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Has anyone installed airbags after lowering the rear end? I needed the bed lower for rail clearance reasons on one trailer, but when I tow heavy with another trailer the truck squats a bit more than I want. So I’m thinking about adding airbags to level things out when I tow that trailer. I’m wondering if I can still use the airbags listed for this truck etrailer if my blocks are shorter??
Should be able to without to much problem at all. I went with the 1.5" pmf blocks and had my choice of a couple different firestone and the airlift. All would have worked with the 1.5" blocks.
Some will only work without the 5th wheel prep, some wont work with the B&W kit. Just find a knowledgeable bag dealer to get the correct bag for your set up, I dont think the height will be any problem at all.
Firestone 2600's and 1.5" pmf blocks. Needed them for this camper. Needed to lower the rear of the truck to get the camper closer to level and get the clearance of 6" between the bed and the camper.
Should be able to without to much problem at all. I went with the 1.5" pmf blocks and had my choice of a couple different firestone and the airlift. All would have worked with the 1.5" blocks.
Some will only work without the 5th wheel prep, some wont work with the B&W kit. Just find a knowledgeable bag dealer to get the correct bag for your set up, I dont think the height will be any problem at all.
Firestone 2600's and 1.5" pmf blocks. Needed them for this camper. Needed to lower the rear of the truck to get the camper closer to level and get the clearance of 6" between the bed and the camper.
Yeah, finding a knowledge person selling bags is easier said than done. Lol. I was about to pull the trigger on the 2600s myself but then read some reviews saying that they won’t work with the B&W turnover mount, and the places I’ve called locally say I can’t use the 2600 on my truck at all because it wasn’t designed for a 250 4wd.
I wish I would have bought the PMF blocks with the airbag tangs now, but I didn’t think I was going to need them until we started swapping trailers.
I would think it would still work being the bracket has room for play in it. Im sure it would be basically a trial and error deal unless you ask the guys at Etrailer they may know if it will.
I just installed the PMF 1.5" tapered blocks with the Airbag tangs on my 2018 250 CCSWB. I have the FX4 with the Rear Locker and can tell you that these PMF brackets will not just bolt right up. The bag brackets had clearance issues with hitting the Brake line/ABS/Locker support brackets. Also the lower Bag support brackets clearance issues. I was able to cut the lower bag brackets shorter and modify the support brackets to work. I will load pics of my install in the net day or so when I get it back on my lift
The Link you posted with that Firestone kit will not work with the PMF lowing blocks either. I highly recommend the PMF lowering blocks and their airbag tangs(bag brackets) but be ready to cut and weld to fit correctly. Depending on your 5th wheel hitch frame brackets you will probably be better off going with the PMF brackets with Bumpstop tang and using the Air bag kit that mounts to the top of the leaf springs and side of the frame.
Thanks for all that info. I have the FX4 package as well and I don’t want to have to buy another set of blocks and then have to modify them to fit. That being said, I also was planning on installing the B&W turnover hitch but read that it’s not compatible with bags that mount on the leafs.
I thought I had a good plan for the perfect setup I’m after, but it’s quickly falling apart!
Thanks for all that info. I have the FX4 package as well and I don’t want to have to buy another set of blocks and then have to modify them to fit. That being said, I also was planning on installing the B&W turnover hitch but read that it’s not compatible with bags that mount on the leafs.
I thought I had a good plan for the perfect setup I’m after, but it’s quickly falling apart!
I got the B&W TOB and have the 2600 Firestone airbag kit on my FX4 truck. They both work together but if I was you, look into the Stableloads! Just installed them on my Dad's 2019 and now want them instead of the bags.
I got the B&W TOB and have the 2600 Firestone airbag kit on my FX4 truck. They both work together but if I was you, look into the Stableloads! Just installed them on my Dad's 2019 and now want them instead of the bags.
So there’s no issue with the release lever on the B&W TOB hitting the bags or brackets of the 2600??
So there’s no issue with the release lever on the B&W TOB hitting the bags or brackets of the 2600??
And tell me more about these stableloads?!
Ok, yes I did have to modify the lever. Totally forgot, but its better than the original, hands don't get scraped up. Took some 1/8" x 1" aluminum and made my own lever with a rope loop on the end to get around the airbag.
The stableloads basically engage the lower overload spring before any weight is put on the truck, so squat is reduced and the truck is very stable. Check out the YouTube videos on them.
Ok, yes I did have to modify the lever. Totally forgot,, but its better than the original, hands don't get scraped up. Took some 1/8" x 1" aluminum and made my own lever with a rope loop on the end to get around the airbag.
The stableloads basically engage the lower overload spring before any weight is put on the truck, so squat is reduced and the truck is very stable. Check out the YouTube videos on them.
Edited to add... I'll get pics for you tomorrow.
I would appreciate the pictures. I watched the videos on YT and it seems simple enough, but I wonder if it’s adding too much stress to that one point on the spring? And I also like the idea of bags being able to get me back to level. But they sure have an interesting product there and it makes me wonder it it would take enough of the squat out when I tow heavy.
I would appreciate the pictures. I watched the videos on YT and it seems simple enough, but I wonder if it’s adding too much stress to that one point on the spring? And I also like the idea of bags being able to get me back to level. But they sure have an interesting product there and it makes me wonder it it would take enough of the squat out when I tow heavy.
