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Old 03-12-2011, 10:34 PM   #1
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looking at bags, air lift vs firestone

Both claim to be "no drill" for the Dodge, any other differences? Best price I found was $249 on the air lift on Amazon. Anyone found them cheaper?
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Old 03-12-2011, 10:39 PM   #2
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Have you looked directly on the Firestone site for the airbags? I got some small one a few years ago and they were reasonable. Just google Firestone airbags.
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Old 03-12-2011, 11:05 PM   #3
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I've never installed either on a Dodge, but I have done a full install of the Air Lift on both a Chevy & a Ford. (And, yes, I had to drill a little for both.) Neither was something that could not be handled in a residential garage. I installed the compressor & leveling switch on both installs. Little extra work, but worth it.

John
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Old 03-13-2011, 09:04 AM   #4
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Have you considered Timbrens. . Easy install and zero maintenance.
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Old 03-13-2011, 09:23 AM   #5
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I have considered timbrens. Only thing is my truck has a leveling kit and I don't know if tmbrens will level it with the trailer
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Old 03-13-2011, 09:41 AM   #6
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Check AutoAnything.com! If you register an account, add the air bags to a cart, but abandon it, then they will send you 10% and sometimes 15% off coupons. Also free shipping!

I got the AirLifts and it took me about 4 hours to install because I was taking my time. I think some applications can be no drill; however, mine required 4 bolts per air bag drilled through the frame. Just got a good titanium drill bit and oiled it so it wouldn't wear out during the job.

I can't compare them to the Firestones, but I tow a fifth wheel with a half-ton and with 50-70 psi my truck sites level and manages the weight a lot better.
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Old 03-13-2011, 05:51 PM   #7
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Just bought a set of the airlifts from Autozone.com, $250 shipped but I get a $30 autozone gift card. Best deal I could find.
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Old 03-14-2011, 07:33 AM   #8
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I am a serious tightwad!

I have the airlifts but I didn't go for the on-board compressor.
I bought a "slime" brand cigarette socket powered inflator
at WallyWorld. ($20) I can use it on the airlifts and also any
tire that needs it (bicycle, motorcycle, truck, trailer).
It was cheaper and more versatile for me.
Since I don't normally adjust the airlift pressure during
a trip, this has worked well for me.

OTOH we bought a little Hyundai for around town
economical driving. I opted for manual windows and
locks. BIG MISTAKE. Wish we had power locks and
windows now.
Oh well, live and learn......
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Old 03-14-2011, 07:46 AM   #9
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I have one of those pumps too, that's what I planned on using. When you disconnect the trailer and still have the bags aired up does it lift the back of the truck to the sky?
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Old 03-14-2011, 07:55 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by M109Rrider View Post
When you disconnect the trailer and still have the bags aired up does it lift the back of the truck to the sky?
It's higher in the back with no weight on there but
not so bad that I have to drop the pressure.
At home I drop the pressure.
On a week long camping trip I probably don't.

I have been known to drop it in order to get the truck
as low as possible when unloading my motorcycle
via folding ramp.

See Collapsible Motorcycle Ramp
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Old 03-14-2011, 06:45 PM   #11
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Having the compressor & switch really helps with unhitching my TT. When unhitching, (With TV off) I just run the tongue jack up enough to lighten the WD bars. Once they are off, I undo the coupler, start the TV, the AirLift switch kicks in and drops the pressure in the bags and the truck drops on it's own. I then pull forward, and I'm ready to finish leveling the TT from front to back. No muss, no fuss.
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Old 03-18-2011, 05:17 PM   #12
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I came across this after I started a different thread about towing with a lowered vehicle but your comment about trying to add springs to a "leveled" vehicle is what makes me think this is the same problem I am trying to solve.

I have a 2003 Dodge RAM 1500 with a 2/4" drop to level it. The rear is done using a flip kit and although I have found air bags for the vehicle it isn't clear if they would work with the flip kit.

I contacted firestone and they said they don't work on lowered trucks. I'm still waiting ot hear back from air lift but since it mounts to the leaf spring in back of the axel I am hopeful it will work on my setup.

Which air bags did you order? How is your truck leveled?

Jeff
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Old 03-18-2011, 08:05 PM   #13
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These air bag suspensions, would it work for my truck towing a 5th. wheel trailer? I have a little bucking on some roads. Not wanting to spend 12 to 15 hundred replacing trailer end.
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Old 03-19-2011, 07:06 PM   #14
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I got the air lifts. Mine bolt from the bump stop mount to the axle. Don't know if they'd work on a lowered truck or not. Ted, don't know if they'd help with chucking, I never really had a problem with it to begin with.
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