Air Bag Install Opinions
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FTE Legend
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 37,887
Likes: 20
From: North Central Rural Sask.
Air Bag Install Opinions
Hey guys n gals.
I bought some used airbags that came with these brackets, that dont quite line up to the bolts on my fifth wheel hitch rails.
I was thinking of just cutting the bracket, and using two large bolts that line up to some holes in my frame. (the bottom brackets just slid over the u bolts on the rear diff, so I didnt take a picture of them, there doesnt seem to be a problem there yet!)
Im just looking for opinions if you guys think that would be strong enough, maybe a guy should drill a few more holes, etc.
I attached a couple of pictures, it was getting dark so the pictures arent perfect, and neither are my paint skills, but hopefully you guys n gals can see what I am talking about!
I bought some used airbags that came with these brackets, that dont quite line up to the bolts on my fifth wheel hitch rails.
I was thinking of just cutting the bracket, and using two large bolts that line up to some holes in my frame. (the bottom brackets just slid over the u bolts on the rear diff, so I didnt take a picture of them, there doesnt seem to be a problem there yet!)
Im just looking for opinions if you guys think that would be strong enough, maybe a guy should drill a few more holes, etc.
I attached a couple of pictures, it was getting dark so the pictures arent perfect, and neither are my paint skills, but hopefully you guys n gals can see what I am talking about!
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 7,760
Likes: 27
From: Hampton, Maryland.
I have been looking at airbags lately too. My interest has piqued due to being in the middle of replacing the auto leveling system on my wife's Expy. I don't see why what you are trying to do wouldn't work. I would consider also running a nice weld in a few places too. Just get them lined up with the bolts like you are talking about then weld them in place for added security.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 26,966
Likes: 50
From: Texas
What is your reasoning for cutting off the back of the bracket (#1 side)? It appears to slip over the frame. Is the offset preventing it from fitting? Is the mounting bracket from your 5th wheel next to hole #2 going to make the bracket sit crooked? Last, how does the top bracket line up compared to the bottom one? You want to make sure the airbag is straight up and down, not angled in or out or cockeyed somehow.
Modifying the bracket is possible, but it needs to rest snug up against the frame or spacers. You don't want a gap between the bracket and frame. How does it fit if you just cut off the top part that's made to slip over the frame?
Modifying the bracket is possible, but it needs to rest snug up against the frame or spacers. You don't want a gap between the bracket and frame. How does it fit if you just cut off the top part that's made to slip over the frame?
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 25,090
Likes: 1,112
From: Rio Rico, AZ.
I wouldn't weld on the frame.
I don't know if it is true in Ford's case, but I see a lot of big trucks going by with a label on the frame warning not to weld on the frame.
I'm assuming it is because the frame is heat treated and welding will ruin that tempering.
I don't know if it is true in Ford's case, but I see a lot of big trucks going by with a label on the frame warning not to weld on the frame.
I'm assuming it is because the frame is heat treated and welding will ruin that tempering.
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FTE Legend
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 37,887
Likes: 20
From: North Central Rural Sask.
On the number 1 side, the L piece that goes over the frame, lhalf lines up with the bolts that are installed on my 5th wheel rails in the box, they arent close enough that they would work, to bolt in place, so I have to do some cutting somewhere, just trying to determine the best place.
That fifth wheel bracket near number 2 will make things crooked, but I was going to just undo that one for now, and see what I came up with (temporary solution, depending how it fits)
I cant really tell how lined up the top and bottom brackets are going to be yet, cause I cant quite fit the top bracket into place, but they appear like they will be lined up just fine.
The bags I bought were used off of a f250 (longbox if you havent guessed!!) and they are firestone ride rite's.
A buddy at work suggested I cut everything off of either side of the top bracket, weld on some new tabs that go over the frame, and drill a couple of holes.
I also agree about the welding on the frame, and wouldnt weld on the frame. Im reluctant to drill a couple of holes there too, but im sure a few extra holes, one on each side, wouldnt hurt.
That fifth wheel bracket near number 2 will make things crooked, but I was going to just undo that one for now, and see what I came up with (temporary solution, depending how it fits)
I cant really tell how lined up the top and bottom brackets are going to be yet, cause I cant quite fit the top bracket into place, but they appear like they will be lined up just fine.
The bags I bought were used off of a f250 (longbox if you havent guessed!!) and they are firestone ride rite's.
A buddy at work suggested I cut everything off of either side of the top bracket, weld on some new tabs that go over the frame, and drill a couple of holes.
I also agree about the welding on the frame, and wouldnt weld on the frame. Im reluctant to drill a couple of holes there too, but im sure a few extra holes, one on each side, wouldnt hurt.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 26,966
Likes: 50
From: Texas
If you've got access to a torch Sheldon, start by cutting the brackets that go over the frame off. Then try and fit it in there and go from there. Cutting off a little bit of the bracket at a time might take time, but it will get you a better fit and help you understand what you need to do.
I've seen plenty of airbag brackets that are not anywhere near as stout as the one you have, so I wouldn't worry too much about cutting it down some. You are just going to have to make sure it all lines up correctly.
I've seen plenty of airbag brackets that are not anywhere near as stout as the one you have, so I wouldn't worry too much about cutting it down some. You are just going to have to make sure it all lines up correctly.
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FTE Legend
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 37,887
Likes: 20
From: North Central Rural Sask.
Well in the end I pretty much had to cut it down like I had planned in my first post, I just have to trim a little more, so I can make sure the air bag is straight up and down, and doesnt have a bit of a tilt to it at the top.
Didnt take hardly any time at all to cut those brackets down either.
Didnt take hardly any time at all to cut those brackets down either.
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 5,584
Likes: 0
From: Millbrook Alabama
you do know that ride rite has a bracket made to fit with 5er hitches, right? Ford Super Duty F250 / F350 Firestone Air Bags 1999-2004 - (# 2330) Suspension Air Bag Helper Springs
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FTE Legend
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 37,887
Likes: 20
From: North Central Rural Sask.
Unfortunately Brandon, thats about 220 bucks more then I want to spend on the brackets!
I did look to see if the brackets were sold separately, but I couldnt find any for cheaper then 180 bucks, which isnt worth it.
I did look to see if the brackets were sold separately, but I couldnt find any for cheaper then 180 bucks, which isnt worth it.
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