"Official" Firestone RideRite + Lift Thread

Nice clean setup! I'd like a built-in gauge, as it would make it a lot easier than having to pull out my low PSI-reading battery-powered pressure gauge. Also, a small compressor is totally unnecessary for the small volume air bags. I now just use a portable bike pump like you'd carry mountain biking (or road riding), and in 10 pumps I'm riding level with 500 lbs.

This week, I left mine at 10 psi, and I think the ride might be slightly improved over 5 psi or less. It could be subconscious though...

When I have time, I'm going to turn down the Daystar cradles by 1/2" and see if that helps, and if I can run the bags empty or very low psi with no negative affects to ride quality.

 

Anybody have any long term feedback with their airbags?

 

You don't want to run them empty, at least while using the Daystars. Tried it. Worst ride ever. Cracks in the pavement felt like speed bumps. I'm getting used to 15 lbs. May try some different shocks. Mine have 66,000 miles on them. Not sure at what point most of you replace the rears.

 

Finally got mine installed - with an All-Pro U-bolt flip. Had to make some seats for the Daystars and weld them onto the base plates.


Might have to offset them a bit more toward the center of the truck if I make another set. The Firestone upper brackets don't line up well with the lowers - which I used to design the mount. The lapped and welded 3/8 plate is plenty strong for this offset - doesn't need an extra leg to the housing tube. Rides nice at 10 - 15 psi.

 

Ok this is cool. I have a ubolt flip and was wanting bags..this looks great!

 

Okay, I am back with some observations and questions. As I said earlier, I installed the Firestone Ride-Rites and Daystar cradles on my '14 DCSB 4X4. Although it does a great job of leveling when I have a heavy load or am towing a trailer, I find the "unloaded" ride to be quite hard and uncomfortable. I have tried various air pressures from 5 to 25 lbs empty. So, I am thinking of removing the Ride-Rite/Daystar set-up and replacing it with air-lift shocks if they are available. I'm hoping this will give me the original ride when not inflated, and some needed lift when towing.

Any thoughts or suggestions?

 

Installed my firestone ride rites w/daystar cradles a week ago. The ride is amazing! With the camper on full time, the truck rides like it is supposed to. Prior to install, the camper would sway in the back and "direct" the lean and bounce of the truck. Now going over anything the truck feels connected, if that makes sense. So stoked I installed these. I don't have the issue of being unloaded. Leaving Monday for a year living in the truck with my wife- check us out on Instagram: @yourlocalnomads

 

Got my rake back. 50lbs on the driver side, 30lbs on the passenger- to account for the kitchen in the camper.

 

drop them back to 5 before you wheel.....any more and your truck will be like miley torquing

 

Good to know. Just been city driving, tying up all our loose ends in LA. Will definitely play with pressures while offroad

 

Yeah. Sell your truck and get an escalade. You successfully converted your wimpy squishies to act like a truck. Sorry, man, you must also prefer a soft mattress, right?

 

I like a hard mattress and a firm ride. I just don't like a hard ride.

 

My outfit is a 014 - and it came with the crummy Toyota leaf springs that have steadily gone flatter and flatter. Full load of people would drop almost onto the bumpstops. Added the air springs recently and it was an instant success - carried 600 lbs in the box Saturday - no problemo!. What I know about this hauling and "seat of the pants" ride business when unladen - is that the tire pressure can make all of the difference in the world. Makes sense to tune that for what you are doing on the street - just like off road.

 

The only problem with mine is when I fill them up it give me some hard core driveline vibration. I have the carrier drop but that doesn't change a thing.

 

I am new to forum but really appreciate the info on the bags/lift subject.
I have had mu bags for a while but am just getting around to lifting. Bils6112/5160/Deaver AAL.
trying to decide about the daystars.

 

Subd

 

I've had mine in for at least 5 years. No problems. This is the 4th truck I've had them on in 15 years. Never an issue.

I'm guessing you have a wheel balance issue that you only feel when the ride is firmer from the inflated bags.

 

Good to know. Thanks!

 

I beat the shit out of them too, and have in all of the trucks. This is the first truck I've used the cradle with, and I'm very happy I did.

 

Are you interested in selling a set of them?