Community Forums

WWFan · 03-13-2006, 06:36 PM

Well...I had been thinking of this mod to our F350KR for a while, and I finally got it done. Of course, the first one took about 6-7 brewskis and then I had to quit because I couldn't seem to get the darn thing to line up correctly, but the next morning I got it the left side done, and then got the right side done in about 30 minutes. Firestone had a new kit for the 2005+ F350's (FIP-2400, $239.95 from Summit Racing- plus it included a Firestone air gauge), and like the others, it's a no-drill kit. Once I got them filled with air, they looked perfect. And they make the truck ride ALOT better, even unloaded with only 30psi in them (I still have to play with the air setting to see what difference it makes, but so far- I'm happy). I didn't get the onboard compressor this time, because I always only filled at the beginning of the trip, and never adjusted while I was on the road. I also am in the "Thinking/Fab" stage of of onboard compressor on the SLC, so that will be my source for filling up the airbags- I plan on routing an airline to the front of the coach to use for the airbags. Hope to have this done by the Spangler trip.

Here's a couple of pics:

Note that this is not the typical "above the spring" kit- it installs inside the frame, and actually if I had to do another one, it'd be an hour job. I had airbags on my F250, and they really do improve the ride- especially when towing. I'm figuring with my 4200# of pin weight, it'll be a major improvement.

Sean

WWFan · 03-13-2006, 06:36 PM

Well...I had been thinking of this mod to our F350KR for a while, and I finally got it done. Of course, the first one took about 6-7 brewskis and then I had to quit because I couldn't seem to get the darn thing to line up correctly, but the next morning I got it the left side done, and then got the right side done in about 30 minutes. Firestone had a new kit for the 2005+ F350's (FIP-2400, $239.95 from Summit Racing- plus it included a Firestone air gauge), and like the others, it's a no-drill kit. Once I got them filled with air, they looked perfect. And they make the truck ride ALOT better, even unloaded with only 30psi in them (I still have to play with the air setting to see what difference it makes, but so far- I'm happy). I didn't get the onboard compressor this time, because I always only filled at the beginning of the trip, and never adjusted while I was on the road. I also am in the "Thinking/Fab" stage of of onboard compressor on the SLC, so that will be my source for filling up the airbags- I plan on routing an airline to the front of the coach to use for the airbags. Hope to have this done by the Spangler trip.

Here's a couple of pics:

Note that this is not the typical "above the spring" kit- it installs inside the frame, and actually if I had to do another one, it'd be an hour job. I had airbags on my F250, and they really do improve the ride- especially when towing. I'm figuring with my 4200# of pin weight, it'll be a major improvement.

Sean

C.CARNEY · 03-13-2006, 06:59 PM

Looks good Sean!!!

With mine I did have to drill, took around 3 hours total time for both sides. BUT, they make a BIG difference when the trailer is on the rig. I run around 10psi un-loaded, 30-40psi loaded.

Good job bud!!!

Clark

WWFan · 03-13-2006, 07:04 PM

Clarkie Baby!! Hey...thanks for 'being there' last Friday night while I was grappling with this...I needed the help and support! Saturday I just figured I'd get them on there and see what the air pressure would do, and then they looked fine.

On my F250, I also ran only 10psi unloaded, but loaded I was at 70-75psi with the old SLC3705. I never weighed the TH separately, so I don't know what pin weight I had on it. I also need to think about new shocks- these Rancho knockoffs are for the birds- even with only 10k on them- I'm thinking of either the real Rancho RS9000x's (adjustable) or Bilsteins, which I've also heard a bunch of great comments about.

Hey...glad to see ya around again! Let's get a-yackin', OK?

Oh..and buddy...you need to fix your avatar!!

Sean

tvmotorsports · 03-14-2006, 03:17 PM

Nice pictures Sean. When are you going to write me a story about one of your mods?

terry

WWFan · 03-14-2006, 06:59 PM

Hey Terry! How's the HDT world treating ya? I hope good! Are you going to make Spangler?

Which one you want me to write about?

You may wanna wait until I get my onboard compressor done- it's gonna be sweet- I'm thinking of searching for some HDT air tanks that will be easier and give better capacity than the two 2 gallons I got right now. It'll be the biggest Mod I've done yet. Of course, don't hold your breath...it's taking me some time to get all the pieces together!

And maybe you should ask Howie....he's our Mod God around these parts- it's amazing what kind of time you have when you're RETIRED!

[envious]

Sean

Marco Polo · 03-15-2006, 05:05 AM

Sean,

Nice clean install. I got the Airlifts from Summit for my 2500HD but not very happy with the ride. Even with 5 PSI I don't get that "Cadillac" ride hihi!!! I have an air compressor with an air tank on the rig but have not plumbed the air bags in it. When I connect the trailer on, about 1,200 pounds tongue weight the rear suspension barely goes down an inch. When I am loaded I pump the bags to 20PSI. The ride gets a little more comfy but still feel all the freeway expansion joints.

Go for the Bilsteins I had the adjustable Ranchos and was not happy. The Bilsteins are in my opinion better built and give you a firmer ride, especially when you are loaded. Now that I am thinking about it one of the Ranchos was leaking and two of the adjusters knobs broke off in less that 2 years on a Chevy conversion van.

CUL
Nick