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So, I just looked at the install manuals for both. It looks like they both mount to the tang on the inboard side of the leaf spring. Here’s the pics from each manual:
Firestone on the left, Air Lift on the right:
On 2wd trucks, the firestone bags mount on the axel tube just inside of the leaf spring (no bump stop tang on 2wd). On 4wd trucks, the firestone bags mount over the leaf springs.
Not it sure about Air Lift, but I've only seen them mounted inside of the of the leaf spring using the bump stop tang.
I don't know what you're looking at, but the Firestone bags definitely install over the leaf. I know, I've installed them.
Same here.
I installed this setup on my '17 months ago and just yesterday helped my son install them on his '18.
It was a good day of work on his '18, Firestone 2600 bags, Air Lift wireless compressor, and a 40" curved LED in-the-bumper light bar all installed in about 4 hours.
Ok, before someone re-directs my post, I wanted to get some clarification BEFORE I commit towards purchasing my air bags.
I’m leaning towards the air lift ultimate plus 5000.It comes with stainless air lines vs the plastic on the Firestone’s and the internal bump stop. The internal jouncer does not require the minimum 5 psi as the Firestone’s do. So, there was some debate on other posts about brands; specifically one sits more inboard (Firestone’s) whereas the Air Lift sit atop the leaf spring. I prefer the farther most outboard (Air Lift) as it will help with stability albeit I ran the Firestone’s on my 2011 F350.
The other question stems from a maintenance perspective. Since these air bags act like an accordian, when the suspension is decompressed (allowed to droop), there’s potential for damage to the bags. This can also be caused during off-road tweaking & forced articulation. To combat these forces, I used a Daystar air bag cradle on my previous truck and will likely do the same when I commit on my 17 F350.
Opinions and comments welcomed. If you run cradles (on Firestone’s & Air Lift) please send pics as I’d like to see the end result.
Help me decide... I’d almost like to buy just the Air Lift bags with SS fittings and braided lines with the Firestone mounting hardware riding on Daystar cradles- the best of everything.
I posted some information on my installation you might find useful.
I previously reviewed your post (got write up). Maybe I was looking at the wrong application in the Firestone manual??? My gosh- maybe I should slip on my bifocals!
Here’s my 2011 with basically the same set-up you’re running. 4-inch Carli Pin-Top 2.5” w/full Deaver pack, Firestone airbags & Daystar cradles. I sure miss that truck...
I installed Firestone bags with Daystar cradles on my 350. With the bed empty the bags just touch the lower mount.
The cradles are about 3/4" thick at the base. I was concerned (probably needlessly) the I might pinch the bags if I hit a big bump with my camper loaded.
I sectioned the rear leg of the lower mount and made a new spacer for the front. The bags just touch the cradle base now.
2 things to note. The upper mount rubs the bed seam so I need to bend it back a bit. And a Mityvac tool is great for sucking the air out of the bag to slide the cradle in and align it.
Oh, and I wish Tricon had posted his find before I bought the Firestone's. That's a hell of a deal!
This is at it sits with 3200 Lbs of camper @20 psi.
I installed Firestone bags with Daystar cradles on my 350. With the bed empty the bags just touch the lower mount.
The cradles are about 3/4" thick at the base. I was concerned (probably needlessly) the I might pinch the bags if I hit a big bump with my camper loaded.
I sectioned the rear leg of the lower mount and made a new spacer for the front. The bags just touch the cradle base now.
2 things to note. The upper mount rubs the bed seam so I need to bend it back a bit. And a Mityvac tool is great for sucking the air out of the bag to slide the cradle in and align it.
Oh, and I wish Tricon had posted his find before I bought the Firestone's. That's a hell of a deal!
This is at it sits with 3200 Lbs of camper @20 psi.
Thanks for the pics- nice & clean install. I have new floor mats, 42” curved LED, and just ordered the Firestone’s, Daystar cradle and Anderson 3” WDH. Finally getting somewhere with the new truck. Next major purchase- leveling kit (Carli). Then I can relax and keep the wife off my back for ordering parts. Well, until the next round of goodies becomes necessary (cameras, wheels, tires, cantilevered roof rack, bumpers, winch)
Thanks for the pics- better to see then try to visualize!
Saw this post a few weeks ago and appreciate the less-expensive find. Ordered Torque airbags yesterday. Thanks, Tricon!
No worries, happy to help!
I've had air in my bags for almost a month now and they've still got the same psi in them, so they're actually holding air better than my last Firestone bags. Super happy with them.
Do the air bags with 5 psi in them change the unloaded ride height?
I have the AirLift 5000 on a 2017 F350 and I could barely make it under my garage door before and still barely make it after with 5psi in the bags. So if there is a difference it is very small.
Finally got around to installing my Torque air-bags today. Straightforward installation that took 6-1/2 hours (this 60 y.o. old man is a little sore now). The Torque bags have a 20 to 100 PSI pressure range, and I found 20# raised my rear bumper about 1/2" unloaded.
Finally got around to installing my Torque air-bags today. Straightforward installation that took 6-1/2 hours (this 60 y.o. old man is a little sore now). The Torque bags have a 20 to 100 PSI pressure range, and I found 20# raised my rear bumper about 1/2" unloaded.
I'm curious to know if the air bags changed the ride. I drove home from camping using a different route solely to avoid the crappy roads. The detour cost time and miles but my kidneys appreciated it.
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