Installing air bags recommendations

[Quint]

I've ordered an ATC Bobcat that I'll be getting in July. It'll be going on an '04 Nissan Frontier 2wd, 2.4L 4cyl truck. I may need to add air bags after the camper is on the truck but I'm going to wait and see. However, I'd like to ask about how easy it is to install air bags and if anyone has any advice on brand or model. I was looking at the Firestone Sport-Rite Air Assist Kit. Thanks in advance for the advice.

 

[jimjxsn]

I have the Firestone Ride-Rites on my Tundra, they make a huge difference in the ride with the camper on. I didn't install them myself because I didn't want to have to drill the frame. On some vehicles they line up with existing holes and are a no-drill install but not the Tundra

I had them put seperate air lines for each side because with the camper you might need more air on the drivers side since there is more weight on that side. With a shell model that may not be needed.

 

[pvstoy]

I had installed an Air Lift system on a 2003 Toyota Tundra and went on easy. On thier web page you can download the instructions to see if you want to tackle it.

Yes Jim the person wants now to separate the right and left bags because the Hawk sits lower on the driver’s side. Gas tank is on that side also. He also wants an air chuck fitting to air up tires with the compressor.

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*TIP OF THE DAY – ADJUST REAR BRAKING FORCE W/AIR BAGS*

This is what I did on two, Toyota Tundra’s. On the rear of most Toyota's is a diagonal bar from a valve to the rear diff. The bar allows the rear brakes to get more brake bias (force) to adjust for the load you put on the back. You add weight the bar moves, so then a valve opens more. Since you pump up the air bags the truck levels off and the so the valve closes as with no load. The system would not know it needs more rear braking force to stop. That's right the front brakes do more of the work.

I made an extension bracket that will extend the height where the diagonal bar attaches to the rear diff. Just a piece of flat stock steel works. Not too thick so you can use the same bolts. How much you need depends on your load and spring condition.

To find the spacer length needed: without the load (camper) on the back measure the height difference from the bar at the valve (near the frame) and the center of the round pivot at the differential. That will be you’re no load height and the brakes will work fine. Now add the load (camper) and average running weight to it. Now measure again the two reference locations. If you have air bags already you can flatten the air bags and drive around the block to settle the spring’s then measure.

You will notice the bar became flatter some. Let’s say you had a drop of two (2) inches. When you pump up your air bags to level the truck, you will want to make a spacer that you can raise the bar two (2) inches at the differential. All we are doing is keeping the bar at the same angle as before raising the rear with the bags.

This bracket works well if you have the camper on and off a lot. I can’t speak for other truck manufactures how they handle theirs; I’m just a Toyota guy.

Too much braking force on the rear with out the load will cause the rears to lock up on an icy road . The Dealer or a trusted mechanic should have pressure gauges that they can measure your brake bias and set it properly. I take no responsibility for improper brake adjustments. You should decide if you need to take action and make proper adjustments.