Firestone Ride-rite air helper springs

[ibelyea]

Just found a good place to get airbags. They cost $215 plus shipping (no tax, as it is located in Portland, OR). I searched all over and found the place close to home.
PACIFIC COAST Truck and Trailer
8235 NE MLK BLVD
Portland, OR 97211
curtis@pcttr.com
Their webpage is still being built, but drop Curtis a line and I do not think you can find a better deal. Model # Firestone RR2250
This is a bolt on system that does not require any drilling or welding. I figure it will take me less than 2 hours to install. I get no credit for this endorsement, but think the price is right.

Ivan

[Kennedy]

FWIW, Air lift bags (priced similarly) for this application mount between the frame and axle putting their support driectly on the frame, plus the bags have support plates to increase the footprint of the bag and the carying capacity.

[jbplock]

Moved to the 2500HD/3500 Accessories Forum ...

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[JeffsTowTruck]

I GOT THE AIR BAG KIT AND THEY WERE EASY TO INSTALL. THERE WAS A PIECE THAT WENT INTO THE FRAME TO ADD SUPPORT THERE AND THE 2 PLATES ON THE TOP AND BOTTOM OF THE BAGS. IT WAS CUSTOM FIT AND INSTALLED WITH OUT ANY FABRICATION. YOUR 2 HRS IS ABOUT RIGHT THE INSTRUCTIONS SAY TO LEAVE 10LBS OF AIR IN THEM WHEN NOT IN USE AND I DO NOT HAVE AS SMOOTH OF A RIDE NOW. THE REAR IS A LITTLE MORE STIFF. BUT ONCE I AM HOOKED UP AND LOADED MY DUALLY WAS SQUATTING IN THE REAR. THIS HAS FIXED THAT AND THE RIDE IS NO DIFF. THAN W/O THEM

[christo]

I have used the same Firestone system on a '01 and a '05 but found that there is not really enough room between the frame and axle.
This results in a truck that easily bottoms as there is less space than the stock design.

My solution is to not use the bottom spacer and let the air bag rest directly in the axle bump plate. Don't secure the bottom of the air bag.

You will need to tack weld a 1" x 3" piece of flat iron to the rear side of the axle bump plate to keep the air bag from slipping off.

Another plus is you don't have to worry about the air bag being damaged if the truck is lifted by the rear bumper.

CHRISTO

[chipper]

Another solution to the height problem is to have the dealer switch the "255C" bags which are 6" hi, for "25C"(part #6959)bags, which are 5.25" hi.
The 255C have a load rating of 2400# & the 25C have a load rating of 1600#. I have the 25C on mine & they have worked well with my 32' 5er for about 40,000 miles.

[markrinker]

Are the heavys rated #2400 per side, or combined?

[chipper]

Mark,
That is per bag.