How To Install “Helper” Air Bags On Your Vehicle
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- Опубликовано: 12 янв 2025
- I wanted to see if my lowered 1990 C1500 Chevy Truck could haul a car trailer. I quickly discovered that my suspension wasn’t up to the task. My solution was to install a set of air bags above the leaf springs to help level out the suspension when it gets loaded. Man, what a difference it made.
In my view this is a very easy installation and yields great results. If your suspension is bottoming out like mine was, this is something to consider.
*DO NOT EXCEED THE WEIGHT LIMITS OF YOUR VEHICLE* but the installation of these air bags can greatly increase your trucks towing capabilities, making it safer and easier to drive when loaded.
I hope you find this information useful!
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I wish if we have a Mecanic like Eric back home , they all thief’s and crooks ...
This guy sounds very honest ...I been watching his chanel for almost 10 years now
@william III tools 🛠 and space , we can’t do that in our small tiny apartments ....
plus when I drive a Camry it’s barley needs any service and when it needed it , I drive 2 hours to my cousin shop and do all the maintenance needed one time ...
Always such a professional production. This makes me want to install air shocks for the hell of it - I don't even own a truck! Still the best company; still the best on RUclips.
I think you'd like a truck. It's hard to understand truck life until you have and drive one. Always good to see you. Thank you for your comments.
@@ericthecarguy Yes, you're right - I probably would love a truck. I've never completely ruled one out... so maybe.
I’ve been watching your videos since 2017 while I was incarcerated . Now I’m out I have my own shop and a family of my own . You truly have been an inspiration to me Eric . I appreciate you. Thanks for all of your videos I’ve watched a lot of them. I’m going to try this air ride out on my Work van. I appreciate you man! Stay dirty
Glad you put some air bags in. Makes a huge difference.
Also, remember the helper springs will help prevent squat in the back but they will not prevent weight transfer away from the front axel. If you are seeing a lot of rising in the front you also need to invest in a weight-distribution hitch
I added airlift airbags to my F-150 to help when towing our travel trailer. It was a great improvement. Even when I had an issue with the manifold in my kit after about a year, airlift support was top notch and replaced the faulty part at no cost.
NOICE.
I bought my truck with the air compressor and the mount for the airbags and the air tube but no airbags. After watching this im goin to get me them.
I like the dust print of the brake pad on the rotor 😂 thanks for the honda j series timing belt videos, been helping a lot lately
Great that you showed a leak and the solution!
I just want to say thank you. Because of your video, I went ahead and ordered this same air lift kit for my 99 Tahoe. It has a 3/4 drop and some times I tow a 4,000 pound RV camper and the ride sucked. I installed myself last night and boy what a difference. Thank you thank you.
Just a tip with the air bags having a “t” fitting connecting both bags to one inlet isn’t proper it allows air to travel between the bags which causes body roll when towing/hauling and driving. Just a pro trying to help a pro. Love the videos def a cool channel to learn from.
Love this video. I could have used this last week. I filled the bed of my F150 with cinder blocks and was bottomed out.
Well... now you have it for next time? Hope your truck is ok!
Even more than the really professional installation presentation was the enjoyment that I got from watching you doing what you love. Thanks!
I'm so glad you did this. They look great! Now your truck looks cool and can do serious work. Maybe keep a portable 12v air pump in the truck so you don't have to worry about the Milwaukee batteries. You can get adapters to convert the trailer plug on the back of your truck to a cigarette lighter plug for the air pump.
I installed a set of Air Lift air bags on my Nissan Titan a couple of years ago. I couldn't be happier with them. Good quality and even more important to me, is the excellent customer support. I developed a leak at the air bag connection, (similar to yours), and they sent me the parts I needed for free. I would have gladly paid for them. Anyway, they have been trouble free for me since and just what I needed for towing as I am sure you have already discovered. Can't say enough about the company. On to inflation .... Don't laugh, but I have been using my bicycle pump to inflate because they don't need much air and my pump has a gauge built in so I can see how much pressure I have as I pump. That said, I really like the idea you had with the electric inflator.... Hope you don't mind, but I am going to steal your idea! Keep up the good work! Staying dirty in Tipp City...
