Firestone Airbag Question

I have a 2015 Crewmax. Bilstein 6112 top setting w/ 2 driver 1 passenger shim. Rear Bistein 5160 w/ CB +3 shackle.

I’m purchasing some Firestone 2445 and was wondering if the Daystar cradles or Coach Builder Airbag spacer kit is better for my setup.

$74 Daystar, Air Bag Cradle designed for full suspension travel, Fits All 6" diameter convoluted Air Bags, fits any full size of half ton truck, 2/4WD, KU09140BK, Made in America, Black

https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B0084ROJBM

https://shop-coachbuilder.myshopify...ilder-airbag-spacer-kit-actual-thickness-1-50

 

I had this exact same setup for a while. The plus 3 shackle, in my opinion is unnecessary with airbags. You don't need the rake if you have airbags as you can level with the bags. With the plus 3, the air bag manufacturer recommends that you run spacers (or brackets) due to the stretch caused by the large gap between the axle and the frame. I was running a 2 inch spacer and basically it didn't allow the rear end to level out. I wasn't able to get rid of the rake in the truck while towing my travel trailer. The truck was always riding ass end high due to the large rake to begin with. When I put a load on the truck the rake would calm down but as soon as I filled the airbags the rake would come back. I switched to the plus 2 coachbuilder and I'm much happier with the setup. The truck is pretty much level and I have more down travel due to being able to remove the spacer. I added the daystar cradles and love them. Now the ride is a lot softer due to the fact that during everyday driving the airbag's are not touching the axle and stiffening up the ride. Now I can load my trailer, and have the airbags with some pressure and the truck rides perfectly level.

 

Here is the guidance sheet for firestone spacer size vs lift size.

https://www.firestoneip.com/content/dam/fsip/pdfs/ride-rite-pdfs/lift-spacers.pdf

 

Further more it looks like (from the guide I posted) that there are specific "lift brackets" designed to serve the function of spacers for the 2445 kit. ( See bottom of guide page)
Remember that the plus 3 shackle gives 1.75" of lift, So I'd assume you would use the 2" lift brackets.

 

Thanks for all the great info. I think I’ll start with the Daystar cradles and see how those work. I’ll swap to the CB ones that are 1.5” if there is an issue.

I never tow just the occasional pallet of material in the bed for projects. I currently have the black sumos but too much bro lean for my liking.

 

+1 for daystar cradles

 

All ordered. Hoping to have everything by this weekend.

 

+2 for Daystar cradles.

 

I ran daystars on my lifted taco and loved them! Ordering them now for my Tundra!

 

I have CB +2 shackles with airbags and didn't need the airbag spacers. I bought the truck used and the former owner installed Goodyear airbags on the truck, so I bought the spacers, but didn't need them.

Looking at purchasing the daystars, but I haven't pulled the trigger yet.

 

Okay all installed. CB +3 shackles work perfectly with the Daystar Cradles. Glad I didn’t opt for the spacers.

 

I have Firestone airbags, Daystar cradles, Coachbuilder +1 and an Icon add a leaf.

I ordered airbag spacers. Did not need or use them. I could see how they could be useful without the cradles but not necessary with.

So if anyone in Canada wants a deal on spacers let me know!

 

Looks good. I’m a bit surprised your airbag is making contact with the cradle with the +3 shackle, or do you have weight in the bed?

 

I do have some weight in my bed. It’s inside the cradle but hovering about an inch above the bottom.

 

Good to know. I have the +2 shackles on order and my daystar cradles just arrived. I’ve been running the Firestones for about a year now without the cradles. I’m hoping my +2 shackles will keep my bags off the cradles with an empty bed as I’m hoping to improve my ride with the shackles. Keeping just the recommended 5 lbs minimum in my bags definitely stiffened up the rear end.

 

Mine rides exactly the same as before which is perfect. I can see why because you’re constantly hitting a bump stop basically. I’m sure you’ll be happy.

 

https://www.truckspring.com/blog/po...r-air-bag-cradles-with-ride-rite-air-bag-kits

I had Firestone and Daystar in my Tundra and worked really great. I did not like the ride of the airlift in my other Tundra.

 

I bet that psa was to cover their own ass. I could. That was my first time seeing that in all my research.

 

looks like he has some pressure in the bags

 

I'm thinking about going with this this Firestone + Daystar config on my rig, how does this setup perform with full upward travel? even at 5psi wouldn't there be concerns of pinch (compression) tearing on the bags?

I've got the Fox 2.5 rear shocks and alcan springs, so I've got a decent amount of suspension travel back there on trails. sometimes my 35" tires rub the wheel well on moderate trails that require some crawling. this is my main concern.

 

I can’t speak to the Tundra set up but I had the same set up on my Tacoma and had zero issues. I did a ton of off roading and crawling in that truck fully loaded with a canopy, 2.5 shocks, decked system, etc. I have the same system for my tundra and will be installing it with complete confidence soon!

 

I’m about to do this exact thing to my truck. +3 shackles from the group buy and the airbags and Daystar cradles.