Chevy & GMC Vans

i want air bags (helper springs)for my 95 which just happens to have the composite springs. firestone says their's can only be used on continuosly loaded vehicles http://www.fsip.com/riderite/applicatio ... olet.shtml# . i wonder why? i also found some air lift ride control springs that would work but they seem "light" duty http://airlift.iwebcat.com/imgVD/AIL/MN-353_59504.pdf i'd rather have the firestones

dilly wrote:i want air bags (helper springs)for my 95 which just happens to have the composite springs. firestone says their's can only be used on continuosly loaded vehicles http://www.fsip.com/riderite/applicatio ... olet.shtml# . i wonder why? i also found some air lift ride control springs that would work but they seem "light" duty http://airlift.iwebcat.com/imgVD/AIL/MN-353_59504.pdf i'd rather have the firestones

I haven't had any problems with my air rides yet.

You can't really use em with composite leafs because of how they mount to the axle, the bracket literally rubs against it as it moves up and down and would probably chew threw the composite ones rather quickly.

I was told the same thing by an rv dealerby me so I will be doing the steal spring swap soon. Camping season is getting closer,it's time to see how the Safari likes the pop up. I don't think I should have any problem's just want the bags due to all the extra stuff we bring for the kids.

potskie wrote:

dilly wrote:i want air bags (helper springs)for my 95 which just happens to have the composite springs. firestone says their's can only be used on continuosly loaded vehicles http://www.fsip.com/riderite/applicatio ... olet.shtml# . i wonder why? i also found some air lift ride control springs that would work but they seem "light" duty http://airlift.iwebcat.com/imgVD/AIL/MN-353_59504.pdf i'd rather have the firestones

I haven't had any problems with my air rides yet.

You can't really use em with composite leafs because of how they mount to the axle, the bracket literally rubs against it as it moves up and down and would probably chew threw the composite ones rather quickly.

Not sure the ones you have, but I bought a set from Dean that he had on his 95 and they mounted to the frame at top and had a mount that fit over top the spring right behind or in front of the axle mount. Their was no movement at the attachment points at all. I have them on my Tahoe now, work great, airlift brand I think. I think the problem with composite springs is they can't take the stress of that extra p[ressure. Look how many begin to splinter/separate under normal driving, plus I doubt the comp springs can take the extra stretch when airred up like the steel leaves.

BLAZER wrote:

potskie wrote:

dilly wrote:i want air bags (helper springs)for my 95 which just happens to have the composite springs. firestone says their's can only be used on continuosly loaded vehicles http://www.fsip.com/riderite/applicatio ... olet.shtml# . i wonder why? i also found some air lift ride control springs that would work but they seem "light" duty http://airlift.iwebcat.com/imgVD/AIL/MN-353_59504.pdf i'd rather have the firestones

I haven't had any problems with my air rides yet.

You can't really use em with composite leafs because of how they mount to the axle, the bracket literally rubs against it as it moves up and down and would probably chew threw the composite ones rather quickly.

Not sure the ones you have, but I bought a set from Dean that he had on his 95 and they mounted to the frame at top and had a mount that fit over top the spring right behind or in front of the axle mount. Their was no movement at the attachment points at all. I have them on my Tahoe now, work great, airlift brand I think. I think the problem with composite springs is they can't take the stress of that extra p[ressure. Look how many begin to splinter/separate under normal driving, plus I doubt the comp springs can take the extra stretch when airred up like the steel leaves.

That kit is the same one I have. IIRC I bought the other half ( compressor) of that exact kit off him.

Mine shows signs of movement. Only about 1/8" but it's the part that rests on the spring.

potskie wrote:
That kit is the same one I have. IIRC I bought the other half ( compressor) of that exact kit off him.

Mine shows signs of movement. Only about 1/8" but it's the part that rests on the spring.

Then I stand corrected #-o

BLAZER wrote: I think the problem with composite springs is they can't take the stress of that extra p[ressure. Look how many begin to splinter/separate under normal driving, plus I doubt the comp springs can take the extra stretch when airred up like the steel leaves.

thats the thing, i've been researching composite springs and alot of guys think there the best thing since sliced bread. no problems. then i read posts like this.

according to the instructions for both the above air bag kits they never touch the springs (they mount beside them). shouldn't helper air springs take pressure off of the composites? :-k
here's the instructions for the firestones http://www.fsip.com/pdfs/RR/installatio ... in2029.pdf

dilly wrote:

BLAZER wrote: I think the problem with composite springs is they can't take the stress of that extra p[ressure. Look how many begin to splinter/separate under normal driving, plus I doubt the comp springs can take the extra stretch when airred up like the steel leaves.

thats the thing, i've been researching composite springs and alot of guys think there the best thing since sliced bread. no problems. then i read posts like this.

according to the instructions for both the above air bag kits they never touch the springs (they mount beside them). shouldn't helper air springs take pressure off of the composites? :-k
here's the instructions for the firestones http://www.fsip.com/pdfs/RR/installatio ... in2029.pdf

All I've seen fromt he composites my self is problems. I can take pics of frayed / broken one if you want it's in my back yard lol.
I do like how those mount up tho. But I think and I may be wrong here but the shape of the composite mounts are different as the spring is wider.

The airlift system does in fact mount directly to the leaf springs. Part of the kit clamps the leafs and will destroy the composite leaf. The Album is here for the complete install onto a 2003 AWD.

The thread is old but I thought this might be of general and timeless interest:
Airlift also make a kit for the Astros 'til 95 with the composite springs.
Actually the installations instructions linked in the first post of this thread are for this airbag-kit. The white air-lines are still from the Monroes installed before.
The ride in association with the rather firm Bilstein-shocks is nice.
-Frank-