Anyone running AirLift bags...

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LaGrasta
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Anyone running AirLift bags...

Post by LaGrasta »

I have had these installed on my Astro for nearly a decade and they work awesome for towing/hauling, albeit a bit of a bouncy ride at almost any fill level. I've recently replaced them both as they rubbed my tires and eventually popped. Over the years, this has happened twice and at $50/bag, I'm not looking forward to it happening again. Granted, over the course of ten years, I can't complain too much.
My question is how close do yours sit next to the tires? I have 30" BFGs and the clearance is less than an inch.
1998 Astro, 246,000 miles

K&N air filter
TruCool trans cooler
2" Overland lift & 15" BFG Terrain, 3.73 gears
JET Performance SCU-2000 (Speed Control Unit)
Gabriel Ultra shocks, rear AirLift bags & sway bar
Draw-Tite Dual Port Hitch System, hitch-mounted bike rack (4), hitch-mounted cargo tray, Thule roof-mounted cargo box

ihatemybike
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Re: Anyone running AirLift bags...

Post by ihatemybike »

I think most are going with air shocks or Timbrens.
Aaron

2005 Astro (Gandalf) - AWD, 4.3L, 3.42, 130k+ miles
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potskie
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Re: Anyone running AirLift bags...

Post by potskie »

Running stock size tires mine don't rub. About 2" clearance. I would look at modifying or moving the bracket / bag placement if they are rubbing. They definately shouldn't be and the bags shouldn't bow out that far. if you have 1" clearance you should have close to that at all times. From what I've noticed from the bag design anyways at low PSI they are designed to roll back into themselves not pancake out.
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LaGrasta
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Re: Anyone running AirLift bags...

Post by LaGrasta »

potskie, your take on these is exactly what I've experienced. Remember, I ran the same set for nearly a decade. My problem with rubbing happened when the combination of my large wheels rubbed the bags when they 100% deflate, then get 'twisted" a bit.
Once in a while I'll hear a rattle and notice one of the bags is completely empty. Maybe the line pulled out or something to that effect. While deflated, they come out of their "pocket" just a bit and rub the tire. Under normal inflation/deflation, this never happens.
The other problem is if I have to use snow chains, there is no clearance to do so.
1998 Astro, 246,000 miles

K&N air filter
TruCool trans cooler
2" Overland lift & 15" BFG Terrain, 3.73 gears
JET Performance SCU-2000 (Speed Control Unit)
Gabriel Ultra shocks, rear AirLift bags & sway bar
Draw-Tite Dual Port Hitch System, hitch-mounted bike rack (4), hitch-mounted cargo tray, Thule roof-mounted cargo box
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st4s
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Re: Anyone running AirLift bags...

Post by st4s »

@LaGrasta
Switching to Firestone "Ride-Rite" airbags might be an (expensive) alternative,
they are sitting on the axle.
http://www.fsip.com/riderite/rrkit/kit. ... 0&rrk=2029
(ignore the "cargo" note, I've read elsewhere that they work ok)
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