"Official" Firestone RideRite + Lift Thread

My extensions were waiting on the steps when I got home tonight. The holes in mine were the perfect size for the 3/8 bolts. I think they swindled you!

Here's how I went about it:

Even with the Dakars, I had to cut an inch off the extensions. I just don't have the patience to re-radius the axle end... So, I cut the top off and drilled a third hole. I don't see any need for four.


To be honest, I wonder if these extensions are REALLY necessary. About a month ago, I took this load an hour and a half away to my Father in law in PA. That's a 2,000lb trailer with a cord of wet oak in it. If this didn't bend the brackets, I don't know what would. BUT, now that I know he brackets exist, I figured I'd just throw them on.


Obviously, the extensions were too short to clamp into the chop saw. So, I came up with this idea:

I just drilled a couple of holes in a short piece of 2X4 a little smaller in diameter than the bolt. This way, the bolts threaded into the wood and faught the downward pressure from the cutting wheel.





New third hole:


I was able to install these extensions without pulling the Ride Rite brackets. Probably couldn't have managed that without the right angle drill. Especially on the drivers side.

I just clamped the extensions in place and drilled.


Done:

 

Looks damn good. I agree, 3 holes are plenty. Looks like yours were the same as mine, maybe 7/16" holes? A little sloppy, no problem.

Good on the 2x4. I may have done the 3 holes if I'd have come up with that idea for clamping it down.

Here's what i bought today. Can't go wrong for $37!

Viair 00073 70P Heavy Duty Portable Compressor

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0012WHBSO?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00

 

I spent this afternoon installing the Firestone airbags on my 09 DCSB. Took about 3 hours. Tightening the bolts on some of the brackets are a real PIA.

The passenger side isn't holding air, so I have to chase down a leak. I pressure tested both bags with a small section of hose and held fine so I need to check the fittings first. Hopefully I didn't puncture something on the install.

Any advice other than soap and water for finding the leak?

 

Soapy water is going to be the best option... Will expose even the slightest leak.

 

Mine wouldn't hold air overnight at first. Turned out one of the quickfits wasn't seated properly. The tube hadn't quite bottomed out, and was able to push in further than first thought to be seated. No further leaks.

 

Yup. I'm thinking the air hose isn't seated properly. The bags were holding air before I installed them and I also upgraded to commercial big rig air brake hose as well so they were a little bit more difficult to seat than the clear blue air hose that came with mine. I'll try it after work.

 

I'm having issues with one of my valves. Once I disconnect my pump after inflating to around 40psi, the air rushes out as i try to cap it asap. Its pretty clear that the valve pin is stuck. Replacing it wouldn't cost much, but I'd much rather fix it. I've considered using WD-40 or some synthetic lubricant but I figured I'd look for advice here first. Any suggestions?

 

Replacement valve pins (4) and valve pin tool is a kit by slime available at walmart for under $3.00. I would just do a replacement vs. trying to fix it. A replacement is more reliable in my opinion vs. trying to fix a valve pin with a known issue.

 

thanks for the tip, i'm on my way to pick up that repair kit right now

 

For anyone looking to add a U-Bolt flip with their Ride Rites, check out the Total Chaos U-Bolt Relocation Plates. They fit perfectly underneath the air bag mounting brackets in their stock location. The leaf spring pin also fits into the hole in the center of the plate to keep them from moving. Here are some before and after pics with Daystar cradles installed.

 

Hey guys,

Thinking about ordering a set of Firestone airbags for my 2016 and was wondering if its completely necessary to have the axle extension brackets so that the bracket sits fluish on the axle?

These
https://www.etrailer.com/Vehicle-Suspension/Firestone/F2506.html

 

Don't order them until you do a test fit. The mounting plate is the correct length for some spring packs. The inner leg must be supported by the axle.

 

I got a 3 pack leaf with the overload. I'm pretty sure the inner leg wont be supported it should be off by the thickness of 1 leaf.

 

That's how mine was. Those extensions aren't cheap, and they're not simply bolt-on, so you might dig up some scrap iron to bolt or weld on the legs.

 

Ya those extensions are $46 and you got to cut them and redrill holes. Do you really even need them though?

 

I'll never know because I installed them. Is this your lucky day?

 

Lucky day for what LOL?

 

Sheesh! Quote from Dirty Harry!

 

Cut me a little slack im only 25.......

 

Slack given. See the movie.