Have you installed air bags on X? - Diesel Forum

Runk · 03-22-2001, 12:27 AM

I have the air bags ready to be installed and am looking for feedback on this install.... I have a friend who has seen an X with the inner fender liners cut.
I have also been told that this is not something that has to be done.
I have searched archives and read the basics for the pickup installation. But found no info on the X.
Thanks!

**Beast** · 03-22-2001, 08:35 AM

I notice you have a front receiver hitch for your excursion. I want to get one also and was wondering what brand you have and how the install went.

Runk · 03-22-2001, 09:42 PM

Beast:
Front hitch I bought is from Hitchmasters.
They botched the installation.
I removed the bumper and took all of the various parts back apart, reassembled it correctly.
Very strong design. I like it.
The front bumper removes very easily.
The hitch comes with nuts which have little handles attached which helps get the nuts into position which otherwise would be difficult. Pretty tight space behind bumper.
The numnum at hitchmasters torched the sheet metal connectors which surround the big tow hook eyelet thingies (my truck is a 4x4). He also left the tow hooks off and handed them to me in a box. Turned out the tow hooks are involved in connecting the front spring shackles to the frame.
If you are at all mechanically inclined the install is not too problematic. You will require a hand from someone when you reinstall the bumper.
I have read posts about various brands of hitches available for the front. You can find them thru "search".
Good luck!

3992824 · 03-22-2001, 09:47 PM

Runk, I'm considering Air Lift bags for the rear of my 4x2. I think that they will stabilize the rear against sway, if plumbed for independant inflation, and also correct a minor sag condition while towing.

You must have the Air Lifts, because the Firestones are not yet available.

I haven't heard that you need to cut the fender wells for installation. That's hard to believe!

Runk · 03-22-2001, 10:54 PM

3992824:
This inner fender liner cutting conversation I started is 2nd hand info.
I installed Firestone Ride rite air bags on our X as of this evening.
NO CUTTING REQUIRED! Sorry to start a rumor.
Very tight drilling space....used Milwaukee right angle drill.
Had to lower exhaust pipe @ passenger side.
There are a number of tubes/wires in frame channel on drivers side which have to be dealt with.
Purchased air bags from Ryan at Super Duty Hdqtrs.
Will post final results after compressor kit arrives and the installation is complete.