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*** Firestone Ride Rite Airbag B4-n-after pics ***

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Old May 5, 2009 | 01:37 PM
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From: Northern Illinois
*** Firestone Ride Rite Airbag B4-n-after pics ***

Back in Dec I installed the AutoSpring 2" leveling kit in preparation for my new Mickey Thompson Baja ATZ's in 305/55/20 size. Once I installed the AS and had the front end aligned (to AVOID drift and premature wear....lol) I noticed the front sat 1/2" higher than the rear. Some on this site SWORE I was sent the 2.5" spacer and not the 2" spacer. One word --> WRONG.

I tow my supercharged 347 race/show II to the track and DIDN'T want the rear to sag. I knew I definitely did not want to cram a solid spacer in there and be stuck with a single height, plus a slightly stiffer ride.

The Firestone airbags were the ideal choice for my use since I can air them up and level the rear to any desired height (within reason). Plus, each side is independently adjustable! The bags cost ~ $250 shipped. Install was easier than the spacers IMHO.

Here are the before and after pics. Sorry for the crappy overcast day. At least the truck is shiny clean...

Below is BEFORE the airbags:


Below is AFTER the airbags aired up to make the rear 1/2" higher than the front:


Here are some pics of the airbags installed :





After the installation of the Mickey's, I needed to get my speedo recalled due to erratic tranny shifts. I opted for the Edge Evolution. I set it on Level2 and haven't looked back! Now my truck seems complete!

In this pic, you can see the Edge just to the left of the steering wheel. That's the new snap in color-molded correct pod. I was sent the old velcro-in textured black pod, but a simple call to the folks at Edge had me the newly designed pod for free, I only had to pay to ship the old one back.
 
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Old May 5, 2009 | 01:37 PM
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From: Northern Illinois
Here are a few more pics of the truck since it's clean and the yard is freshly mowed



 
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Old May 5, 2009 | 02:52 PM
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Looks great!!!
 
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Old May 5, 2009 | 03:59 PM
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Looks good!!
 
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Old May 5, 2009 | 04:12 PM
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From: Erie, PA
truck looks alot better with the 1/2 inch rake to it, makes it look alot higher, I wish I got those bags instead of the add a leaf, it is too stiff for my liking
 
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Old May 5, 2009 | 04:14 PM
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Do you have a part # for the new style pod? The guys I spoke with there said that there hasnt been a new pod made for our trucks since they first came out.
 
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Old May 5, 2009 | 05:10 PM
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Originally Posted by bjp207
truck looks alot better with the 1/2 inch rake to it, makes it look alot higher, I wish I got those bags instead of the add a leaf, it is too stiff for my liking
The first time I aired them up, I did it so the truck sat completely level, but it still sorta looked like it was drooping in the back, despite my tape measure telling me otherwise. Probably just me, but anyway.... So I just pumped in a tiny bit more to make it 1/2" higher in the rear and now it looks okay, to me.

Don't know if you tow anything, but if you do, it might be worth it to get the bags since you can adjust them just enough to level your truck back out and keep a slightly soft ride. You could always sell you blocks. I would have to think they maintain their resell value really good since they're simply a solid block.

From the way Firestone describes their airbags, even a used set of them would be a great alternative. I looked for a used set, but couldn't find any myself at the time.
 
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Old May 5, 2009 | 05:14 PM
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Originally Posted by ferguson41
Do you have a part # for the new style pod? The guys I spoke with there said that there hasnt been a new pod made for our trucks since they first came out.

Hmmm. I would call them back and speak with someone form their tech support. That's what I did when a member here posted pics of the "new" style pod he got when he purchased his new Edge. No more trying to color match the paint, and forget about all that sanding to smooth out the texture. Oh, and did I mention it just snaps in now

I don't have a part number since the person I spoke to knew what I was talking about. You can go on their web site and actually order the new style pod, but then you have to pay for it. Look there and see if it gives the part number.
 
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Old May 5, 2009 | 05:47 PM
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Link to where you got the airbags?
 
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Old May 5, 2009 | 05:49 PM
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Good looking truck and lawn
 
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Old May 5, 2009 | 07:18 PM
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looks great, i love your truck, also can you post a link for the airbags? That is a good price that you got
 
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Old May 5, 2009 | 07:51 PM
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Thanks for the great write up & pics - looks great!

This is my definite next-on-the-list mod.
 
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Old May 5, 2009 | 09:00 PM
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Originally Posted by rms8
The first time I aired them up, I did it so the truck sat completely level, but it still sorta looked like it was drooping in the back, despite my tape measure telling me otherwise. Probably just me, but anyway.... So I just pumped in a tiny bit more to make it 1/2" higher in the rear and now it looks okay, to me.

Don't know if you tow anything, but if you do, it might be worth it to get the bags since you can adjust them just enough to level your truck back out and keep a slightly soft ride. You could always sell you blocks. I would have to think they maintain their resell value really good since they're simply a solid block.

From the way Firestone describes their airbags, even a used set of them would be a great alternative. I looked for a used set, but couldn't find any myself at the time.
I do tow a little, I bought the add a leaf because I don't like the idea of a 3'' block, just the ride has been getting to me
 
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Old May 5, 2009 | 09:28 PM
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Originally Posted by thorherc67
looks great, i love your truck, also can you post a link for the airbags? That is a good price that you got
http://www.suspensionconnection.com/...scon/2350.html
 
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Old May 5, 2009 | 10:15 PM
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Looks great. Just tell me you chopped off those bolts that are to long for the kit .
 
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