I have had Air Lift air springs in my Jeep Wrangler TJ, the inside the spring coil version. I use them for towing a motorcycle trailer. They have been great. Have had them installed for 8 years. No issues. Great product.
Nice video on the installation! Something my dad showed me years ago was a trick to find the center or a hole, just take the drill bit that fits (the 3/8") and put it in the bracket hole and spin it enough for it to mark the frame.
2021 - ETCG wins the Las Vegas LowRider Hopping Contest.
I put a set of those on our 2010 Honda Odyssey, rides so much better loaded or not!
Sticker HP, gotta love it!
Thanks Eric
I had a wheel cylinder to remove and I used your tip in a previous video to remove it without undoing the brake line 👍
I never get tired of hearing how my videos help people. Thanks for the comment!
nice little upgrade for towing! cheers.
I think that's a great upgrade. People often forget that when towing with a heavy downforce you also need to increase your tyre pressures. So really not having an inbuilt pump is not an issue at all. Personally, I always keep a pump of some sort in every vehicle I own. Will be good to see you load it up now.
I cover that in Mondays ETCG1 video. ruclips.net/user/ETCG1
Thanks for the comment.
Damn bro I joined your channel when I was like 20 now I'm 30 I've learned alot from you thank you
Nice kit, I never knew these existed. but then I live in the UK and have never even driven a truck before lol.
They are cool.
I installed Firestone Air Bag kit for coil springs on an Altima for carrying loads and using class 1 trailer. Recommended to keep 5 psig when not needing air bladders and up to 35 psig when using. Just 10 psig on unloaded car and ride is harsh! Keeping 4 psig now and nice ride.
Eric took your advice and installed Monroe Quick Struts on front and shocks on rear. Nice ride and handling.
Those quick disconnect fittings are notorious for leaking. You can get compression fittings for those air lines from McMaster Carr. They will last you almost indefinitely. If you keep the current quick disconnect fittings expect to keep having to fiddle with them to eliminate leaks.
You're 100% right. Those quick-connect fittings are pure evil. They require hose to cut clean i precise with hose cutter. Oring inside often wear out. "Two Ferrule Compression Fitting" from Parker is the best solution.
I wish there was a DVD set of all of his videos, super helpful vids, love this guy!
"Washer, okay washer" I've been in that situation more times than I can count!
19:58 -- nice ChrisFix reference LMFAO
Don't forget about the "basic set of hand tools" reference at 1:53.
@@AlexM-tx2vr oh yeah... lol
Good to know were showing off common hand tools.. hey as Eric O would say If I can do it, you can do it
I think the safety glasses too was a reference lol
eric! I love your videos so much I've started watching ones for cars I don't even have! Thanks for being great!
Might help to go to an auto parts store and pick up a T fitting so you can inflate the bags at the same time and they self-balance. A lot of heavy duty and tractor trailer air systems link their airbags to make sure the load stays level. And swivel air fittings love to leak. You're mounted to the frame so there is no need to swivel. Get solid fittings or even use nut and ferrule.
This was very helper, I’ll be installing a kit like this soon on my 95 k1500
They are nice if you do your homework on getting the right type.
Love that you are doing this and the brake upgrade! I am sorry if I came off rude the last time! Love to see you tow the 51!
I carry a 3 gallon, 120psi "air bomb". It is good for multiple refills of the bags. Mine are the Firestone ones and I have never had to inflate them to over 45 psi before, even towing a 15,000 lb trailer.
Never installed airbags before, but I did have air shocks in my old Skylark. One of the things that I did was to tie the two air lines going shocks together with a T-fitting and then running a single line back to the bumper. This let me have just one point to air them up and also ensured that there was even pressure in both shocks.
Haven't had to tow anything heavy (12k+) with the old F350 yet, but I might go with airbags if the ride gets a little rough.
I didn't want to do that so that I could accommodate uneven loads. Thanks for the comment.
now you can start adding some accessories! two auto leveing valves (semis use them in there cabs} , tank, compressor. air drier and gauges.
great share by the way!!!
larry
AirLift bags in rear coil springs in my van set 25 psi > connected to single Schrader, progressive damping and works like pneumatic sway bar
Awesome, Im going to do this for my OBS. One thing I would do differently is I will connect the two airlines to a tee fitting so the air is equal in both bags. These bags are similar to the ones under air ride cabs on semi trucks. Thumbs up Eric.
