Inlaws in town!! Advice Needed - Airlift Airbag install - Diesel Forum

dmftoy1 · 01-08-2004, 11:59 AM

My in-laws are coming to town this weekend so I'm going to be spending quality time in my shop. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img] Any advice to someone putting on an Airlift (Superduty) set of rear airbags? Looks pretty straightforward, but just looking for gotcha's or special tools I might need.

Regards,
Dave

ScaldedDog · 01-08-2004, 02:13 PM

I did it last summer, and it is pretty straightforward. The lower stops actually drill pretty easily, but you might want to have a couple of bits on hand, and keep the drill rpm's down. Are you installing the compressor and gauges, as well?

Mark

jschira · 01-08-2004, 02:49 PM

[ QUOTE ]
and keep the drill rpm's down.

[/ QUOTE ]

Use a hand drill. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif[/img] Doesn't sound like you are in any hurry. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

dmftoy1 · 01-08-2004, 03:18 PM

Now a hand drill might be pushing it, but I will definately be taking alot of breaks! [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

I'm not doing the compressor and gauges right now. I need to save the money for those. Besides, the inlaws are over about once a month, so I have to stretch out my excuses! [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

Did you have to take the springpack off the axle or anything nasty like that? (the parts don't arrive til tomorrow morning)

Regards,
Dave

JOE_M · 01-08-2004, 03:58 PM

Once a month,it sounds like something else us men all dred that comes along once a month.[img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif[/img]It's no wonder you have so many mod's on your X Dave.[img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif[/img] Good Luck All, Joe M.

dmftoy1 · 01-08-2004, 03:59 PM

You know it . . .you should see my jeep. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img] I'm in the process of learning how to hotrod my Kubota.

Regards,
Dave

ScaldedDog · 01-08-2004, 06:52 PM

[ QUOTE ]
Did you have to take the springpack off the axle or anything nasty like that?

[/ QUOTE ]

No. It's kind of a bolt-on install, for the most part. I did install the compressor and guages, but the manual connections to the bumper didn't look too tough.

Mark

dmftoy1 · 01-09-2004, 04:03 PM

Well the box just arrived, so I'm going to have to back the X into the garage and turn on the kerosene heater for a few hours to melt everything off it. Do you have any problem with the springs "leaking down" or do they seem to hold their set pressure pretty well? I"m going to try and buy a compressor and controller kit something around next christmas. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

Take care,
Dave

ScaldedDog · 01-09-2004, 09:56 PM

[ QUOTE ]
Do you have any problem with the springs "leaking down" or do they seem to hold their set pressure pretty well?

[/ QUOTE ]

It's funny you mention that. The compressor is set to come on at 20psi (on mine, I modified it slightly) and figured it would be coming on all the time and scaring my family to death. I've never heard it come on a single time. These things are *way* closer to airtight than my cheesy Rancho in-cab adjustable shock kit. I don't think you'll have to worry about it, based on my experience.

Mark

jogiba · 01-10-2004, 09:28 PM

Dave, I installed the two valve stems into the receiver were it protects the electrical plug by drilling a pair of holes.

Joe

dmftoy1 · 01-10-2004, 09:48 PM

Well guys the bags are on, all I have left to do is mount the air nipples and route the hoses. All in all I have to give the install 2 thumbs up for being well designed. The only "gotcha" I experienced was getting the dumb carriage bolt that goes through the jounce bumper hole in the frame to stay up so I could tighten it. The "solution" was to take a couple of foam earplugs and put them in under the carriage bolt. They allowed it plenty of movement, but kept it up where it wouldn't "turn" when you tried to tighten it down.

I'll give you the post install report sometime tomorrow. (don't want to finish too early . . .there are still 12 beers in the fridge, 2 gallons of kerosene in the heater and 2 playoff games to go. : ) [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img] )

Have a good one,
Dave

jward · 02-28-2004, 10:30 PM

jojiba--
I see you have an 03 with airlifts. Did you have any issues bolting up to jounce jumper wings ? I tried Ride-Rites (different application) but the lower bracket would not slide on to the wing so I got thinking that the shape of the wing could have changed from 01/02. Did the lower bracket fit the shape of wings ? I have reordered airlifts so am looking for help on this.