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Old 07-12-2010, 04:31 AM   #1
washley1
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Air Bags

Wow! I just got an estimate for air bags for my F350, installed for $750! Is that what anyone else has experienced?? I'd love to level out the sag so my wheel alignment is better with the Big Sky on, but that is pretty tough to swallow!
 
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Old 07-12-2010, 04:55 AM   #2
Exnavydiver
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Look into Timbrens, they have no moving parts and can never leak air. They are very easy to install and a lot cheaper than air bags. Here is a link to E-Trailer where I got mine...Dave
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Old 07-12-2010, 05:11 AM   #3
steves
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yea...they are not cheap but they work well and you can tailor/tune the ride so speak to your load.
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Old 07-12-2010, 05:18 AM   #4
sola123
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we installed the firestone airbags...direct cost was 297.00...takes about 1 1/2 hr to install yourself...did not get the air pump ....that may be why they want 750.00...and yes can customs adjust them for your load, ride etc....works well at 70 psi for our 3665RE....will have to experiment on pressures to get the ride you like....
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Old 07-12-2010, 05:21 AM   #5
exav8tr
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I paid about $850 for the CW Air Lift brand bags at CW, but that included a underbed compressor, and an underdash dual controller, plus installation. This was two years ago on my 2500. If your estimated include all above that is probably not a bad price. If just the bags and air lines out the back, that seems high. Hopefully others with the Firestones can chime in....
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Old 07-12-2010, 06:17 AM   #6
washley1
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No, that is for only the bags and installation, no compressor. Keep the replies coming!
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Old 07-12-2010, 06:17 AM   #7
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Got my through JC Whitney aqnd installed myself, did not get the compressor. I teed the lines togeather and use I adjuster and have my own on board compressor (PepBoys $45.00). Took about 2 hours to install each side, that is counting adult breverage breaks). Found for our 07-3400RL about 35 lbs unloaded is correct for leveling and best ride. All users have their own settings for a comfortable ride. Current whitney price is 299.99 and a in cab controller and compressor w/all fittings and required items is 200.99. Link:
http://www.jcwhitney.com/jcwhitney/t...uestid=3818261
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Old 07-12-2010, 06:29 AM   #8
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I first went to CW for the Air Ride system. Unfortunately with my fifth wheel hitch I had to opt for the Firestone air bags, with air lines, a compressor and a digital in-cab lighted controller to control each side individually for almost $1,000.00. I went to a specialty off-road shop and probably paid too much but I didn't care at the time since others I had talked to paid $600 to $900 depending on features (I got them all). The benefit was worth it to me. DW noticed the difference in the ride when towing as soon as I drove away. I run about 60-65 lbs psi with my Monty but have been known to change it on the fly because of the onboard compressor.

The parts individually were less than half. They got me on the labor. There was a lot of stuff to do to provide the convenience, customization and versatility.

If that price is only for the bags and the labor, then I'd go look elsewhere.

The Timbrens is a good alternative but not as versatile to me and there are many other options that do the same thing.
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Old 07-12-2010, 11:12 AM   #9
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Quote:
quote:Originally posted by washley1

Wow! I just got an estimate for air bags for my F350, installed for $750! Is that what anyone else has experienced?? I'd love to level out the sag so my wheel alignment is better with the Big Sky on, but that is pretty tough to swallow!
Seems pretty high to me. I got the Firestone Ride-Rite Air Spring from http://www.truckspring.com/suspensio...e.aspx?reset=1 $259.95 with free shipping. Took me about 3 hours since I had to make trip to Northern Tool to get deep well socket I didn't have. I would think shop could install them faster, but for numbers lets say it takes them 3 hours and $100 per hour, I would think $600. would be high end for installed, and really should be around $500 installed IMHO. Most folks in say around 1-2 hours to install, depending on your abilities.

Both DW and I noticed a big improvement in the ride. I use 25 psi loaded for my 3665RE on F350 SRW truck.
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Old 07-12-2010, 12:36 PM   #10
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I installed the Firestone Ride-Rite Air Bags on mine a few years ago and it only took me about an hour and a half. The cost for them then was about $250.00. To get a level ride I put 35 psi in the bags before I hook up. That amount for bags only is way to high IMHO.
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Old 07-12-2010, 12:53 PM   #11
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I bought mine off an Ebay store cost about $450 for bags and compressor system. It took about 5 hours for a complete install. Airlift bags from Our Deals Rock. Just type in Airlift air bags.
http://stores.ebay.com/OurDealsRock_...34Q2ec0Q2em322
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Old 07-12-2010, 02:11 PM   #12
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I had mine installed at CW in Oregon in 2004. Cost me $275.

Orv
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Old 07-12-2010, 03:28 PM   #13
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I had the Firestone bags on my '99 F-250 and loved them. Total cost with installation was about $390. I watched the installer and it wasn't that hard to do. I should have done it myself. I ran about 60 lbs in them and they held my old fiver straight and level, and rode great. My '08 F-350 doesn't need them to sit level but it rides much harsher. If you can do the work yourself go for it. And forget the compressor, just set 'em up to what you like before you travel. Good luck.
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Old 07-12-2010, 06:22 PM   #14
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Thanks gang for all the replies! Sounds like I need to keep looking around, and you have given me several good places to do so. I'm not as apt to do these things myself these days...not like when I was a kid and we swapped out trannys and other fun engine parts at the drop of a hat to keep our old beaters rolling! Maybe if I can see a step by step how to guide I might attempt it, but DW also controls what I get to mess up!!
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Old 07-12-2010, 06:55 PM   #15
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OK, I just found the install video on the Firestone web site. They have a set for the F350 with no drilling required. It almost looks like I could do it. Now to run it by DW!!
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Old 07-13-2010, 02:28 AM   #16
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Easy install on my GMC around an hour and half, like you said really no drilling. Installed both holes (independent lines) along side my trailer plug inside the bed, it was hard to drill holes in my new truck bed. I run my bags around 20psi, the bag can make for a stiff ride so I let the springs do some of the work.
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Old 07-13-2010, 10:41 AM   #17
PSFORD99
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I found it to be an easy install, I also put in just the air bags ,no compressor, It took just one towing season to know I wanted on board air, and installed the compressor. Some seem to be okay without, but me I have adjusted on the fly, and improved the ride, which is not possible unless you stop ,and add or release the air.
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Old 07-13-2010, 01:50 PM   #18
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I installed Firestone air bags with air lines out the back bumper, one and half hour and a cost of 355.00 Cdn, taxes in. Very pleased with the performance and choice of ride.
Joe
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Old 07-14-2010, 03:11 PM   #19
northeastdiesel
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I have pac brake bags on my dodge which I installed myself and I love them. It has improved the ride of the truck unloaded and especially loaded with the trailer on 100%. Three weeks ago I installed another set of pac brake air bags on my bosses 08 F 250 SRW truck and it was alot of work. The pac brake bags are much better made (hardwear and bag material) than others I compaired IMO. Even the warrenty was better. I found mounting the upper bracket on his 08 F-250 to be a PIA due to a frame change in that year model and not having holes that the earlier years did. I had to guess the angle in which to mount it which was mostly eye balling it and having to drill 4 holes to mount it to the frame. For a dodge I would recommend pac brake bags, but not for the fords unless someone else was doing the work to install them.
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Old 07-14-2010, 07:43 PM   #20
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We paid $219.00 delivered for our Firestone air bags on the internet and just got back from a 3500 mile trip with no problems, handles like a dream with 35 lbs air.
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