Airlift air bags install question

Cattledog · 12-10-05, 06:25 PM

I installed an airlift rear air spring system into my sagging LX450 today. I have a question for the people currently running the same or similar setups. Did you remove the bumpstops completely from the truck as per the instructions?

I cut the first two rings off the bumpstops due to the overall length of the compressed spring and airbag, the rest of the bumpstop is on the truck. I was wondering if this might affect the long-term wear of the air spring.

I also connected the air supply line of the air springs together. I was thinking that if the truck were off camber that the air springs would work together. Why would you want to run the springs separately for towing?

The airlift kit is excellent. All parts were high quality and no missing hardware. Took about 3 hours to install including all air line routing. Worth every penny.

The only down, I may have lost some articulation if I keep the springs at 5 psi as per the instructions.

Thanks

Rich · 12-10-05, 06:41 PM

In off camber situations the low side will maintain better air spring lift if the the bags are not cross connected.

cartercd · 12-10-05, 09:09 PM

Imagine you take a hard right hand turn. The left side of the suspension compresses, which redistributes air from the left air bag to the right air bag. This increased air in the right bag will tend to extend the right spring, making the sway even worse. By keeping the air lines separate, you avoid this situation.

IdahoDoug · 12-11-05, 01:14 AM

I've got nearly 200,000 miles experience with Airlifts - great product. I took off the entire bumpstop, as I don't think they're designed with or are compatible with the bumpstops. The instructions clearly state to remove them.

Agree with the above comments on unfavorable things with the airbags connected. Also agree you're going to lose articulation, but it is because of the bumpstops you left on. You'll have to do the install completely over again to change this.

DougM

scottm · 12-11-05, 10:54 AM

I had them in my 40th, and used to tow a fair size trailer about 100 miles/day with it. The airbags were amazing for towing.

I have a theory on articulation: With the airbags at zero psi, they have 14.7psi in and around them, the pressure of the air we breathe on a standard day. If you compress one about halfway, it's internal pressure is doubled, so it's internal pressure is 14.7psi higher than outside. The airbags are about 6" across, so about 28 square inches. 14.7 x 28 = 412 pounds resisting compression of the airbag and suspension. Compressing the airbag to 1/4 it's resting height takes 1235 pounds pressure. That's a fair amount of resistance to compression. If you take the valve cores out of your lines, the airbags could compress without resistance. It would take a little time, but that might not matter, I dunno since I've never wheeled. I suspect you'd want the airlines inside the vehicle so they didn't suck in gunkus from the trail and fill your airbags with mud.

Scamper · 12-11-05, 11:44 AM

The Airlifts are not really designed to compensate for worn/weak springs; they're more to stiffen the springs for off-road and/or towing operation. If your springs are really worn out, you should probably look into new ones (now you can justify the OME purchase

).

DO take out the bump stop. If you don't and end up driving that bump stop into the airbag, you'll likely blow it out since the bump stop is somewhat conical and will be driven into the Airlift bag. Also, even though the Airlift bag doesn't quite fill the spring height, with that bumpstop in there, you're going to be bottoming it out quite often. I'll pull the stops out completely (as I did); it's a real easy thing to do anyway when you're putting the bags in.

Dusty · 12-11-05, 02:50 PM

the bump stops are easy to remove without removing springs-just dangle the wheels with a good floor jack. i have had the bags in for a year and love them. dont use the same line for both bags.

e9999 · 12-11-05, 03:56 PM

and the "height" of the bags matches well enough the space to the bumpstop that there is no issue with shock bottoming etc? what if you have L shocks?

e9999 · 12-11-05, 03:57 PM

and the "height" of the bags matches well enough the space to the bumpstop that there is no issue with shock bottoming etc if the stops are removed? what if you have L shocks?

Cattledog · 12-11-05, 08:59 PM

Thanks guys. I will remove the bumpstops asap and seperate the air lines.
Good thought about seperate air lines to avoid inducing swaying.

Having cut the bumpstops down will allow me to remove them without pulling the springs. All I will have to do is flex the suspension and unbolt. No big deal.

I was tempted to go OME but was unsure of the final height of the lx. I have a "short" garage door and the lx clears the top by about 3 inchs with the stock springs.

Thanks

e9999 · 12-12-05, 10:25 AM

how does the bag height compare to the bumpstop height?

Cattledog · 12-12-05, 05:15 PM

I will measure for you tuesday night when I pull the bumpstops.

Cattledog · 12-14-05, 08:10 PM

Bumpstops measure in around 6.5 inchs and air springs are about 8.25 inchs unloaded. I have pics of the air sprinds installed. PM me if you want any.

Thanks for the help.