[msheriff]

Looking for someone who has installed rear airbags already. I am purchasing & installing one of the two above for my 2500HD d/a. I have part #s and pricing, just looking to compare ease of install and durability.

Also, suggestions for the ideal location to install the valve stem to air up the bags. Does it have to be both bags seperate or could/should I have both bags tied into one valve to air them up? I carry a 12 volt compresser at all times in my tool box and will make sure it reachs the valve stem.

Thanks in advance to all who make this site so helpful. It helped in dealing with the Stealer about my pup rub. (they said it was leaking at the gasket, until I showed them where the hole was because of this site)

 

[Z71offroader]

i have air lift bags, all air bags are very very similar. installed them myself as well. i have my valve stems i nmy wheel wells. if u see there is already a small hole on each side. ill try and get some pics of what im trying to explain how i did them wen i get a chance.

 

[WhippledHD]

I've run both and never had an issue with either. Currently running two bags tee'd into one shrader valve. It's installed in a small hole in the frame under the driver side wheel well.

Only down side to teeing the bags together is that you get some "pump" effect from one bag to the other as you go around a corner.....adds a little more body roll.

Chris

 

[Z71offroader]

i think its a good idea to have them seperate, on my truck for some reason the driverside takes less psi to lift it than the passenger. plus it comes in the kit as 2 seperate valves, so it would take more work to tie them together.

 

[Ramblinrodney]

I ran mine seperate also, easy do it your self. I put my valve stems back by the license plate on the bumper. I put them on when the truck was two days old, thought I needed them to pull our new 5er but I don't. I just like the way the truck handles with them on, no fish tail.

 

[Sollly]

Run your valve stems out through the top holes on your rear license plate.

 

[c_pohja]

I had Airlift on my 1/2 ton before the dmax, really liked them. Had in cab control and gauges. Really liked being able to go up and down when i wanted. When i had my camper on with a cross wind would run at different levels to help fight it.

 

[DMAX154]

I have the Firestone bags and installed them myself, fairly easy to install. Having a buddy to help will be a big benfit. Especally to run the air lines. I also have the in cab controls. If I didn't have the in cab controls I would have run my filler valves in side my fuel tank door. This way they are in out of the weather and easy to access when you need to fill or deflate.

 

[msheriff]

Thanks to all for the input. I will look to install both valves inside the fuel door or at top of the lic. plate holes. Does not sound like there is any prefence to either the Firestones or the Air lifts. I can save almost $20 by going with the Airlifts. ($219 compared to $236) UNLESS.....
Someone knows of better pricing then that....

Thanks again, now I only have to:grd:

 

[eggsack]

I had the firestones in my old 01, they were easy to install, but it takes and extra set of hands to make it easier running lines and jacking up the axle. The valves were installed in my fuel door. I wanted them there to prevent from knealing down anywhere else. Sometimes it takes a while to get them aired up right and when a 5er is on the truck, you have to climb under or back it up at a 90 degree angle to access them. A pain in the butt.

My new truck has the firestones on it with the in cab kit. I have to tell you, that there is no real advantage to the in cab kit other than you can adjust it on the road. Just make sure to get the kit that has 2 levers for airing up the bags. The peopel that installed it first, put the single adjuster in it and WOW was that a mistke. I almost rolled my truck with a truck camper on it in the first turn. All the air rushed from one side to the other and about came up on 2 wheels.

Good luck with them, but I preferred the firestones. Very good kit and on my old set, after 6 years, they still looked new.

 

[Deere3500]

I run firestones and love em. To piggyback on all others... Seperate is nice because you can dial the rear in to whatever height you want with load differences. Put my valves on the frame in the wheel well as well. What part of OHIO Sheriff?? I'm originally from Doylestown close to Wooster or Barberton!! Good luck with your bags, I'm sure you'll love em...:grd:

 

[Starlifter]

I just installed a set of Firestones on my truck and I love them. I went with the dual in cab controller. What are you going to be towing or hailing? If you ever plan on hauling a camper that extends past your truck bed I would not recommend running the valves out of the license plate, there will be limited access with the camper installed. Also, if you are running wheel spacers that are at least 1 ½” and go with the Firestones, order part # 2071. That part number will mount on the outside of your frame rail and give you more stability. The only advantage that the recommended part number gives you is ease of installation; you do not have to drill the frame to install them. The 2071’s give you a much wider base for support.
Steve S.

 

[ssm58]

where are you getting airlift for that price? The cheapest I have found them is 239.00 plus shipping from a DP vendor.

 

[Wooter]

I just bought a set form jackit.com and got a tuff country lift kit while i was their too. Great price.

 

[cnagpilot]

I got mine from Summit, I put the valves next the the light on the rear bumper so you can fill at night without having to hold a flashlight

 

[mattydmax]

I went with air lift and they have just enough air line to run the valves up behind the fuel door on a long bed. Easy install and easy get to there once hooked up to anything and especially a camper. That location also makes the cord for my small 12 volt pump (crew cab) able to reach there as it wouldn't reach anywhere near the back of the truck. Keep the valves seperated so air doesn't transfer from one side to the other. You don't need help in that area when towing or hauling!

 

[gsxr310]

what size airbags are you guys looking at? will any of these work? http://suicidedoors.com/AirbagsAirlift.php i've purchased through these guys before and i think their prices are good.

 

[msheriff]

what size airbags are you guys looking at? will any of these work? http://suicidedoors.com/AirbagsAirlift.php i've purchased through these guys before and i think their prices are good.

I may call suicidedoors on Monday. The prices look cheaper then the $213 +change that I am paying from SummittRacing.com (Starlifter). Also Starlifter what is the pt#2071 for and what is the "wheel spacer? I was going to go with Airlift but not sure what you ment about more stability and not drilling the frame. I like that. Also someone maybe Deere3500 said they had just enough airline with the airlift to mount inside the fuel door. I am assuming you mean not on the door itself but just above the fill opening. Do you guys think that would work on a short bed/extend cab? or would I not have enough air line? Is the fuel fill door farther back on an 8' bed then on the 61/2?
Last two answers to questions (I think) were I haul goosenecks, 5th rvs, no truck campers and I live in Shelby which is near Mansfield. I know Doylestown near Wooster very well. Wrestled there many,, many moons ago. I was from Hillsdale.
Thanks to all.

 

[Deere3500]

Cool, I wrestled all over wayne county back in 93/94!! Sure is a small world. My father lives in sterling now!

 

[kdubinwa]

2071 kit?

Anybody know if the 2071 Firestone mounting brackets that mount on the outside of the frame will fit on an 07 3500 SRW with the stock tires and suspension?

Thanks.