I am looking to get some used load leveling air bags and was wondering if they are generally a universal fit between most Body Over Frame trucks? The reason I ask this question is I never installed or owned air bags and most people are advertising by make and model truck. I am trying to understand why make and model makes a differance when all trucks generaly have leaf spring suspension, so why would it make a differance if the air bags are off of say for example a "Toyota Tundra" would'nt the air bags still work? I mean seriously how much differance could there be. Anyone have pics of their load leveling air bag install?
Thanks in advance Dan

 

It makes a difference because of distance from frame to spring pack, mount attachment design, bag weight rating, bag design for suspension articulation ect. If you need help finding a set let me know, I am happy to help.

 

Many companies will use the same airbags and make slight adjustments to the brackets.

But the better companies will have special bags and brackets for each model of truck.

You may be able to make Tundra airbags fit your PSD, but that does not mean they will hold the weight they are rated for.

 

Thanks Clay,
Budgets tight this month and was looking for some used ones like from Craigslist. I can weld and fabricate thats why I asked the question. In other words if its simply a bracket issue I can probably modify it myself and make it work. Only problem is I have never seen a set of air bags installed, really need to see some pics to see how entailed the installation actually is.

 

If you are looking for used bags, the Firestone Ride-Rite kit #2071 is proper for your truck. This set mounts on the outside of the frame, so it is not compatable with a 5th wheel hitch. It also needs four 3/8" holes drilled in the side of the frame on each side to mount the bags. This kit was used on F150 and F250 pickups for 20+ years (1969-on), as well as many Dodge pickups (1969-2001 or 2002) and Chevys (1973-1987).

I believe the #2330 kit is the modern inboard mount style which can be installed without drilling any holes. It works with the 5th wheel hitches.

When buying a used kit you may not get some of the mounting parts, since some parts are not used on many applications. Also, you will have to get new nylon tubing and perhaps some of the end fittings.

There are some good deals out there on new kits. I paid $170 for a brand new 2071 kit because most customers now want the "no-drill" kits that fit the 5th wheel hitch and the dealer had too much dust covering the sealed box!

 

Thanks Jock,
You don't even know how much headache you just saved me. I am new to the 5th wheel and its the reason I need load leveling air bags. So needless to say I now know there are two kits ( one for 5ers and one for no 5th hitch)
Thanks Dan

 

Dan, Does your hitch mount on the outside of the frame over the rear axle? If so, you will need the inside mount kit. If the frame is not obstructed over the axle, the 2071 kit may work. It was the only kit Firestone made for Fords for years.

 

Dan, I did the Firestone bags. I have a fifth wheel hitch and they fit in great.

You buy for the truck so you don't have to do a lot of drilling.

I took a few pictures this morning, but it is raining and they are the best photos. You may get the "picture" of how they fit.

 

sweeet, thanks for the pics bobby. helps a lot.

 

There was a good write up with pics a few months ago. I'd post the link to it but I never have any luck with searches...

 

Thanks Mike, I did'nt know that. I'll have do some advanced searching and see if I can't find it.

 

Thanks to Clay, he helped me find and I ordered up a set of Firestone P/N 2330 Air Bags. Here's a pic of what the kit includes.

 

Here's the run down on how easy the kit install went

Remove Jounce stop but save spacer for reuse on top bracket

Top bracket install easy with no drilling and one 3/4" nut and bolt using existing hole in frame

Top bracket inside frame view ( washers are used if the braket doesn't fit flush against the frame)

air bag attaches to top bracket using a single 3/8" bolt and alignment pin that lines up with top
bracket
heat shield is provided in kit for exhaust side air bag

lower bracket is installed after air bag is secured to top bracket

lower bracket has three adjustment settings for 4 and 2 wheel drive trucks

air bag is bolted to lower bracket then bracket is secured using a U bolt and a strap clamp

Air hose is attached and routed to rear bumper

Add a minimum of 5 PSI and you're ready to roll.

 

Dan, nice write up and great pics.