Builds Big Red Toy

[The Phoenician]

Thanks Johnny. I never had a leak there before, it's usually at the elbows that connect to the intercooler. I'm thinking this happened when they were fixing the ac. You're right about the worm clamps, already ordered t bolt clamps. Drove it this morning, able to hit 19 psi easily.

 

[davegonz]

I was going to make a simple bead making tool out of vice grips, but I don't have a need now (no mo' diesel).

 

[The Phoenician]

Wouldn't that Crack the aluminum? I will work for the exhaust pipe I have.

 

[boots4]

It won't crack the aluminum. Using this kind of DIY bead maker takes multiple passes, the next pass just a little deeper then the one before, to get a reasonable bead. It will take even more passes when using thicker tubing.

 

[The Phoenician]

Just wanted to mention what a night and day difference a small leak can make. I drove home doing 80 mph and 13psi of boost at around 1000* f at the pyro. The engine feels so alive. I think my near term order of business is to retighten and replace some of the pipes and clamps.

 

[The Phoenician]

Came across these guys and was curious to see what they have for a 62 .
Home - Thor Air Suspension - Australian Made Airbags
I wrote them for a price quote and they said they don't export to the USA. Has anyone used them ? can you speak to their quality?
I'm disappointed with the air lift kit and am looking for a replacement.

EDIT: just found these
BOSS Airbag Suspension Load Assist Kit---LAND CRUISER 1963-1990

hopefully these will work.

 

[BRGRKNG]

That kit seems like nothing more than their bags with a lower plate with a radius to match the OD of the stock axle. If you already have the AirLift kit are you looking to just source better bags? I bet you have some variation of the dominator bag, as thats what they seemingly suggest for absolutely every application no matter what. You could probably replace them with Firestone or Slam Specialties depending on diameter and height/psi needs.

 

[The Phoenician]

Decided to go with this purchase.
BOSS Airbag Suspension Load Assist Kit---LAND CRUISER 1963-1990
the top bracket will bolt on to where the bump stops go and they are customizing a lower bracket to fit the spring over configuration I have. Can't wait to get it.

 

[TLC Norway]

Are you adding a air controller, or do you manually adjust air with schrader valve?

 

[Mr Cimarron]

Are you adding a air controller, or do you manually adjust air with schrader valve?

Don't give him ideas although they are very handy to have. I wish Cummins had provisions for a belt driven one.

 

[The Phoenician]

Right now it's just a schrader valve and a tire pump. I was thinking if it would be possible to hook up the ARB compressor to it, but it defeats the purpose of keeping it simple. We'll see how I feel later on down the line.

 

[The Phoenician]

The airbags and custom brackets are en route.

in the meanwhile i thought this video was well done.

 

[theron]

I wonder if having airbags not at the same position as the leaf springs will make the truck teeter totter? Or possibly bend the axle housing?


I have airbags on my rig and one thing to keep an eye on is your pinion angle....I'm fairly confidant that for a time I was running too much air in mine and it caused the pinion seal to fail. Now I just use them at like....20psi since I added leaf beyond my OME heavies.

My build thread doesn't have my finial solution. In the end I added a hinge so the airbag flexes with the suspension. Lookin' forward to seeing this install!

 

[The Phoenician]

theron what airbags did you end up using? And yes I do have a leaky rear seal now.

 

[theron]

theron what airbags did you end up using? And yes I do have a leaky rear seal now.

I have these, the bag themselves had Firestone markings. And like I mentioned before...now I have a custom hinge on the bottom bracket to flex with the suspension better. I've had 0 issues with the bags themselves so far


AIRoverLeaf :: AIRoverLeaf - 3000lb underframe / 2.5" leaf bracket kit - RideTech.com - Suspension Specialist - Online Store

Components :: Compressor System Components :: Air Line :: Inflation Kit w/2 Valves - RideTech.com - Suspension Specialist - Online Store

 

[The Phoenician]

i have a similar setup from airlift. these new bags will go directly over the axle and are much more heavy duty. we'll see if there's a noticeable difference.

 

[theron]

i have a similar setup from airlift. these new bags will go directly over the axle and are much more heavy duty. we'll see if there's a noticeable difference.

Def interested to hear how it works out

My concern is I see that setup causing the vehicle to become more tippy...like a teeter totter. Since the airbags would have to inflated beyond the leaf spring support, to provide support, and then that new airbag support is further in on the axle and putting way more strain on a lesser supported part of the axle housing.

Not saying that any of that will happen ^ just thinking about it

 

[The Phoenician]

i guess we'll find out soon. i'll keep everyone posted

 

[The Phoenician]

This showed up today. I guess I know what I'm doing tomorrow after work

 

[The Phoenician]

I got home testator and it was already dark. I managed to change out the left side air bag. I cut the exhaust pipe to make it fit. Not really an issue, I've been meaning to get a larger pipe eventually to see if that would affect egt.

Anyway I'll let the pics do the talking.
As you can see the left airbag has popped.

Trimmed the bolts and placed the lower bracket on.

Had to use a jack to make the bags fit.

Old Vs new. The thickness of the rubber on the new bags are at least 3 times the old ones.