Average Customer Review: ( 4 customer reviews )
Write an online review and share your thoughts with other customers.
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
4 of 4 found the following review helpful:
 5 Stars to start, straight forward install with preplanning Oct 26, 2010
By Summer Campr
I purchased the Air Lift 57394 through Amazon.com for a 2006 Ford F350 crew cab dually which I use to tow a 17,000 lbs fifth wheel. I desired to level out the stance of the truck when connected to the trailer, adding close to 4000 lbs into the bed of the truck. Best price I could find was Amazon.com (saved at least $60 with free shipping).
Needless to say, delivery (even to Alaska) through Super-saver shipping was great and the kit came double boxed inside another box. The kit box looked new when the outer box was opened.
As the instructions state, I read the instructions thoroughly before beginning the installation. Actually, I must admit, after reading other's reviews, I was concerned about a difficult install, so I read the instructions many, many times, figuring out the exact points the manufacturer was conveying.
In Alaska at the time of install, and it being late October, I want to make sure I was set up for a successful installation. I decided to take all the fasteners (bolts, nuts, & washers) and place them in separate Ziplock bags, marking each with the corresponding letter from the instructions. I also assembled the airbags to the upper bracket, tightening the bolts as per the instructions prior to the actual time of install. You do assemble left and right brackets differently, so as I assembled each side air bag and bracket, I marked the assemblys "drivers" and "passengers" side as not to mix them up during the actual install. I did the pre-work in my living room over a couple of beers which made it more enjoyable than if I was doing it flat on my back under the truck. Separating the fasteners was very helpful when it comes time for assembly.
I also purchased a creeper for sliding around under the truck. It will come in handy in the future for oil changes, etc. Well worth the money considering I eventually spent 5 man hours installing the air springs under the vehicle.
Upon examining the craftsmanship of the materials and brackets, I was very pleased. The power-coat finish on the metal brackets was well applied and thicker than most powder-coated products.
Being this kit was installed on a 4 wheel drive (vs. 2 wheel drive) truck, it necessitated the removal of a tack welded plate on the lower air spring bracket. Details are in the instructions, but I did this a pre-work as well. I first ground the welds with my Dremel w/cut-off wheel and then they easily hammered out. The remaining welded spot was then easily trimmed flush with the same Dremel tool.
What the instructions do not tell you.
1.) Removal of the under-bed spare tire will provide you with much needed room for the install. Well worth the 10 minutes to remove and then reinstall.
2.) Though perhaps not absolutely necessary, I removed the dually wheels. It allowed exterior access to the aftermarket 5th wheel bracket plate which required a through bolt to be place into. I also had to purchase approx. (24) 1/2" fender washers for my particular installation to take up space between the 5th wheel bracket plates and the frame since the air spring kit would introduce a bolt which previously was not required in the location of the bracket.
Installation day . . . Loosened the wheel lug nuts, then I jacked up the back of the truck and installed jack stands to support the rear differential. I elevated the back several inches after the tires came off the ground to give me extra working room. After the tires were removed, I did this next step which averted the dissatisfaction others had experienced with the installation . . . difficulty installing the bags in place. This was simply placing my truck's bottle jack under the rear trailer hitch (under where the receiver slides into it), with elevated height from a cement block and blocks of wood, and raised the back of the truck body another 3 - 4 inches (rear axle remains on jack stands). This eliminated any hassle installing the air bags in the location between the brackets, leaving the perfect amount of room.
I followed the instructions and the installation went smoothly. It wasn't a quick job, but after 5 hours and 15 minutes of taking my time to make sure everything was installed just right, the job was complete. I do not believe I uttered a foul word during the entire project (which is a first). I did take my time.
A couple of last comments on the installation.
The 1/2" bolts supplied with the kit which go though the frame to attach the upper brackets is partially threaded, partially a smooth shank. If it was not for the extra space my 5th wheel brackets spoke for, I am confident I would have run out of threads before the bracket was held tight against the frame. If you do not have a 5th wheel bracket plate going front to back along the frame, I would highly recommend you spend 3 or so dollars and get (2) 1/2" x 3" grade 5 or 8 bolts prior to beginning the installation.
I opted to run the air valves through existing holes in the bumper which were intended to allow bolts for the bottom holes of license plates (not that you will ever find someone using bolts at the bottom of their plates) I drilled through the license plate frame I have around my plate and once the air valves (valve stems) were installed, they blended in like they were bolts for the plate and I believe they will not be subject to anyone tampering with them (they blended in so well).
After the leak test (no leaks), I install about 30 lbs of pressure for a day just to make sure there were no leaks. The air springs do a good job of adjusting the height of the truck bed. I have yet to hook up the 5th wheel and head down the road, but I will update this posting once I get some miles on the air springs (first trip will be 4000 miles which will be a good test).
Key points:
Prep as much as you can.
Read, re-read the instructions until you are very comfortable with the whole installation process.
Separate fasteners in their specifically labeled bags.
Jack up the body of the truck after the rear axle is supported by jack stands.
Good Luck. Thus far I am very pleased with the air springs, quality of the product, and value. Made in the USA and let's keep it that way.
3 of 3 found the following review helpful:
 Air Lift Aug 09, 2010
By wmeginley
The product is well thought out and is constructed very well. The instructions are a bit backwards and should be read completely before installation as you have to really work the assembly into possition - even with the vehicle raised off of the ground. Besides the installation instruction problems, the lift system was a great match for my truck and my needs.
3 of 3 found the following review helpful:
Difficult installation May 27, 2010
By J. Salvadore
This kit fit my truck properly, but the installation is not for the faint of heart. I found that I had to assemble the components together loosely, jam the assembly between the frame and axle, and then complete the final tightening of all the bolts. I am not a professional mechanic, but I will take on just about any project on my vehicles....I was able to complete this install, but it was a pretty laborious task.
I haven't really tested the bags yet...my new fifth wheel camper is due in a couple of weeks. the 2200 lbs in the bed of the truck will be a nice test for these airbags.
Excellant performance Feb 05, 2011
By Shannon J Zerkel
I have had many sets of air springs and this set is by far the best. Combined with the wireless compressor it makes an unbeatable platform for stabilization for your tow vehicle. The ability to have ultimate control with that much weight behind you is great for your peace of mind!!
|
based on 4 reviews
