Air Bag Advice
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Junior User
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 87
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Air Bag Advice
I'm looking for some advice on some air bags for my 2011 Lariat f250 cc long bed truck. I have the 5th wheel prep factory installed. I have watched Epic's video and of course he makes the install look pretty simple, but to others, and Epic, is this something a backyard mechanic can do fairly simply. I don't think I need as an elaborate set up with on board compressor and such (trying to control cost a little). Also part numbers would be a big help as I am pretty new to the air bag thing, as well as a good online dealer.
Thanks to any and all that can offer some advice.
Thanks to any and all that can offer some advice.
Tuned
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 369
Likes: 0
If you go with the Firestones, you will need part #2535. I always order from truckspring.com and they ship fast.
They are pretty basic to install. Pay attention to the way you cut the airlines. Make a perfect 90 degree cut to avoid leaks. Firestone uses cheap fittings and airlines.
They are pretty basic to install. Pay attention to the way you cut the airlines. Make a perfect 90 degree cut to avoid leaks. Firestone uses cheap fittings and airlines.
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Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 543
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From: Michigan
The kit we offer for your vehicle would depend on if it is 4wd or 2wd. The kit for 4wd is 57396 and 2wd is 57395.
I linked each kit number to the install manual for each. Neither kit requires any drilling and is pretty easy to install. Both kits have recently been redesigned to make installation easier as many people were having troubles with the first generation design.
As for a controller, you definitely don't have to buy one right out of the gate. Each kit includes schrader valves to allow you to manually fill each bag with any normal tire inflator. You can always add a controller at any point later down the line when finances allow. The controller which Epic has is one of our more expensive units, we do offer simpler units which use manual controls instead of wireless such as Epic has. It's worth checking it out if you think you would like one and could afford it.
As for best places to buy we always suggest you visit some of our retailers and compare for the best prices. Also, some of our retailers also carry other brand air bags if you would like to do some additional comparisons.
Let me know if you have any specific questions or concerns I may be able to help with.
I linked each kit number to the install manual for each. Neither kit requires any drilling and is pretty easy to install. Both kits have recently been redesigned to make installation easier as many people were having troubles with the first generation design.
As for a controller, you definitely don't have to buy one right out of the gate. Each kit includes schrader valves to allow you to manually fill each bag with any normal tire inflator. You can always add a controller at any point later down the line when finances allow. The controller which Epic has is one of our more expensive units, we do offer simpler units which use manual controls instead of wireless such as Epic has. It's worth checking it out if you think you would like one and could afford it.
As for best places to buy we always suggest you visit some of our retailers and compare for the best prices. Also, some of our retailers also carry other brand air bags if you would like to do some additional comparisons.
Let me know if you have any specific questions or concerns I may be able to help with.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 5,158
Likes: 35
From: North of Salt Lake City
The airbag portion of the install is very simple. The only part that was tricky was mounting the driver side bracket. I had already installed the B&W hitch and had to nearly remove most of the mounting plate. Without that, piece of cake.
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 508
Likes: 0
From: Texas Hill Country
The kit we offer for your vehicle would depend on if it is 4wd or 2wd. The kit for 4wd is 57396 and 2wd is 57395.
I linked each kit number to the install manual for each. Neither kit requires any drilling and is pretty easy to install. Both kits have recently been redesigned to make installation easier as many people were having troubles with the first generation design.
As for a controller, you definitely don't have to buy one right out of the gate. Each kit includes schrader valves to allow you to manually fill each bag with any normal tire inflator. You can always add a controller at any point later down the line when finances allow. The controller which Epic has is one of our more expensive units, we do offer simpler units which use manual controls instead of wireless such as Epic has. It's worth checking it out if you think you would like one and could afford it.
As for best places to buy we always suggest you visit some of our retailers and compare for the best prices. Also, some of our retailers also carry other brand air bags if you would like to do some additional comparisons.
Let me know if you have any specific questions or concerns I may be able to help with.
I linked each kit number to the install manual for each. Neither kit requires any drilling and is pretty easy to install. Both kits have recently been redesigned to make installation easier as many people were having troubles with the first generation design.
