Am I too heavy? - Rear Airbags needed?

[Moby]

Moby,

What kit did you use?

Thanks,
Dan

http://www.airride.com/productinfo/airoverleaf.asp - ARK3004. 60/62 springs are 2.75 inches wide so the bracket that rides on the spring will need a 1/4 inch off of each side. I talked to Airride and they thought that should be fine. I'm having W and James (www.overthehill4x4.com) put them on while they have the truck (it's getting a built 2FE which should be back from the machinist this Wednesday; hope to have the truck back sometime in May). For now I'm just going to run the bags with schrader valves (no air tank or in cab controls). If I like them I'll add that stuff myself later on.

 

[BlueHZT60]

I'm putting a set of these on my FJ-62: http://www.airride.com/productinfo/airoverleaf.asp Won't be done for probably another month though.

JC Whitney - they lived under my 60 for about 4 years and I never ripped them out or anything. They may actually go back in - but will need some custom spacers due to OME suspension lift. Bob

 

[dtrain]

I have gone the airbag route. Works really well. Not sure if you are worried about articulation or not though... seems like more of an expedition rig so articulation is not a huge focus.

Had the bags installed on a stock 60. When there were installed; the bags I had almost "doubled-up" on itself... didnt seem like it would limit articulation at all on a stock rig... but that was a stock rig.

My thought is that its worth investigating and probably the best route for what you need. It would make the ride comfortable and adjustable depending on your speed + terrain.

Had this setup (pic on the right):
http://www.airride.com/productinfo/airoverleaf.asp

Would carry my 230+ pount dirtbike with a very stout motorcycle hitch style carrier (at least 70lbs+), 5 gallons of gas, two full tool boxed, huge thing of gear, full to the rim large cooler beer: mostly ), and camping gear... on stock wornout flat springs & shocks. Felt like the truck was empty. Couldn't event tell it was back there. It was stable and the airbags almost acted like a rear stabilizer.

 

[cruiser88]

ive seen worse, you should see mine

 

[dshock]

Alright,

You guys convinced me - I am going with the Airlift kit mentioned by Moby above. Any thoughts on running the same setup on the front? Would the same kit fit the front locaiton?

I will post pictures and results later on.

Thanks,
Dan

 

[SDFJ60JFK]

With the thought of your expedition in mind.

Why not keep it simple and get spring that will do the job.

Air bags or shocks or whatever is something else to break.

Get Alcans or OME heavy maybe. Probably cheaper also.


John
TLCA 6192
85, 92

 

[dshock]

SDFJ60JFK

Well, I guess that is a fair point. But, everyone that I have talked to has said that the BDS springs are the best riding springs on the market. With airbags, I can add load carrying capacity on demand without giving up the ride when I unload the gear from the trip. Overall, it is a good option, and I don't have very much time to prepare the truck prior to our departure.

Still wondering if the air bags will work on the front as well...

Thanks,
Dan

 

[dshock]

Well,

I ordered two kits from Airlift. One is going on the back. The other is for spare parts, or I may just put it on the front! We will see. With 3k of load leveling in the front and the rear, I should really be set! I will report on my success after the trip.

Thanks for all the advice.

Have a great day,
Dan

 

[dtrain]

NICE! I dont think you will be disappointed.

I do agree with SDFJ60JFK point about breakage or failure BUT... if properly prepared (ie - extra kit or parts) it should cancel it out and be a non-issue.

Did you get the in-cab contol kit with it? You might need the dual-guage control if you put them up front

 

[cody c]

i didnt know you could get that much articulation out of a rolling lobe air bag, i thought youd have to get a triple convoluted bag.
He gets quite a bit of articulation with that set up.

Do you have any more pics of how they did the triangulted link with a ball hitch?
thats a really cool idea! (sorry for getting off topic)

 

[Moby]

i didnt know you could get that much articulation out of a rolling lobe air bag, i thought youd have to get a triple convoluted bag.
He gets quite a bit of articulation with that set up.

Do you have any more pics of how they did the triangulted link with a ball hitch?
thats a really cool idea! (sorry for getting off topic)

I've not seen that rig in person so I don't know any more about it than the photos (but I have seen W's buggy articulate). Call and talk to W or James, they're great guys and always doing interesting projects: http://www.overthehill4x4.com/contact.html (call their shop number).

 

[MANUCHAO]

Im thinking of going this route after a recent trip with about 1800 # on the rear...

Any additional pics on this set up..
I saw Dshock pics but not anything after he rewelded/redesing the mount that broke in Co.

Thanks,

Manu