Thanks Hammer...

I get the constant dimension issue, makes me even more firm and hopeful regarding my selection and install.

I'm sure I saw your pics elsewhere too. I know I saw your posts on the subject, as I searched the forum pretty well before posting.

I think they will work out well in my application, and I'm excited about installing them.

Now I'm off to get my knuckles banged up removing spark plugs from the rear most cylinders......

 

Thanks.

I am not worried at all about U-bolt failure. There's no real pressure on it. Maybe if I were going around a corner too fast and a load shifted?
But for the most part, the bag is undder the frame and on top of the axle. The top has 2 screws that hold the upper bracket along with the u-bolt. They are the factory screws that hold the stock bumpers that need to be pulled off.(for my application)

By the way...I trust that u-bolt more than my popcorn weld....lol

 

judging by dirtydog's pics, if he was to lift his truck with a block spacer under the leaf springs, wouldn't that stretch the air bags? because i would like to lift my truck in the future and i dont know if the bags would still be functional with the lift.

 

damn....i filled my bags up that i got from McGaughy's and it lifted the rear about 5" lol

 

Yes, it appears that the setup 'dog chose would have to be removed or modified (longer U-bolts?). The upside to his setup is that their is no drilling required and it can be removed with no traces it was there. The downside is that it appears you cannot modify the height of the rear of the truck with it on.

Now if you look at the Air Lift, you'll see that the upper bracket mounts to the frame on the side, yes downside is you gotta drill holes (or weld), but upside is a body lifts blocks go between the top of that frame and the bed of the truck, so it's no problem.

Now note the bottom bracket, it mounts ON TOP of the leafs. A suspension lift's blocks go under the leafs, so again, no issue.

With this type of setup, you'll have no problem installing a suspension or body lift, or both even.



So basically the upside is, unlike 'dogs setup, you won't have a problem installing a lift. Downside is, you gotta drill or weld, so you'll either have to leave the bracket or have holes if you decide to remove it at some point...

 

Wow, even the bags sold specifically for lift purposes I've only seen for up to a 3" lift!!!

That's the nice thing about the Ride Controls and the smaller capacity (if you can call 2000# of weight support small capacity) is that they don't use a bellows type bag like all the 5000# bags are. Those increase ride height every time, although I've NEVER seen a set do 5"!!!

 

Well tonight I installed my Airlift Springs. Took much longer than the estimated 2.5 hrs I've read about, and I have air tools!

From my experience I'd make sure you've got a good 1/2" drill motor with sharp bits, as drilling 8 holes through the frame can break a good sweat.

Having said that, I really like the Airlift system so far. The instructions were good, and the components seem to be well made. I have the 2000 # model on my 1/2 ton.

I haven't noticed any real increase in ride height at the minimum pressure of 5 lbs. What I do notice is a smoother ride in the rear however. The springs seem to limit the suspension travel over large bumps.....quite smooth.

I'm anxious to tow with them, as that's the real reason I got 'em. When I do, I'll post a follow up.

 

Good deal!!!
You see why I welded mine now? My install time was right about at the 2.5 hours, I'm sure welding vs. drilling all those holes was most of the time difference.
You are going to love 'em...

 

Towed my 5100 lb. 30 ft. travel trailer tonight for the first time since I installed air bags. Ran bags @ 55 psi first, then dropped to 35 psi.

WONDERFUL! INCREDIBLE!

Great isolation of the towed load and feedback sent from trailer to truck from road bumps.

So glad I installed!