Ron's '89 Southwind

[RonS1985]

You guys (and gals) have been so helpful that I thought I'd push my luck and ask another question. I'm having some suspension issues. The front and rear shocks are shot but that part is easy. I have air suspension baffles that are pretty much shot. I need to get my rear-end up. The fuel tank is currently only about 8" off the ground (empty). Any suggestions on what I can do that won't cost a bloody fortune? New baffles are cheap but it runs at least $1,500 to put them in. I thought about air shocks but I'm worried that they won't hold the weight, not to mention the possibility of a bouncy ride. I'm so close to having this thing nearly restored I don't want to stop now. I just have a limited budget. Thanks again, my friends.

[Sammie]

Maybe take it to a truck spring shop and ask their opinion. They could possibly add a leaf to the rear springs.

Sammie

[blackf3504dr]

The problem with air shock is the shock mounts were not designed to carry a load, the you have one more thing to fix...

[pwf16129]

installing the new air bags shouldn't be a big chore if you have any mechanical skills, they will unbolt and bolt back in if you don't have an on board compressor or yours is bad you can run a fill line to each side and air them that way. mine has after market air bags and they are set up like this and work very well and i can adjust each side according to how much the better half decides to take at the moment. i just hate to see people pay to much on fairly simple repairs because a shop tries to make it out as complicated the wife always gets on to me for saying this because i mechanic for a living but alot of repairs a simple if you follow the instructions
good luck

happy rving

[RonS1985]

I've studied my air baffles and from what I can see they are mounted in the center of the coil. It seems I would need a coil compression tool and lots of luck. That is unless I missed something. I'll get under her again today to take a second look. I really need to get the rear back up again. Thanks for your responses.

[whem2fish]

front are cut into pieces to remove to install roll up and insert through hole in lover a frame (lots of soap) i supect you have leaf springs on rear rear is bolt on you remove bump stops if you do the labor it under $400 about a day for all 4

[RonS1985]

My bad...my rear air bags are independent and appear to be an easy change. The front ones are a different story. They are in the center of the coils (and also shot). Although I have this RV running well now, you can imagine it's a pretty bumpy ride right now. Any suggestions on where I could find inexpensive air bags? JC Whitney and RockAuto have them but they are $300-400 each. Seems to be high for such a simple device.

[whem2fish]

got mine at camping world less than $100

[RonS1985]

I checked with Camping World. They do have the air bags for $100 but that's for the front. The rear bags are anywhere from $260 to $350 each. I think I'll have to wait on this.

[4Knights]

Quote:

Originally Posted by RonS1985 I've studied my air baffles and from what I can see they are mounted in the center of the coil. It seems I would need a coil compression tool and lots of luck. That is unless I missed something. I'll get under her again today to take a second look. I really need to get the rear back up again. Thanks for your responses.

I replaced my airbags in the front coil springs it was pretty simple, the hard part is getting the old ones out! Use a knife and cut them apart and pull out the pieces then clean inside of coils real good, roll the new bags as small as possible and lube with mineral oil then slide them in-between the coils until they are seated correctly. My bags cost around a hundred bucks.
http://www.airliftcompany.com/
Ron

[RonS1985]

Ron here; I did some homework and have discovered that the rear air bags are sold two ways. For top dollar ($260-350 each) you can get the entire bag kit. However, I found two places (RockAuto and eBay) that sell just the replacement bags at around $100 each. As always, thank you for your responses.

[poppatello]

Have you tried Woody @ Merkin Springs? Not sure where you are in Delaware but he is really hurting for work and is very good @ what he does. Wouldn't hurt to give him a shout...


Merkin Auto Spring Co Inc

Place page[IMG]chrome://searchshield/content/safe.gif[/IMG]

501 Garasches Lane
Wilmington, DE 19801-5595
(302) 656-9098

[RonS1985]

I'm in the middle of the state. I know where that place is, though. Thanks.

[JiminJersey]

Quote:

Originally Posted by pwf16129 installing the new air bags shouldn't be a big chore if you have any mechanical skills, they will unbolt and bolt back in if you don't have an on board compressor or yours is bad you can run a fill line to each side and air them that way. mine has after market air bags and they are set up like this and work very well and i can adjust each side according to how much the better half decides to take at the moment. i just hate to see people pay to much on fairly simple repairs because a shop tries to make it out as complicated the wife always gets on to me for saying this because i mechanic for a living but alot of repairs a simple if you follow the instructions good luck happy rving

Diogenes would be proud.