Let's talk air bags... - Page 5

**daveb** · 04-12-2013, 08:00 AM

I've got similar to the first one you posted Jage. One gauge doesn't take up too much space. Although you can probably mount the valves where you want, my setup is all above the driver seat in the overhead console next to my lockes switches.

jage · 04-12-2013, 08:33 AM

Doesn't there need to be some sort of solenoid block? Or are all the switches pneumatic?

Ford_6L_E350 · 04-12-2013, 10:20 AM

I believe the pump switch is electrical, and it filled the bags through check valves. The two bleed valves were pneumatic switches.

See the installation diagram on page 5:

http://www.airliftcompany.com/content/m ... _25856.pdf

Mike

**daveb** · 04-12-2013, 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jage

are all the switches pneumatic?

Yep, but mine is hooked to my extreme air so my power switch activates the E-A. I also have the air tank so if the tank has some air it, it will allow me to add air to the bags w/o running the pump.

86Scotty · 04-12-2013, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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.

Yep, it is too good to pass up. Unfortunately I didn't see it til about a day after I ordered mine for $30 more. AND I'm prime so I would've had it this past Tuesday. I just got an email from the other place today saying it had finally shipped and won't be here til next week.

jage · 04-17-2013, 08:46 PM

Well I have them in a box, now if it would stop being 18º and snowy...

86Scotty · 04-17-2013, 08:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jage

Well I have them in a box, now if it would stop being 18º and snowy...

Better go out and buy several drill bits before you start. I just found out today that my (2002) frame only has 1 of the 5 or so holes needed already drilled. I've heard E350 frames are a beeotch to drill through, and on the driver side there are all sorts of lines and wires to work around inside the frame rail. Not looking like a quick install.

carringb · 04-17-2013, 10:00 PM

Cobalt drill bits and rapid-tap oil are key to making quick work of the frame.

BrianW · 04-18-2013, 07:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 86Scotty

Quote:

Originally Posted by jage

Well I have them in a box, now if it would stop being 18º and snowy...

Better go out and buy several drill bits before you start. I just found out today that my (2002) frame only has 1 of the 5 or so holes needed already drilled. I've heard E350 frames are a beeotch to drill through, and on the driver side there are all sorts of lines and wires to work around inside the frame rail. Not looking like a quick install.

Oh, great, thanks for the encouragement! I was thinking of doing mine this weekend. Maybe my 98 E250 will fare better with the OEM holes. Here's hoping!

jage · 04-18-2013, 02:07 PM

Preliminary inspection looks like they will fit- with 5/6 holes needing to be drilled.

Plate fits the Deaver Spring:

Deflated air spring:

Bracket hits about the same level:

With one usable frame hole:

So the bracket is about the same place as the airbag as shipped- which is collapsed some and not identical between the two bags. I'm not sure how tall or short they get.

I'm thinking I should give up the one hole I have and cheat down as much as possible- it will only gain me ~1/2" further down, so I'm not sure. I could also go up with the top bracket, but it just touches the body and my house battery lines are right there (above my thumb in final pic).

Which should I be more concerned about, the 2181 bags not compressing more or not expanding more- i.e. should I cheat the top bracket up or down?