Air bag helper springs - Diesel Forum

Kaliburz · 06-27-2008, 07:02 PM

I've been thinking of getting some put on after I get my receiver hitch installed. I figured since it was an extended van (1 ton), the hitch being "that much" further back could be an issue. I don't foresee needing it, but I'd rather have the air assist if needed..... I don't tow that much.

Any how, there are these "Ride Rite" springs I found at the local parts shop. According to the online info, the are installed inside (in board) of the rear springs. You remove the axle bumper stop and then the unit bolts to that part some how. It essentially sits just inside the frame over the axle. The lower part of the spring mount kind of goes around the shock mount. Part number on ride rite site is 2032. A PDF is available online....

So, anyone running an air bag system on their van and how do you like it? Which brand and weight capacity?

Ken Kaepernick · 06-27-2008, 07:54 PM

We have an “Air-Lift” air bag system under a 2004 E-350 6.0L extended van with an additional two foot extension added to the rear end. We also have a stabilizer bar on the rear end. The combination of these two items really made the van handle much better. The van is in expedited service and the most we have hauled in it was 5200# on a 2000 mile run. For that load we ran the bags at 100 PSI. It still was a little “squirrelly”; but it handled the load at 70MPH. We drop the pressure down to 10 PSI when it is empty - otherwise you can’t stand the bumps. We also run 85 PSI of air in the rear tires, so that contributes to the harsh ride. The air bags have been on for about the last 120,000 miles and there have been no problems. I wouldn’t be without them.

Ken.......

Kaliburz · 06-30-2008, 01:33 PM

Cool. Thanks.

That Air Lift one, is it the type that mounts over the leaf spring and has the bracket bolted on the exterior of the frame? The 'Ride Rite' ones I saw get mounted "next to" the spring inboard vs over the spring. I'm wondering of the positioning would make any difference.....

ujointclothing · 07-02-2008, 01:17 AM

The ride-rite is a good kit for an off the shelf unit on a stock rig. I'm not too crazy about some of their mounting brackets, but they get the job done, and sometimes there just aren't any options. This is how I chose to build mine:

Lots of fab, but they're done exactly the way I wanted.

SVONick · 07-02-2008, 07:50 PM

That is a nice looking setup. I have the Firestone sport-rite 2181 and they work great on my stock suspension, extended e-350. I tow a 10k travel trailer with a weight distributing hitch. Before I put the airbags on, it sat nose high, even with the WD hitch. With the airbags pumped to 90-100psi, it sits level and tows great. It was an easy install too. Here is a pic of it installed.

sixiron · 07-03-2008, 06:53 AM

If you do not tow that much ....might consider using Timbrens...they replace the bump stops and work great...
they activate on heavy loads and no air to fool with
been using them for 5 years or so on my extended cargo that trailers occassionally

I think its Vehicle Suspension Kits - Timbren Suspension Enhancement Systems

MikeL46 · 07-03-2008, 09:39 AM

If you install air bags on the rear, make sure you fill the two bags independently. It is very tempting to tie the fill lines together and fill both to the same pressure, but don't do it.

If both fill lines are tied together, when you go around a corner, the outside bag will transfer air to the inside bag and make the vehicle lean more than if you didn't have the air bags. Kind of like a reverse anti-sway bar.

When cornering with the fill lines separated, the outer bag pressure will increase and the inner air bag pressure will decrease and the lean will be reduced.

Mike

XRACER · 07-03-2008, 02:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ken Kaepernick

The van is in expedited service and the most we have hauled in it was 5200# on a 2000 mile run.

It still was a little “squirrelly”; but it handled the load at 70MPH.

We also run 85 PSI of air in the rear tires, so that contributes to the harsh ride.

I usually don't make comments like this.....especially on the 'friendly' forum.....but I have to say that this is pretty irresponsible behavior. Running over weight, over the speed limit, and over inflated put's others at risk.

If you want to be a hero, take it to the race track....

JMHO

blageurt · 07-03-2008, 04:59 PM

Van racing , now that would be wild . . . especially pulling a trailer . . .

Kaliburz · 07-05-2008, 10:09 AM

Nice custom set up. Is the frame mount custom also, or was that stock air bag manufactuer???

A buddy had a kit installed on a 3/4 ton Chev and it was similar to the one I'm looking at. Mounted where the axle bumper went.

The online instructions that I looked at (most of them) all tie both of the air bags together w/ one common fill. I'm thinking of getting a compressor kit. Looked at the auto system but I think I'll pass on that one.

I won't be doing that much towing w/ the van, but I just don't like the idea of the back going down if I do. I tend to borrow trailers from friends and they don't use weight distributing hitches at all.

Here is another question- Where does one put the air controls (and guage) on a van? It seems as if it's a limited area under the steering wheel on mine. I mean, I have the duel tanks so the switch is there. I don't want to mount anything near the engine cover (it's hard enough to get that on/off). (1990 van, so I don't recall what the newer style looked like near the driver area).

Mr_Roboto · 07-05-2008, 08:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XRACER

I usually don't make comments like this.....especially on the 'friendly' forum.....but I have to say that this is pretty irresponsible behavior. Running over weight, over the speed limit, and over inflated put's others at risk.

If you want to be a hero, take it to the race track....

JMHO

What was the weight of the truck compared to GVWR? What was the speed limit?

Tire inflation guides specifically recommend extra inflation (over cold inflation) for high speed use.

ujointclothing · 07-07-2008, 02:34 PM

The upper mounts on mine were custom made as well.

Kaliburz · 07-12-2008, 12:10 AM

I ended up getting the Ride Rite 2032. I happen to come across a kit on Ebay, and got it for a good price. Now I just have to get an air inflation kit....

Also picked up an air spring kit for the front. Was cheap enough and from the same seller..... don't know if I'll use it, but I'll have it if needed. I don't think I could have gotten them any cheaper....