. Fineseventynine, which set did you install, Firestone or Airlift?
Air spring help!!
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Feb 2012
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From: Ohio
Air spring help!!
I will be getting my tpms sensors installed later this week and the truck will have to be lifted from the frame. I've heard of issues with lifting a truck from the frame with air springs so I'm wondering what you guys do when you raise your truck so you do not hurt the air springs. From what I understand the bags can be damaged if the truck is lifted to full travel with air still in them... Is this true? Second I've heard that you can raise it by the frame as long as you deflate the bags completely first... Is this true? I am considering just unbolting the top mount on the bags before I take it to the tire shop to make sure I have no issues. What are your guys thoughts on this???
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Joined: Oct 2005
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From: SW Virginia
I've read about issues with the bags being damaged when trucks are raised on a lift. You could do what you said or you could try to use a chain or strap from the axles to the frame at each corner like a limit strap to prevent them from extending fully. It wouldn't take much to get four ratchet tie-down straps and ratchet them up to keep the axles from fully dropping.
Tennessee Hillbilly
Joined: Jan 2012
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From: East TN
I just installed a set on my truck....in the instruction/installation manual it said that the bags will support the weight of the axle, but to deflate before lifting by the frame.
I installed mine on my lift. After getting the brackets in place and fastening the bag to the top bracket, I temporarily inflated them to bring them down to where I could get the bottom fastener installed. I then deflated them. They looked a little bit stretched but it did not damage them. After I got it back on the ground, I reinflated them and all is well.
I installed mine on my lift. After getting the brackets in place and fastening the bag to the top bracket, I temporarily inflated them to bring them down to where I could get the bottom fastener installed. I then deflated them. They looked a little bit stretched but it did not damage them. After I got it back on the ground, I reinflated them and all is well.
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Feb 2012
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From: Ohio
Changing a flat should not be a problem with air springs bc you are lifting the truck by the axle. Lifting it by the axle, whether from one side or both rear tires together, is perfectly ok since it only compresses the suspension. The problem in lifting a truck with air springs by the frame is that it could allow the suspension to travel beyond the limits of the bags... Causing possible damage to the bags. That is at least the idea. Can anyone confirm if it is ok to just deflate the bags on an AirLift brand system to prevent damage when raising the truck by the frame??
More Turbo
Joined: Oct 2010
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From: fly-over country
Thanks. I guess I was thinking of my previous sedans.
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Tennessee Hillbilly
Joined: Jan 2012
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From: East TN
Firestone...I have a sag issue on the left side and was trying to "cheap out" to correct it. The bags have leveled it with 10 psi in the right side and 65 psi in the left.....and I really can't feel that much difference in the ride but I'm looking to get new springs now anyway.
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It sort of depends on the specific vehicle, springs, and bag position. The concern is that the weight of the axle will either tear the bags or damage the mounts. If there is (for example) 8" of upward travel before the OEM suspension is totally unloaded and the bags are only capable of 6", the axle will essentially be hanging by the bags.
Those bags are pretty tough. The safest thing to do is strap the axle to the frame (on each side - you will never get it to balance with one in the center). I would not deflate the bags unless you can deflate them and keep them "open" to the atmosphere so they can suck in air as the truck is raised. If you deflate them, then close off the air supply they can't extend and will definitely carry the weight of the axle.
Best plan - put limiting straps on the rear end. You will never need to worry again.
I had a set on a CC dually that towed a 10 ton gooseneck flatbed. When loading something heavy like a bulldozer the trailer hitch would lift the rear axle of the truck right off the ground. Eventually the threaded inserts in the top of the bags pulled out, but the bags never tore.
Those bags are pretty tough. The safest thing to do is strap the axle to the frame (on each side - you will never get it to balance with one in the center). I would not deflate the bags unless you can deflate them and keep them "open" to the atmosphere so they can suck in air as the truck is raised. If you deflate them, then close off the air supply they can't extend and will definitely carry the weight of the axle.
Best plan - put limiting straps on the rear end. You will never need to worry again.
I had a set on a CC dually that towed a 10 ton gooseneck flatbed. When loading something heavy like a bulldozer the trailer hitch would lift the rear axle of the truck right off the ground. Eventually the threaded inserts in the top of the bags pulled out, but the bags never tore.
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