You won't be able to adjust for fuel weight driver weight and truck will lean
these were the best addition to my xterra!!! rear springs were weak from new
I thought this was just gonna be another DIY installation video, but with all the gratuitous nudity and the well placed profanity I REALLY ENJOYED MYSELF. Big thumbs up for the "R" rated content. :-)
huh, i always thought air bags would just be rock hard but looks like they still cushion pretty good. Nice upgrade
Awesome, I was afraid you'd stop before you did the helper bags.
Excellent how to video, I learned a lot about this system. Thank you for posting this!
I can't wait to see it with a trailer load.
Very nice Eric! Only thing I would consider is the location of those valves. Maybe someone could kick them while stepping on the fender to load things on the bed.
Very nice and elegant solution Eric thanks for sharing!
Olive juice Eric! thanks for posting, you are my UTUBE mechanical hero. Meaning over the years I owe most of my knowledge to you, danner, and brians mobile1. been with you guys since pretty much the beginning, and anyone who pays attention and watches your stuff should be good to go on most repairs. I FINALLY got a shop. I am late to the party but you may see stuff from me soon"ish" thanks for posting homey. How long have I been watching? Lets just say it is before you had a nice place to work or grey in your beard eheh. No worries there is a touch of light in mine too.
“Wooder” = Chris Fix
I always thought you wanted 1 airline to 2 airbags in case 1 side blows out? With 2 airlines, 1 airbag can blow up and cause it to be uneven...which is bad if you have a big load. Good video though! I've been leaning towards sumo springs more than airbags just cause of leaks and maintenance.
When I had air ride on my Honda I set it up so that I had an air hose with a quick disconnect coming off the tank so I could inflate tires or even in a pinch operate an air tool, but man as this video examples getting rid of air leaks is a pain in the ass, always eventually reverted back to springs and shocks. I even had Air Cylinders that functioned like Hydraulics where I could "suck up" the wheel, so I could make the car 3 wheel and then use an air powered impact to remove the wheel that was free floating in the air, only needed a jack for the front wheels.
I did a similar setup airlift. Would have recommended going with a T and only had one shredder valve.
I did that with the air shocks I had briefly on my Firebird
Isn't it Schrader? Though it would be cooler as a TMNT supervillain.
I like the simplicity of one, though I suppose should you have an unequal payload or your suspension a bit saggy it would be nice to have more control.
I purposely didn't do that so that I could accommodate uneven loads. Thanks for the comment.
Interesting idea. I would have thought the steering problem with weight in the back is from weight imbalance rather than ride height. On the other hand when I drove my 63 chev with air shocks it caused major steering issues even though there was no change in weight. Looking forward to part 2.
If the truck isn't level, there IS a weight imbalance. All the weight shifts to the back when loaded with a heavy trailer making the front end of the truck light. The opposite would be true if you raised the rear of the truck, possibly what happened to your 63. In fact, there is an 'art' to corner balancing a vehicle for the best handling characteristics.
Very good video. I will be installing the same kit on my F-150. ( well actually its very similar, not exactly the same ).
Another "super" video. Thanks, Eric.
Hi Eric,
I’m a long time Tech as well as a seasoned truck driver. ( Go figure )
Just a suggestion. One very valuable lesson as a driver... learn to use your mirrors. Cranking your head just causes neck pain.
Make sure your mirrors are adjusted well. You’ll find that that once your brain dials into it, it will be much easier and more natural.
Jus’ sayin.
Rob.
Eric, I had a similar setup with air shocks on my truck. The trailer accessory company that installed the whole setup ran both airhoses to a T-Fitting than out to a Single Shrader fill valve plummed at my truck bumper. Why didnt you do the same thing with your airhoses? Knowing what a perfectionists I would have though you qould do the same setup. This way One Shrader fills both bags at once equally.
One thing I do want to mention, there is connected to both air hoses, an open cross feed fitting. The installed told me that if I had any load shift in my truck bed the Air Pressure would automatically balance out leveling the side to side bed pitch. It seems to work pretty well.
You the man Eric. Another great video.
