Air bag (suspension) question

Good morning,

I scored a set of firestone air bags for my suspension off of Facebook marketplace - in time for towing season with the camper. It’s way too cold today to tackle the install. But I notice some people use the day star cradles - I am not lifted so I was wondering if it would be advisable to order the cradles or just install the way the manual states…..thoughts and opinions are appreciated. I can order the cradles to have them here when tackling the install if you all think it is beneficial to use them

 

The cradles also help take the stress off the bags when you jack the truck up, so definitely not just for lifted trucks. Relatively inexpensive and easy to install, I would add the cradles.

 

I’m not lifted and put cradles on mine.

 

Cradles are a good idea. Like said, it takes stress off of them when lifting. It doesn’t matter what lift you have in the rear (0”-4”) as long as you’re using stock leaf springs because the cradle will be on top of the leaf spring where as the lift blocks will be between axle and bottom of leaf springs. And aftermarket lift leafs would be the same as in the cradle will be on top also.

 

Ok sounds good; hoping to tackle the install tomorrow. I did end up purchasing the cradles.

 

I got the install completed this evening. Everything works and no leaks. Juts a quick question - seems like people are running at or around 20 psi for daily driving. Curious what everyone is doing. I have it at 20 now but not going to get out for a test ride until tomorrow

 

I run mine at 5psi minimum operating pressure I believe written in instructions.

 

My approach: 5 psi for normal driving. 25 to 30 psi when towing.

 

I installed cradles for above mentioned reasons, as well as off roading. I run mine usually around 12 psi daily, 40-70 while towing or loaded bed.

 

Thanks all; guess I will air down a bit. I am leaving it at 20 overnight - will see if it has any slow leaks

 

I probably don't even need airbags, I just put them on listening to a friend who towed travel trailers without doing much research myself. With stock suspension and nose down attitude, the truck is level after hooking up a 480lbs tounge weight trailer with 5psi pressure in the bags. Obviously the pressure in the bags increases a few psi with weight, but I run 5psi loaded and unloaded. Works for me and I don't have any ride quality issues loaded or unloaded.

 

^ same here. If you run 20 psi without a load, it definitely stiffens the ride up…uncomfortably so.

 

Like most on here, I run between 5-8 psi unloaded. Around 25 psi while pulling the camper.

 

Got the air bags installed last night and oil changed today. Aired down to 8 psi. Went for a ride to recycle the oil and really like the way it feels.

one thing - the manual for these air bags (retrue brand) says that the uboltts should only be torques to 20 foot pounds….and all other hardware torques between 15-20 foot pounds. I can’t imagine that was correct so I tightened to as tight as I could get without cranking it down……made my own bracket to relocate fuel pump module as I didn’t get one with the kit since they were was used. I also ended up using cradles and like the way they work. I feel like this will be a worthwhile purchase especially when towing the camper this year

 

If you air them up to around 50 psi or so, then spray soapy water on all the connections and look for bubbles. It’ll make bubbles where you have a leak, if you have any.