Bags...airlift Or Firestone?

Spurshot · October 27, 2009

I'm almost convinced I'm going to install air bags on my little 08, GMT900, 1500, Vmax, NHT equipped truck. I took the first long distance hunt trip in it and it was sagging from all the load.

I've looked at the websites for the Airlift and Firestone bags.

It appears that the Airlift requires drilling the frame. Airlift also offers a wireless controlled compressor system that is appealing.

Firestone looks to be a bolt-on installation for this model, with no drilling, simply replacing the bump stops. I didn't see any wireless controlled compressor offering.

I like the installation of the Firestones, but like the wireless controlled compressor. Maybe mix the two?

Comments? Experiences?

Thanks

Harvey Halabookie · October 27, 2009

I'm almost convinced I'm going to install air bags on my little 08, GMT900, 1500, Vmax, NHT equipped truck. I took the first long distance hunt trip in it and it was sagging from all the load.

I've looked at the websites for the Airlift and Firestone bags.

It appears that the Airlift requires drilling the frame. Airlift also offers a wireless controlled compressor system that is appealing.

Firestone looks to be a bolt-on installation for this model, with no drilling, simply replacing the bump stops. I didn't see any wireless controlled compressor offering.

I like the installation of the Firestones, but like the wireless controlled compressor. Maybe mix the two?

Comments? Experiences?

Thanks

I had the Air Lift kit on my '04 Yukon and and loved it. I did not have a compressor, just an air fitting I ran under the rear bumper. The only thing I had to drill was the top rubber coil spring isolator to pass the air lines through. The kit even had heat shields to attach to the exhaust pipes.

Check the specs and installation instructions, I doubt you have to drill the frame for anything, but I could be wrong.

daylower · October 27, 2009

I'm almost convinced I'm going to install air bags on my little 08, GMT900, 1500, Vmax, NHT equipped truck. I took the first long distance hunt trip in it and it was sagging from all the load.

I've looked at the websites for the Airlift and Firestone bags.

It appears that the Airlift requires drilling the frame. Airlift also offers a wireless controlled compressor system that is appealing.

Firestone looks to be a bolt-on installation for this model, with no drilling, simply replacing the bump stops. I didn't see any wireless controlled compressor offering.

I like the installation of the Firestones, but like the wireless controlled compressor. Maybe mix the two?

Comments? Experiences?

Thanks

york belt driven compressor FTW

dlstewart01 · October 27, 2009

I've had both air lift and Firestone. I like the firestones better. Thats what I have now. I am going on 5 years with them with no issues. I also have the onboard compressor. Its easy lift button up for up and down for down. Does not affect the ride.

The last time I had the AirLifts, they didn't seem to hold air as long as the Firestones. I also had an onboard compressor with them that would come on when the pressure got down to a certain level. Every winter when it got below freezing, when I would start my truck the compressor would come on and not go off. I had to wire in a cut off switch for those times.

Zak_LScrew · October 27, 2009

Have you considered adding a couple leaf springs? I have the 2" RC up front and BDS leaf springs in rear. It gave me a half of the original factory rake and added 400 lbs more carrying capacity.

dlstewart01 · October 27, 2009

Have you considered adding a couple leaf springs? I have the 2" RC up front and BDS leaf springs in rear. It gave me a half of the original factory rake and added 400 lbs more carrying capacity.

Hes trying to make it ride better, The extra leaf springs in my opinion will do the opposite.

700 sportsman · October 27, 2009

Have you considered adding a couple leaf springs? I have the 2" RC up front and BDS leaf springs in rear. It gave me a half of the original factory rake and added 400 lbs more carrying capacity.

Hes trying to make it ride better, The extra leaf springs in my opinion will do the opposite.

I agree

and the Airlifts, from what I see, and Jgold on here says, it is a no drill install, and I have heard good things about both and Jgold found a website http://www.ourdealsrock.net/airlift.aspx?_...adid=4148990943, they have the best price I could find, and the best price without a compressor for the firestone's, I found on ebay

EDIT: here's the link to the other thread, and the part numbers, prices, and pics. are on the last page

03blackz71 · October 27, 2009

I have the airlift ridecontrol kit on my truck and love it. NO drilling!!!! A direct bolt on kit. I don't have the compressor kit, I fill them manually when needed. Mine don't leak either. The ride is just like stock also. It helps with body roll also.

jrod332 · October 27, 2009

Chuck I just bought firestones and recieved them in the mail today. I plan on installing them in the next few days or so and can let you know how it goes.

2COR517 · October 27, 2009

I put some AirLifts on the back of my 97 K2500 a few week ago. I like them very much. Had to drill three hole for each side, the newer trucks may be no drill. I would avoid the wireless stuff if it were me. The incab control, with autofill for low pressure would be ideal.

Spurshot · October 27, 2009

I have the airlift ridecontrol kit on my truck and love it. NO drilling!!!! A direct bolt on kit. I don't have the compressor kit, I fill them manually when needed. Mine don't leak either. The ride is just like stock also. It helps with body roll also.

Can you provide a picture of the installation? many thanks.

Jarod,

I'm particularly interested in the proximity of the exhaust to the bags. A pic of the right side would be helpful and appreciated if you have stock exhaust.

compulynx · October 27, 2009

I have the firestones and love them. I pull a camper some and use about 35 lbs in them to soften the ride. It is amazing how much they smooth pulling a load. I also got a PEX tee to connect both bags together at my tag. I have the valve stem right in the tag itself on the bumper, so I drill no holes in the truck anywhere. I would not even invest in a compressor, since you do not need to adjust them after you figure out the pressure you need the first time.

I just got one of those cheap Sears cigarette lighter powered compressors and power it off of my 12 v at the trailer hitch to pump up. (get the one with the builtin gauge).

I made an adapter out of a 7 wire male plug I got at Autozone. Since they hold hardly any air, it only takes 10 seconds to pump them up. When at the campsite, I let all the air out (2-3psi) and get my smooth ride running about.

C

03blackz71 · October 27, 2009

I have the airlift ridecontrol kit on my truck and love it. NO drilling!!!! A direct bolt on kit. I don't have the compressor kit, I fill them manually when needed. Mine don't leak either. The ride is just like stock also. It helps with body roll also.

Can you provide a picture of the installation? many thanks.

Jarod,

I'm particularly interested in the proximity of the exhaust to the bags. A pic of the right side would be helpful and appreciated if you have stock exhaust.

I will try and get some for you.

03blackz71 · October 28, 2009

here are some pictures of my airlift bags. They are not the Heavy duty ones like the 3/4 tons use but they work well with the 1/2 tons and leave you still with the stock ride. And when I do my hauling the do there purpose and keep the truck level and keeps the truck more stable. I do the once a month or maybe twice a month type of hauling with my truck so these work perfect but if I haul something everyday or couple times a week I would get the heavy duty firestones.

Sorry the truck is dirty and there is a little rust but what do you expect from WI salty winters. Also I have 20 psi in them right now.