He said , "According to the instructions" And I just giggled !
very well done video, straight to the point and informative
I think mounting the bags behind the axle makes more sense. If you compressed the suspension with wheels off you would see the (slight) arc the rear axle travels and it would make more sense at that point why I’m suggesting this but nice installation overall I liked the camera work
I was hoping for some fancy black dice valve stem caps for that :D
Nice job man!
I've installed these on two different vehicles now and one thing that helps prevent leaks is using a bit of grease on the end of the hose before inserting it into the fitting. Also, you can get a T fitting and that way you can join the two bags and only have one Shrader valve to fill. Probably a moot point since you've already drilled the two holes in your bumper.
Great video Eric. Could you use a 3 way quick connection on airlines? Would fill both bags evenly at same time & eliminate a Schrader valve.
You don't want them connected that way.
NICE AND CLEAN JOB
Thank you USA 🇺🇸 I enjoy watching your videos Eric I am from South Africa
Hello South Africa! Thank you for your comments.
Always enjoy your videos. Correctly done, great video..
Hi Eric , nice one this system will work great on my one ton utility trailer , in one word inspiration thanks.
Just did mine 👍highly recommended
Thanks for sharing Eric👍
Loved the results👍
Stay Safe Bro❤
Thanks for the video Eric.
Another great video. My only concern is that the Schrader valves are in danger of being stepped on when climbing into the back of the truck. Also if you ever decide to put a slide in camper in there your valves may be covered up.
Very cool. I'm thinking I would cover those metal air line connectors by the wheels with silicone caulk to prevent rusting.
I'm pretty sure their STAINLESS or ALUMINUMINUMINUMINUMINUM ? I have STAINLESS ones.
Being from an area where we say wooter... I got a good laugh out of that
Nice setup!
i had airlift 1000s installed on my honda van years ago; love 'em to keep the ass from dragging.
Great video Eric!
Sticker and a Red paint job is good 35 HP boost !
Nicely done.
Eric, right from the GM handbook for the 1989-1994 regular cab, sport trim with the 5.0L the GCVWR is 10'500lb and with the 5.7L the GCVWR is 12'000lb with 3.73 rear gears. So depending on the engine, 5.0L or 5.7L that makes the towing capacity of that specific truck 4900lb for the 5.0L and 6400lb for the 5.7L so it can still tow a bit if weight. Can it handle your dads old car? Probably. Being as a 1951 chevy styleline deluxe weighs right around 3100 pounds and the average tandem (2 axle) car hauler assuming its an 18 foot trailer is about 2000 pounds, 20 foot trailer is roughly 2200 pounds, let's assume you've got a 20 foor trailer, 3100lb 51 styleline deluxe, and 2200 trailer your at 5300 pounds. Add some extra for the "spare parts" (500lb maybe) 5800 pounds?? Should be more than adequate to haul the car with that truck. Been towing most my life, and my own truck was a 91 single cab stepside, 4x4 with the 5.7, had a tow cap of 6'000. Also did not have a GCVWR on the sticker. And neither did my 95 and 96 chevys, both a 2500 with the 6.5L diesel 4x4, nor did my 82 c30 crew cab long box, or my 99 silverado 1500, also my 06 f150 doesn't have a GCVWR reading on the door
nice video , but personally i prefer the firestone air bag kit , much better design , it places the air bags directly over the axle tubes where they should be for proper weight support , and they bolt to bottom of the frame rail ( the strongest area of the rear frame and not the sides , the weaker area
26:25 i'v never seen a NEW can of Cut IT!!! also, is it irony that you make the "soapy watter" joke and chris is the next video suggested?
With "Big Brother" Google, nothing is just coincidence. They saw that the chilli you had last night gave you gas, so they sent you those Pepto Bismol coupons for 25% off.
Hello Eric YOU MUST INSTALL THE 10HP STICKER ASAP! 😀
You could have added a T air fitting so you only have to put air into one valve and both sides raise and lower evenly.
Question - Why didn't you add a "T" so they would be evenly inflated all the time?
Wondering the same.
In case of uneven cargo, you may want to run more pressure on one side. Not a concern for towing of course.
the air pressure will pass across the truck,, inducing lean etc,,
@@pedrotheswift5937 Exactly. Keeping them separate has a stabilizer bar-like effect and prevents the system from turning into a pneumatic water bed (which in addition to less control, could overinflate the less-loaded side in an extreme case).
