Firestone air spring brackets do not fit quite right on '04 X - Diesel Forum

DFW62 · 06-13-2004, 10:27 PM

I just installed a set of Firestone Ride-Rite air springs (kit #2251) on my '04 X and was a little disappointed with the way the lower bracket fit on the jounce bumper pad as they call it (metal arm that comes off the block between the axle and spring pack that the bump stop is supposed to hit up against).

I found that I could not get the lower bracket installed close to the springs such that the top and bottom plates on the air spring would be directly in line vertically with each other. The bottom of the spring is about an inch further inboard than the top.

I can tell by looking at the brackets that the lower bracket is supposed to be able to be pushed right up against the spring pack. The problem is that the jounce bumper pad on my '04 X gets fatter and taller near the spring pack. If the lower bracket is placed next to the spring pack as it should be the portion of the bracket that rests on the axle tube gets pulled up off the axle tube and the space between the mounting plates is reduced to a distance that is too close to put the air springs in. Directions say you need a minimum of 4.5" between the mounting plates and that is exactly what I have with the lower bracket mounted offset.

For now I have left it with the inch of offset figuring the worst thing I am doing is possibly stressing the air springs a bit and maybe shortening their life a little. I am planning to install an Edge 4.5" lift and when I do I will have access to a garage with a lift so I can easily rework the lower bracket to fit properly. Plus I will add a spacer to the air spring that is an inch less than the block I add for the Edge lift to give the air spring some room (4.5" looks too tight). I did the air springs lying on my back in the driveway and it was too tight a work area to bother with trying to modify the bracket.

Anyone else run into this on an '04 X? Is the jounce bumper pad on an '04 different than an '03 or earlier X?

I will be talking to Firestone to see if they have a revised lower bracket for the '04 X.

Another thing that was fun was finding a place for the onboard compressor. The engine compartment of my PSD X was so packed I ended up mounting the compressor on the frame rail back a few feet behind the transfer case.

jward · 06-14-2004, 09:18 AM

I had the exact same problem your describing and after fighting with it for a couple hours I decided to return them to Summit racing and ordered the Airlift superduty airbags instead and they fit perfect. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

wakenup · 06-14-2004, 03:16 PM

I just put on the 4 1/2 Edge lift. Looks and rides good. Still need to put some 35" tires on to see how it really looks and feels. I am considering air bags also. Good to get some feed back on the which ones will be easiest.

MotionMan · 06-15-2004, 04:15 PM

I have a 4" block so I don't have the ear on mine. Good thing too. Maybe shave it off?

jward · 06-15-2004, 04:23 PM

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I just put on the 4 1/2 Edge lift. Looks and rides good. Still need to put some 35" tires on to see how it really looks and feels. I am considering air bags also. Good to get some feed back on the which ones will be easiest.

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Keep in mind that the Firestone Ride Rites sit on the axle while straddling the wings. The Airlifts just sit on the wings with no bearing on the axle. May make a difference if lifting your truck.

jward · 06-15-2004, 04:25 PM

See my pics in my sig to see how the Airlifts sit on the wings.

wakenup · 06-17-2004, 01:57 AM

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Keep in mind that the Firestone Ride Rites sit on the axle while straddling the wings. The Airlifts just sit on the wings with no bearing on the axle. May make a difference if lifting your truck.

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The Wing block is above the new block. So, I think the bags would fine with the lift. At least looking at the picks of jward, I think I would be fine.