Firestone air bags

quick89 · 07-27-2009, 04:06 AM

Unable to get the nut on the bolt that goes into the frame rail ( nut on the stick) What is the trick?? I'm thinking of drilling a bolt hole outboard on that upper bracket to get a better angle on the bolt.

Truckerger · 07-28-2009, 11:30 AM

Ya gotta bend the stick so it gets the nut in line with the hole. Then run the bolt up into it. It mey take a couple tries to get it but after you get it started the stick will hold the nut fast so all ya gotta do is tighten up the bolt. I was stumped too until a friend came over and showed me how.

**helomech** · 07-28-2009, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Truckerger

Ya gotta bend the stick so it gets the nut in line with the hole. Then run the bolt up into it. It mey take a couple tries to get it but after you get it started the stick will hold the nut fast so all ya gotta do is tighten up the bolt. I was stumped too until a friend came over and showed me how.

What he said, don't drill any unnecessary holes in the frame. Just bend it around until it works.

chipreibel · 07-31-2009, 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by helomech

What he said, don't drill any unnecessary holes in the frame. Just bend it around until it works.

x3.

It took me about 3 minutes per side to get it bent just right. Look in the hole on the bottom of the frame so that you can tell when you get the bend just right (you'll see the nut clear as day).

FWIW - I only had the Firestone bags installed for a couple weeks. When unloaded, it rode like I had a cinder block back there instead of airbags. When loaded - they were FANTASTIC.

**beason** · 07-31-2009, 12:33 PM

arent you supposed to let the air out of them when your not loaded?? may be why it rode so rough for you.

chipreibel · 07-31-2009, 03:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beason

arent you supposed to let the air out of them when your not loaded?? may be why it rode so rough for you.

Really? You can change the pressure in them? NOW you tell me... (Just kidding, of course!)

According to the manual you are supposed to run at least 5 (or was it 10?) psi in the bags to prevent them from folding. I didn't like it with 5 psi so I took them to 0 psi and still didn't like the ride. I finally took them off and returned them.

Like I mentioned - when the truck was loaded (3 450cc dirtbikes in the bed pulling a TT), they did a FANTASTIC job. They truely were great. If there was an easier/quicker way to install/remove them I would still have them. If I could put them on in less than 10 minutes (when I needed them) and take them back off in less than 10 minutes (when I didn't need them) I would still have them.

- Chip

**helomech** · 07-31-2009, 04:55 PM

I don't notice any difference with mine on, I keep them at 10 psi.

**beason** · 07-31-2009, 04:58 PM

this is good to know. i am looking to put some drop shackles on mine, but i dont want it to hurt when i get a boat. i was thinking the helper bags would be the ticket. i dont want a rough ride though...

SlothFryk · 08-20-2009, 04:15 PM

Beason, I'll start by saying props on the A-Style avatar. I've had that logo on every bike since they sponsored the GP race in Assen back in '06.

Did you end up doing the bags with drop shackles? I've just blown my second set of air shocks, and I think it's becuase I'm botoming out when the bed is fully loaded. I had cut the bump stop in half when I first got the truck b/c I had lowered it. Didn't like the look, or ride, so I took the lowering kit out and sold it here. That was like late '05. Do I sound like a person high on needle drugs? Because I hate throwing money at suspension like I have been.

I'd like to put on these Firestones, the kit looks durable as nails, and increases load capacity to a claimed 3500#'s. I usually only carry 2k, but that's clearly too much for a "1/2 ton pickup." I'm concerned that with the reduced clearance of the drop shackles, and the cut bump-stops that I'll still pop them. The bumps are $25 per, and I could replace them, but why now, if I don't have to with the air bags.

Lemme know what you guys think.... Cheers!

Dean M. · 08-22-2009, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by quick89

Unable to get the nut on the bolt that goes into the frame rail ( nut on the stick) What is the trick?? I'm thinking of drilling a bolt hole outboard on that upper bracket to get a better angle on the bolt.

Installed these on my truck too. Super nice. The trick is to bend the "stick" at a 90 degree angle,then twist the "stick" at a 45 degree angle slightly higher. This will allow the nut to sit flush inside the rail. Use a phillips screwdriver to align the nut center with the hole and then thread in the bolt. It may take a few tries, but you'll get it.

**beason** · 08-24-2009, 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SlothFryk

Beason, I'll start by saying props on the A-Style avatar. I've had that logo on every bike since they sponsored the GP race in Assen back in '06.

Did you end up doing the bags with drop shackles? I've just blown my second set of air shocks, and I think it's becuase I'm botoming out when the bed is fully loaded. I had cut the bump stop in half when I first got the truck b/c I had lowered it. Didn't like the look, or ride, so I took the lowering kit out and sold it here. That was like late '05. Do I sound like a person high on needle drugs? Because I hate throwing money at suspension like I have been.

I'd like to put on these Firestones, the kit looks durable as nails, and increases load capacity to a claimed 3500#'s. I usually only carry 2k, but that's clearly too much for a "1/2 ton pickup." I'm concerned that with the reduced clearance of the drop shackles, and the cut bump-stops that I'll still pop them. The bumps are $25 per, and I could replace them, but why now, if I don't have to with the air bags.

Lemme know what you guys think.... Cheers!

you know.. i have been sporting this avatar for years, and you are the first ever to know what it even was.. PROPS!

i got the shackles but i havent put them on yet. Im also planning on doing the jet-tech mod. i will see how it sits then, and see how much travel i have before going with bags.

Bulldog22 · 08-24-2009, 12:49 PM

How are those air bags working out for yall? I was gonna add them. I am debating air bags or adding a leaf. any recommendations??? Leaf is cheaper, bags may be more comfortable, but are they durable?

SlothFryk · 08-24-2009, 03:51 PM

Well Bulldog, my bags are in the mail, and I'm hoping to put them in on Sunday, if they arrive in time. Durability is always the issue. The nice thing is that I know you can buy just the bags. As any rubber part, I'm sure it's going to age, but I figure at least 4 years. Time will tell!

orionS14 · 08-24-2009, 07:26 PM

The Firestone bags are just smaller semi-truck bags...which I believe last a long, LONG time. I don;t think there's any reason to be concerned with the durability.

Mine have been great...even though it might be a tad bit stiffer in the rear (over harsh bumps)...it's was like adding a swaybar. The handling is noticeably better, IMO.

- Brian

SlothFryk · 08-25-2009, 09:58 AM

Brian, I'm stoked to hear that they're working out, and that you got some lateral rigidity as well. Out of curiousity, did you add an electric pump? Was it the two valve, keeping the bags separate, or the combined valve? I'm a cheapskate and went with a single, and I'm concerned that the combined path will allow air to transfer side-to-side and eliminate the feel of a swaybar. What are your thoughts?