Let's talk air bags...

[86Scotty]

I ordered the 2181 kit on Friday. I promptly received a personal 'thank you' email from the president of Suspension Connection, as well as a 15% discount when I ordered. I like this company so far!

I will update my experience as soon as I can get mine mounted and tested. I'm still dizzy at how perfect the timing was on this thread. I was just starting to think about these when Lizard posted this. Thanks Lizard! I hope you have been helped as well.

[Ocsmb]

Originally Posted by Lizard1

Thanks for the smart ass and VERY useful post. IF you read and comprehend my post above, I was simply providing some details as to what I am hauling and the van type I have. There was a post about on board vs in board on the compressors. I also didn't see ANYONE state other than to plumb them separately as to whether that means two compressors or if one can be used via a valve system that will allow inflation of each bag at different times if need be.

I also asked about a sway bar and a link. Maybe I missed that...

I was just asking about the compressors and the sway bar. I provided what I tow to see if maybe the leveling for the trailer was a better idea, but I do a lot of hauling within the van as well...

No need to get aggro.

Smart ass remark?

No it was literal. I really don't think you read or maybe you didn't comprehend what was posted.

Did you look at the equalizer hitch I mentioned above?

It'll take care of your dragging ass and anti sway.

Did you read that you might not need 2 compressors cuz one on board one can take care of airing up your tires and filling up the air bags?

Happy Sunday and hope that helps.

[Lizard1]

Originally Posted by Ford_6L_E350

The AirLift kit has one compressor and gauges/valving to keep them separate.

Mike

Thank you for that response! That's what I was looking for...

[BrianW]

I just ordered Firestone airbags for the front and rear of my 98 E250 EB. Got them from www.sdtrucksprings.com, which beat suspensionconnection.com's price by a fair bit ($30 or so IIRC). 15% off Firestone airbags (coupon code Fire15) and free shipping did the trick.

I don't really need the front airbags, but at ~$85 after discount I figured I might as well get them and install just in case I need them at some point. $374 total, shipped for front and rear.

I'll report back on the vendor when I get the stuff. They are in NY state so close to me in PA.

[BrianW]

Update on SDtrucksprings.com. I ordered late yesterday afternoon (ET) and FedEx just dropped off my Firestone airbags. Order looks full and complete. Now all I have to do is find time to mount these things...

[daveb]

Perfect time to do a write up on the install if you find the time Brian.

[BrianW]

Originally Posted by daveb

Perfect time to do a write up on the install if you find the time Brian.

If I do it will be titled "The idiots guide to airbag installation," as I'm not as mechanically astute as many of you on the forum. Wood and electrical work I'm fine with as my dad is a contractor, but actual auto repair type stuff is always a figure-it-out-as-I-go exercise.

Firestone's instructions look pretty good, though, so I'm optimistic!

[jage]

So does anyone have the 2181 Sport Rite kit with Deavers? I know it fits the 350 springs etc, but do they just fit the additional lift?

Also from the pictures it looks like the 2181 bracket is symmetric- can the bracket be flipped to gain height?

My concern is too much clearance, the opposite of a 2wd, but I like the outboard frame mount and not tying into the spring U-bolts, I'm just worried they'll be short.

This thread is perfect timing for me as well, it all seems so simple- and that's what scares me.

[jage]

Well I'll find out soon enough, I ordered the 2181 Sport Rite today from amazon. I thought 280 shipped was too good to pass up.

So next is a controller. I have a compressor (QuickAir from back in the day) but what else do I need?

Like, what's good low cost gauge and switch set? I like these two:
http://shop.airliftcompany.com/product/26229
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/air-26159

But there is a $100 difference and no indication of what I would need with them.

I'm going for inexpensive and easy install. I don't really want a digital pad/panel that I can't put anywhere but otherwise I don't know what to get- all the videos seem to be about the bags themselves or hittin' switches type installs.

[Ford_6L_E350]

I had the Summit 2 gauge panel in my PU, and it worked well. The top button turned on the pump and filled both airbags. The lower switches vented the individual bags. I see no reason to pay the extra $100.

Mike