection.com
2. You need the ride rite kit. Ford F350 2011-2015 Air Bag Helper Springs by Firestone #2535 | SuspensionConnection.com
3. You need a couple of these "T" fittings Firestone (# 3025) Union Tee for use with 1/4" Tubing (each) | SuspensionConnection.com
You install the VIAIR system. Use a T fitting on the airline that goes on the in cab VIAIR gauge/power switch and tie in to the "in" on the Firestone manifold. Then you run an air line from the "out" on the Firestone gauge and this feeds the air bags on the axle. This allows you to have the available air from the VIAIR tank tied in to your Firestone system and all you have to do to air up is push up on the valve.
That's all right? It's pretty simple on paper.
1. You need a Firestone air gauge/manifold Firestone #2149 - Single Control Panel (black face) - Pneumatic (use with air tank) | SuspensionConnection.com
2. You need the ride rite kit. Ford F350 2011-2015 Air Bag Helper Springs by Firestone #2535 | SuspensionConnection.com
3. You need a couple of these "T" fittings Firestone (# 3025) Union Tee for use with 1/4" Tubing (each) | SuspensionConnection.com
You install the VIAIR system. Use a T fitting on the airline that goes on the in cab VIAIR gauge/power switch and tie in to the "in" on the Firestone manifold. Then you run an air line from the "out" on the Firestone gauge and this feeds the air bags on the axle. This allows you to have the available air from the VIAIR tank tied in to your Firestone system and all you have to do to air up is push up on the valve.
That's all right? It's pretty simple on paper.