@@ratdude747 "pneumatic waterbed" Pretty sure we grew up around the same era!
Nice work, Eric! You're going to love these. Air bags are great. I threw a set of Firestone Ride-Rites on my '07 Silverado 1500. Been on there about 5 years now. Held up well!
Every so often I throw a one-ton pallet of coal in the back, and they'll level the truck right out at just 30 psi. Overloaded for sure, but I've had 2,500 back there with the same results. Not something I do every day, but I can if I need to. Never had anything requiring the max 100 psi - that's a 5k lb. load, I believe. Not in this lifetime, LOL!
I originally had them plumbed like yours to the rear, one for each side, separately. Does lessen body roll in corners for sure. Later I installed a Firestone 2225 switch and gauge in the cab, and combined the 2 sides to be controlled by this unit (I already had an on-board air compressor long before the airbags, since I haul cars all over New England with a flatbed trailer). I had to get used to the body roll again - was the same as stock, but I had forgotten what that was like. It freaked me out on the first corner - felt like the truck was going over, hahaha! Used to it now.
I've had my share of leaks, since I have ALOT of air lines in the truck - going from the airbags to the controller in the cab, and back to the compressor, plus an Ox Locker air-actuated locking rear differential, an auxiliary fill port in the bed for the bags in case the compressor fails, and a regulator for running air tools. I ended up buying a set of hose cutters, and that fixed the issue I kept having keeping the lines square when cutting - I couldn't seem to cut them square to save my life!
That 2225 single gauge, single switch setup is the bomb! Can raise and lower on the fly. It's nice in the winter when my leaks become fairly big. When I feel the ride quality suffering a bit, I'll add just enough air to see the needle bounce over bumps, and if I add too much, I can bleed it down easily. I haven't been able to track the leaks down with soapy water. Only leaks in winter temps, though. Colder is worse, warmer is better. In summer, ZERO leaks! Go figure. My leak solution keeps freezing when I need to check! LOL.
Wow never knew i needed this but i caery dirt and this could be useful
Ohh upper-nuts. The best nuts of them all!
I prefer the ride-rite systems. The one I use on my Ranger and others that I've seen are over the axle and not behind like yours, my neighbors ram 1500, and explorer I've installed. The ride-rite support more weight from what I've noticed. I don't like the stress it might put on the spring.
I think the problem is he has a lowered truck so ? Yes my Dad also has the Ride-Rite on his Dodge.
@@NoWr2Run huh? I know why Eric is using the bags. I'm stating what I have noticed between brands.
very nice idea and instalation ... Thanks
good job my man!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you!
You could use compressed CO2 cartridges for this. Like if you have a pack, you can inflate that little bladder "for days" with that setup.
That truck is cleaaaaan
Excellent video
Pretty cool and simple system I like it
Eric sorry for the dumb question but couldn’t you have used “load leveling shocks” like the one we used to use on the old cargo vans or pick up trucks or the old fleet woods to help in keeping ride height? Just curious. You always teach me something new even when your learning something new thank my friend!
I had a shop install air bags on my old truck and I was steaming mad when they made holes in my chrome bumper for the air valves. I've seen people run them through the mounting holes for the license plate or mount them somewhere under the bumper in a less conspicuous spot. I don't like making holes on my bumper as a personal preference.
I bought a 2012 tundra with aftermarket airbags already installed, the ride is so horrible, I am planning on removing them...
the installation for these air bags required the bump stop to be cut down, and plates installed over the bump stop and also a plate above , and the airbag between.
this makes the suspension travel significantly less... hence the horrible ride, always bottoming out. even over smaller bumps.
very curious about the ride quality on your set up... does it feel like original factory ride with no air in it... when not towing or hauling anything?
Thanks,
Jeff
Great video man. Thanks
anyone know what king of torque wrench Eric was using @ 9:20 ?
Thanks in advance
Was hoping you would put a load on it and show us how much it sagged before/after the air bags. Maybe in the next video?
You need to get a set of flush cuts for those zip ties. Maybe Im a bit OCD, but I cant stand the little sharp bit that side cutters leave on zip ties...