Let's talk air bags...

[kevman]

Does anyone know why Firestone disconnected the Sport-Rite 2181 air bags?

I'm interested in a air bag set up to help when I'm fully loaded with bikes. It's only 300lbs or so but it's 300lbs with a centre of gravity 2'-3' behind the hitch on an extended van so there is plenty of leverage. I'm still going back and fourth between modifying the leaf pack and installing air bags but based on my research being able to find a sport-ride set up vs. a ride-rite setup is also going to help sway my decision.

[carringb]

2181 had high warranty claims. The tab that locates the baseplate to the spring U-bolt would bend, the plate would slide on the leaf, and the airbag would get a pinch flat. They sent me a 2320 kit for the F150 to replace it. The baseplate is different and better IMO. Went through a few 2181 kits before they finally called me and came up with that solution.

[kevman]

I assume you're still using your original top bracket though? Or does the 2320 bolt up (with minor drilling) the the E-series vans?

[carringb]

I did reuse the top bracket. But I’m pretty sure it’s the same. I kept the new ones as spare parts.

[BrianW]

I have a set of the Firestone bags that I took off my 1999 e250 because one bag leaked. I got new springs so took them off at the same time. I keep meaning to warranty claim them but maybe I waited too long [emoji853]

[kevman]

What's the difference between the 2165 (E250) and 2181 (E350) bags? From what I can tell they appear to be the same.

I know this is a bit of a moot point since they don't make them anymore but both can still be found in some old stock.

[E-350]

Hey guys
resurrecting this thread.

I will be ordering new rear leaf shortly and thinking about airbags.
Current setup:
2WD, Weldtec Kit with spacers, ~5,000 lbs on the rear loaded for a week of travel, ~4,000 empty, current spring is a mass and too stiff

New Setup:
should not be too stiff when fairly empty, should not sag when loaded

So my idea is to get 4,000lbs expedition springs in a way that the regular springs keep the 3.5" lift when empty and the additional leaf jumps in when loaded. Not sure if this is possible.

In case that would not work I would still go for the 4,000lbs springs and then add an airbag.

And here comes my question:
UJoint offers the floating airbag. How does that compare to the Firestone/ AirLift springs that seem to be mounted top and bottom?

[mikracer]

The Ujoint kit essentially replaces the bottom attachment/bracket with a cup so that the bag isnt tethered to the axle which limits travel. Having the cup allows the bag to "seat" or go where it needs to go when the suspension is compressed.

In an earlier comment, carringb says he didn't attach the lower bracket on his bags which is the same thing that I did on my van. I haven't had an issue with not attaching the lower bracket or not having the cup for the bag to locate itself, but it would be a nice peace of mind if I had the cup.

[E-350]

Great, must have missed that comment!

So I seem to have a reasonable way of supporting my spring in case it‘s sagging too much!

[deserteagle56]

You don't want airbags that attach at top and bottom on any vehicle that has a possibility of extending the suspension, as when being used off-highway. Not only will it limit suspension travel, it can be torn apart depending on the situation. That's why the U-Joint kit leaves one end free.