Having played with both kits now. I'd say the firestone kit has nicer everything. Even though I blew out a firestone bag, I would put them back on instead of the airlift's any day.

Bags feel thicker. Air lines are heavier. Air fittings are nicer. Schreader valves are nicer.

 

Looks like there were a couple weak spots in that bag - what was the pressure?

 

i gotta tell you stu, that's a bit of a head scratcher. i can't say that i've heard of anyone having issues with the air-lift bags, especially with perforations.
good luck

 

The "new design" air lifts are great. Easy to install like the Firestones. They have the taller bag and smaller spacer now so you dont have to remove the spring to get them in. Personally I havent had any problems, but have heard alot about the Firestones having blowouts. I have had the older air lifts on, but the large spacer was clunking around, so I took them out and put the newer air lifts in. I think they changed the design either late last year or early 2011. I agree, the valves and quick connections are nicer with the Firestones. I installed them on my father-in-laws avalanche. I find it weird that they are blowing out, because I too found the FS's felt a little heavier duty rubber than the AL's. But I guess you get what you pay for, seeing these go for $100-150, depending what side of the border you're on. FS just came out with a full air spring conversion that I have been eyeing up. Pricey though, but it replaces the entire coil spring, and comes with compressor/valve/guages and all that stuff.

 

Yes......

The entire reason I think it failed was due to my powertanks fill kit having a bad guage that read 60......no matter what you put into it.

Aside for the accessories I'd say the bags are about the same. I installed my firestones with the coils on as well. Either way I think disconnecting the sway bar is worth the trouble.

I was really considering an air conversion kit as well.