My Ride rite with compressor install

Been lurking for awhile. Figured I'd contribute...

I stole the idea of putting the compressor and gauge in the bed storage box from another thread found here: http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2n...stalled-firestone-ride-rite-w-compressor.html

Thanks ScottG...





Probably overkill here... I used both supplied heat shields on the passenger side because of the exhaust bend. It protects both sides that way. I then made another heat shield to protect the air line out of a license plate and heat tape. THEN, I covered some wire tubing with the same heat tape and put it on the air line. Peace of mind?





Drivers side


EDIT:
I added cradles tonight (over a year later). Tired if worrying while it's on a lift... I've seen multiple people asking what's involved adding cradles after the bags are installed, so I figured I'd add it to this thread. I'm also going to put the cradle write up in the suspension section.

Forgot to snap a pic of the cradles prior to install, so I borrowed this one from the web...


Let the air out of the bags:


Removed the bolt holding the bottom of the bag to the leaf spring bracket on both sides:


Put the floor jack under the tow hitch, and jacked the back of the truck up high enough to slide the cradles in and bolt them down to the leaf spring bracket.


Drop the jack. Add air. Bring entire family out to the garage so they can see how manly you are!

 

Looks good. Did you keep both sides separated (air hose) or did you tie both side together with a "T" that then connects to the compressor?

 

Thank you. The compressor kit that I got had the option to go single or dual path. I opted to go single path. So, to answer you question, both bags are tied together.

 

You should really keep them separate...as one bag compresses under load, it will send the air to the other bag. This will effectively lower the pressure in the compressed bag, lowering it's load capacity and effectiveness.

 

Yeah, I considered this. It was more expensive for the dual path kit. This will work fine for what I need it for.

Thank you though.

 

Just be mindful of what pressure you run your system at, you're not going to want to run it near the upper limit. Running It near capacity could result in a blow out of either bag when the axle articulates, resulting in an over pressure situation on the non compressed bag or supply lines.

 

You should be fine if only hauling mild loads on relatively flat surfaces though...

 

That is a great spot for the compressor.

 

I installed ride rites as one of my first mods, and think they're great. I installed them with separate lines for each bag, and use a bike pump to air them up, only takes a few pumps. The Schrader valves are in the driver side rear storage compartment. I highly recommend ride rites, they make a huge difference in load carrying, you can actually carry mgvw, and easily overload it should you dare! You'll be happy with them.

 

OP nice job on the install. In reference to the axle articulation mentioned above check out the Daystar Cradles and never worry about it again:

$74 Daystar, Air Bag Cradle designed for full suspension travel, Fits All 6" diameter convoluted Air Bags, fits any full size of half ton truck, 2/4WD, KU09140BK, Made in America, Black

http://www.amazon.com/Daystar-KU09140BK-Cradle-Polyurethane-Convoluted/dp/B0084ROJBM

 

Those cradles only allow for full suspension travel of the given system...they will do nothing for the pressure differential that I was referring to. In fact, they could exacerbate the problem as they will cause the compressed bag to further compress due to the added height of the cradle

 

Correct, if the bags are plumbed together it will pump from one to the other, regardless of the cradles. If plumbed separately they remove any worry of over articulation, which is nice.

 

OP has the bags linked on a single feed

 

OP, nice job. Looks really good.

By the way, there are some low security examples of cabinet lock mods in case you are at all worried about someone fooling with it.

 

Looks really clean and great install!

 

Bump for update with cradle install ^^^

 

Check with Firestone, you will not have any "excessive pressure, blown up bags etc. from a single line system. It is simple Physics, with a single line system the pressure is equal in the entire system. As one bag compresses the air transferred to the other bag will cease transferring when the pressure is equal. Firestone only recommends dual air lines for when you are going to be carrying an "offset" load as with a Camper or such that is usually much heavier on one side than the other. For most towing and general use they recommend the single line "tied together" air bag set up. This is not my opinion, it is direct from Firestones site. There has been a lot of misinformation concerning the Firestone Air bags argued around on this site. Best recommendation is to check the mfgs site for the "Correct" information.

 

There should never be a reason to run anywhere near max pressure that would make him vulnerable to a blow out. I never had more that 15 psi in mine for any haul. He will however experience one of the rear wheels lifting off the ground during tough articulation as I did.

 

Is there any way to weather proof the storage pocket the pump is in? I like this install, but whatever I put in those containers comes out filthy with road grime.

 

Not easily, it's been in there for over a year now. No problems, even through last years LONG winter... I'm not worried