Airbags Done!!
Hook it, I'll pull it.
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 15,037
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From: Grand Lake, La.
Looks to me like the nuts are on the outside of the springs, Mike.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 213
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From: Kansas City, MO
Mike, i installed a set of these bags on my buddy's F250, he had the overload spring also- and the carriage bolts don't hit the lower springs, they're tight, but they clear. Even with 90 psi in the bags, 2000 lbs in the bed, and 1000 lbs trailer tongue weight. 
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 213
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From: Kansas City, MO
Jeremy, another option for routing the fill valves- to the lower license plate bolt holes. They're already the correct size for the valve, all you have to do is slightly enlarge the hole on the license plate itself, makes for a clean, easy to access install. That way you don't have to worry about them getting muddy, hit with rocks, ect.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,515
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From: Jonestown PA
Nice job.. My next project for sure.. I have a question though. Although all my pictures of folks mounting the bags just as you did, It appears that the helper spring if used will cause interference of the bracket and the spring pack. Is this so? Will it "Clank" over the bumps? Especially when squatting a bit from a heavy camper.
Those bolts are not under the spring just to the outside, so no clanking.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2006
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From: Jonestown PA
Jeremy, another option for routing the fill valves- to the lower license plate bolt holes. They're already the correct size for the valve, all you have to do is slightly enlarge the hole on the license plate itself, makes for a clean, easy to access install. That way you don't have to worry about them getting muddy, hit with rocks, ect.
I like that, I like it alot. Never thought of that. There kinda hidden but not. Thanks
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Joined: Jul 2006
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From: Jonestown PA
Rick I didn't tow or hall anything yet but I tell ya the ride even empty is smoother. I am running about 12 pounds right now. It even handles better around turns and I don't have a rear sway bar. I only pull a TT at about 9200lbs gross so I only might run 25-30 psi. I am excited to feel the diference since before with out the bags on some roads you could feel it in your teeth.
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 6,096
Likes: 26
From: Mesa AZ
My set up was a little different because my F250 does not have the overload spring. This meant my U-bolts had a lot of extra thread exposed so the lower air bag plate would rest on ends of the U-bolts instead of sitting right on top of the spring pack. I made up some spacer pieces out of 1/2" steel plate and since I was at it, I made some for the bottom of the clamp as well. I then went to the hardware store for grade 8 cap head bolts to clamp everything together.
My upper air bag bracket looks crooked but it's installed correctly. Per the instructions, the upper and lower brackets must be parallel to each other and be in line with the path of axle movement .
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Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2006
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From: Jonestown PA
OK another question, if I were to get a compresser where would I mount it? Where does everyone have theres mounted at?
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Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 6,096
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From: Mesa AZ
I will be ordering an F650 dash from RiffRaff pretty soon and I'll be relocating these items onto that piece. I'll lose my little cubby hole but that's ok because whatever is in there just flies out anyway when I stomp on the accelerator.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 10,977
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From: Lancaster, Pa.
Thanks Rick and you too Caleb, maybe its time for me to get a pair of specks
One question for you guys, does these bags also help out on unloaded ride quality??
One question for you guys, does these bags also help out on unloaded ride quality??
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 6,096
Likes: 26
From: Mesa AZ
Depends on which compressor you get. There are various brands and each brand may have several compressor options. Here is a link to what I used.
Air Lift Company - Products - Load Controller II
I chose the single gauge model, which hooks the two airbags together.
You can choose the dual gauge model and control each bag separately, however that may not be too common. Most people who use the dual gauge model have airbags at all 4 corners so they air up the front separate from the rear.
Air Lift Company - Products - Load Controller II
I chose the single gauge model, which hooks the two airbags together.
You can choose the dual gauge model and control each bag separately, however that may not be too common. Most people who use the dual gauge model have airbags at all 4 corners so they air up the front separate from the rear.
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 213
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From: Kansas City, MO
a
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 10,977
Likes: 5
From: Lancaster, Pa.
Well, i wouldn't say it improved the ride of the 5 trucks i've installed them on enough to make it worth the cost just for unloaded ride improvement (not saying you were suggesting that, just illustrating) but there was a marked difference for the better, with about 5-10 psi in the bags, unloaded. If you have a toolbox with a couple hundred pounds of stuff in it, or some other form of cargo under 500 pounds, it makes more of a noticeable difference. Hope that's not too confusing...a
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I do haul my 7000 pound or better travel trailer around a couple times a year but not sure getting the bags would be justified for me but always subscribing.