As for a controller, you definitely don't have to buy one right out of the gate. Each kit includes schrader valves to allow you to manually fill each bag with any normal tire inflator. You can always add a controller at any point later down the line when finances allow. The controller which Epic has is one of our more expensive units, we do offer simpler units which use manual controls instead of wireless such as Epic has. It's worth checking it out if you think you would like one and could afford it.
As for best places to buy we always suggest you visit some of our retailers and compare for the best prices. Also, some of our retailers also carry other brand air bags if you would like to do some additional comparisons.
Let me know if you have any specific questions or concerns I may be able to help with.
Thread Starter
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Junior User
Joined: Jan 2012
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Epic do you, or anyone else know if the factory 5th wheel prep will be in the way on the driver side?
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Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 5,158
Likes: 35
From: North of Salt Lake City
Sorry, I haven't see the factory 5th wheel prep setup. If you look at both the B&W hitch install video and the airbag/AirLift video you can see the side plates that the B&W under-bed hitch uses.
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Junior User
Joined: Jan 2012
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Last question...Firestone or Air Lift and why...likes, dislikes, etc. To me both seem like quality products and the Air Lifts are a little less expensive, but most posters seem to have the Firestones.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 217
Likes: 1
I just ordered the firestone kit from autoshepherd.com on this past Thursday (2-2) at 3:30pm, it shipped later that afternoon and according to fedex should be here this Tuesday(2-7). They had the lowest price I could find and they have a 12% off Super Bowl sale going this weekend. They are a sponsor of Ford-trucks as well. Check out their post in the vendors section of the forum. By they way, if you call and order you may b e able to get a little better discount, I got 15% off. I also got the Airlift Wireless 72000 compressor kit from them.
SPONSOR
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 543
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From: Michigan
Actually I'm not sure who routinely has the lowest price. If you have the time I could only suggest checking each of our retailers for the best price. I typically visit amazon but I had a prime membership for a while so the draw of free shipping always took me there.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 6,521
Likes: 11
From: Greenwood, SC
I have always used Firestone bags. Installed them on 4 trucks. I picked them because they appeared to be more industrial looking back in 2007. Never had a reason to switch brands so I just keep getting them.
4 trucks and a combined mileage of maybe 500,000 miles, certainly more than 350,000 and no issues whatsoever. Sometimes brand loyalty is just sticking with what you know.
4 trucks and a combined mileage of maybe 500,000 miles, certainly more than 350,000 and no issues whatsoever. Sometimes brand loyalty is just sticking with what you know.
Junior User
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 60
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Hey Cable Guy,
I have a set of firestone bags that I need to install and I believe I read in the instructions if you do not have the factory 5th wheel hitch installed on your truck you will need to drill the frame. I would have put them on already by now if it wasn't for drilling the frame.
I'm with ruschejj on the bag selections. Have them on another truck and they work fine. Firestone bags airlift controller.
However I have had issues and so has a friend of mine with the system, not sure if its the air lift controller or the firestone bags. I get a error message and the bag wont inflate or deflate. I've heard its a valve issue. Again not sure if its the bag or the airlift side.
My other truck had a wired controller from air lift it stopped working about 2 years after I put it on.
Unless you plan to air the bags frequently I'd keep it simple and stay away from the fancy controllers. For me I need the fancy system.
I have a set of firestone bags that I need to install and I believe I read in the instructions if you do not have the factory 5th wheel hitch installed on your truck you will need to drill the frame. I would have put them on already by now if it wasn't for drilling the frame.
I'm with ruschejj on the bag selections. Have them on another truck and they work fine. Firestone bags airlift controller.
However I have had issues and so has a friend of mine with the system, not sure if its the air lift controller or the firestone bags. I get a error message and the bag wont inflate or deflate. I've heard its a valve issue. Again not sure if its the bag or the airlift side.
My other truck had a wired controller from air lift it stopped working about 2 years after I put it on.
Unless you plan to air the bags frequently I'd keep it simple and stay away from the fancy controllers. For me I need the fancy system.
