FireStone Ride-Rite Install question...

First off excuse me if this is TMI, this is the first thread I have started here...

I have an 06 sr5 with 4x4 and the towing package. I do a lot of towing, 5,000 pound travel trailer, that I live FT in. Have pulled it roughly 6000 miles in just under 3 years.

On to the problem, SAG.. when the truck is hooked to it the sag is extreme. Even though I am within towing limits the truck looks pussy and handles poorly even with top of the line weight distribution and sway control, and brakes and brake controller. Decided to get bags, but need to save money and do it myself. Manuel makes install looks easy:

http://www.firestoneindustrial.com/pdfs/RR/installation/2407.pdf

BUT, it doesn't show top of bumpstop assembly on frame...(see pic)
Do I have to drill this out to remove it, the installation link above, doesnt show this and I can't find mention of the sr5 on their website,????

Anyone done a similar mod?

THANKS in advance for all the help....

 

You dont need to drill anything. Just installed mine. I used a sawz-all to cut the bump stops even with the u-bolts. Pre- assemble the bags to the lower mounts per the directions. The top mounts to the frame with a large bolt which hole is existing. You will need a large socket 1 1/8 or so (can't remember). It really is pretty easy. I didn't use the heat shields because they seemed like they would rattle somewhere. I just kept the air lines away from the exhaust on the pass. side. I also went with the compressor which is a little more time to mount, but so far so good.

 

Here's a picture of some air bags for encouragement.

 

Thanks!!! For the encouraging picture!!

Oh and the advice too..wasn't sure about the install, where did you mount your compressor and gauges? Worth the extra investment?

CHEERS

 

I went with the airlift wireless system. Mounted the compressor behind the battery on the wheel well and the relay and manifold in the drivers rear compartment in the bed. Ran the air lines and wiring in a loom up the drivers side frame. to keep it neat. I didn't take pictures. Sorry.

 

No pics eh? Damn, I am installing Firestone air bags and compressor on my '05 SR5 long bed double cab after work today. I did a dry fit last night and have the air bag instal figured out but needed to go pick up a 1-1/8" socket & wrench for that large upper bracket frame bolt. I'll try to take a few pictures.

 

Ok, I got my air springs installed last night after work. I'm not a real fast mechanic so it will take me another session this evening to install the air hoses, compressor, and controller (at least I hope I can get it all done in one more session). Everything went great so far, but there were some parts that I found challenging. I took some pictures as I went so hopefully this will help anyone that might be thinking about adding these springs themselves.

Here's my truck ready to get started:


My truck looks dirty because I got it under coated with rust protection which tends to collect filth. It's way easier to clean off the filth than to clean off or repair rust (I live in Atlantic Canada, generally known to be a rusty place for cars).


This is the springs and hardware that came in the kit (well one side anyway) and the tools I used. The air lines, wires, compressor, and controller are in another box.


The first thing I did was read the instructions and pre-assembled the kit to see how it went together and also to check that everything was there.




First thing to do was to clean out the dirt from the jounce stop / dirt collector.


Then I had to take my hacksaw to the jounce bumpers and cut them level with the tops of the U-bolts. This is way easier said than done because there isn't a lot of room to get a hacksaw in there and the rubber grips the blade, making it difficult to push/pull the blade through the cut, and the blade heats up pretty good which I think makes things worse, and the blade tends to twist making a straight cut almost impossible.


I struggled through and managed to get them hacked down enough to work. I think if I had to do this again, I would just take the U-bolts off and remove the jounce bumpers instead.


The lower bracket fits good.


Then as per the instructions I bolted the bottom and top brackets with the heat shield to the spring.


I did a test fit and saw that it goes right into place no problem, it fits good.


I adjusted the heat shield to be closer to the springs and further away from the exhaust pipe just to be safe. Here's the second test fit.


I installed the air valve before starting to bolt it all into place. Just a note here, the instrucions provides a list of tools required that does not include a 15/16" wrench or socket to fit the locking nut on the top of the spring, the air valve screws into the fitting that is held in place with this locking nut.


I followed the instructions for bolting everything into place, but not without some difficulty. It is real tight in there between the back of the frame rail and the exhaust pipe and it is difficult to get the wrenches in there to tighten the 4 little upper bracket bolts and the larger bracket to frame bolt. There was no way for me to get my torque wrenches in there so I just tightened them as much as I could (within reason). Anyway, here's what it looks like when it is all done.




Tightening these little guys is a bit of a knuckle busting exercise.




I did the same for the driver's side and called it a night. This evening I will try to finish up the rest.

 

I used Loctite 243 (medium strength). The bottle is in the picture below. The really large upper bracket to frame bolt has a locking washer, the upper air spring bolt (that is hollow and threaded on the inside for the air fitting) uses a nylon insert locking nut, and the 4 lower spring bolts and the 4 upper bracket bolts have locking nuts (these nuts have a small crimp in the threads that makes them somewhat tight to thread on). I used the Loctite 243 on all threads just to be sure nothing is going to come loose.

 

Congrats on the install. I purchased and installed the same kit over three years ago and absolutely love them. One of the best things I have purchased for any vehicle. My earlier version didn't include a heat shield for the bag though...

 

How does it ride after three years?

 

Same as the day I installed it. Zero sag on the rear leafs.

 

Great write up and great photos. I recently purchased a 2010 Taco and then followed up with a pop up trailer from a friend. Today I hooked it all up and saw the sag. I am so glad I checked the "forum". Thanks for taking the time to share your experience. You really saved me some time trying to come up with the right solution. Well done!!

 

How much was the kit? Great write up & pics also, thanks.

 

I paid $260 plus shipping. Here's the link: http://www.suspensionconnection.com/cgi-bin/suscon/2407.htm They also sell an on-board compressor, but I will have to wait on that.

 

How smooth does your truck ride now? I tow my camper and other various trailers... looks like an interesting mod.

 

Nice write-up and pics. I have a set of Ride Rites on the way for my 07. I have the 4-leaf pack. I ordered them to smooth out the ride and also give the truck a 1-2" lift in the rear. I am adding 5100's in the front @ 2.5". Will I achieve the rear lift I want with these bags?

 

That image made my day
And it's still early! woohoo!

 

With enough pressure you will. But more pressure = firmer (rougher) ride. At the minimum pressure of 5-10 psi (as you can't leave the bags totally deflated) I achieve a 1.5" lift with a fibreglass tonneau on the rear. You won't have any problems.

 

That is pretty much the exact setup I have right now. The ride rites are much easier to install than these firestones, but they dont support as much weight. I have the 5100's set at 2.5 and the rear end with only 10 psi in the bags sits about level, maybe a lil higher in the rear and the ride is nice. I plan on doing some testing this weekend with pressures, amount of lift and ride quality and I will post the results. Of course I went with this setup because I wanted the extra load capacity. I haul 600 lbs or so pretty often and the air bags cant be beat for ride quality and support.

 

Awesome. Can't wait to get them now.

@spamy: looking forward to your results.