Thread: Defender Airbags v coils. Final verdict

Definitely on my to-do list for my next project.
IIRC the only failure I recall reading of was the bag being pinched to structure somehow.
Seems like the ultimate flexibility for a variably loaded vehicle, but there doesn't seem to be much info around on suitable shocks.

Steve

Should have added, I have Koni Raid HTs fitted (and very very happy with them). Being adjustable I dont see any problems re: suitability

Id be more than happy to increase the bump stops a little to rule out chassis pinching. From what I have read it would need to be done anyhow as the bags will not sit well without a spacer. This would also help minimise potential rubbing

Originally Posted by Fraz

So my question is, does anyone who has converted to airbag bellows regret doing so?

No, not for a second.

Also, what are people's opinions about longevity with them? Has anyone ever actually experienced a blowout or show stopper off road?

Mine have been in for 3 years and are still fine. That includes the canning (where we got 52 mm of rain) and several other trips including west-east-west coasts (towing).

The firestone bags are incredibly tough and very thick.

Mine were good as new after 10 years (County). It'll be my top priority mod for the 300Tdi when I can find some money.

I did hear anecdotally from a 4WD accessory shop owner of a (non-LR) person who did manage to pierce one with a fence picket by recklessly driving over said fence and getting stuck. Blame the airhead not the airbag for that one though.

It's probably enough just to do the rear, you'd get most of the benefit.

Chris

Ive had one let go, not in a Landy but a 1985 Lincoln Continental whilst touring USA, granted I was on a fire trail in the Appalachian mountains, These cars rarely see dirt roads, same Firestone airbag setup.

Was very disconcerting thinking I might be stuck with the tunes of Duelling Banjos in the background (if you've seen Deliverance you will know what I'm on about)

The trouble was driving out with the fuel tank banging on the ground , at least I could drive once I blocked off the compressor hose, I don't believe you can if the same thing happened in a Disco.

no regrets had mine in for 6 years no problems with them
done a lot of off road work with them
just fitted a air tank and in cab gauge
cheers
Ian

Well now I'm bulk keen. Thanks guys

Ill be using Firestone bags.
My Koni shocks are not extended, so standard ride height will be fine for me. Im not prepared to change as they are brand new.

So, what bags have people used without having to change out the shockers?

From what I have read, the #5426 bags seem popular but my measurements indicate I would need longer shocks.

I cant find out what part number Firestone has written on Airbagman's kit - does anyone have this handy?

What about the controlling systems? Im good for DIY, I love it. Is it really as simple as switch, solenoid, relief valve and tube?

I was all but ready to pull the trigger on converting my 130 until one weekend a few years ago we happened along a poor stricken GU ute out near the beach at Cape Melville.

We had shot up there for a sneaky two nighter after work on Friday.

On the Saturday while going for a drive we happened along a fella with his GU ute and Ultimate.
A few kays back from the beach all jacked up with a frown on his face.
We stopped and sought how they were going.

He had firestone bags in the rear of what was an overloaded ex coil sprung GU ute.
Had blown one bag on the drive in, replaced with his spare and then blown the other side on the way out.
Trouble was the tear in both bags was right where the bag rolls onto the cone. So plug repair didnt work.
I had my tube repair kit, plenty of mushrooms repairs and a few patches and glue. We tried a few things which all failed due to the bags puncture location. That roll just loads up any repair you can think of.

He was happy and tinkering and thinking so we said we would check up on them on our way out the next morning.

Sure enough he was still stuck so we ended up towing his Ultimate out to Kalpower to take some of the load off. He ended up making the hole in the bag big enough to then squeeze in cut up pieces of all the closed cell foam mats they had. Sort of a rubbery foam spring. We went on ahead they were happy trundling at idle the couple of hundred out to Kalpower. I can only imagine they got some bags flown in to Laura and kept moving.

I guess the nature of the beast is that they can puncture / tear / bust / die.
Either carry a few spare bags or even keep your steel coil and mount plates available????

The saga turned me off the conversion because I often run at GVM in horrible country a long way from anywhere useful. I know this is kinda stupid cos I run a tdi with the rubber band, an R380 with 75% worn output splines and my front diff is standard rover fair with a zillion km and bugger all oil changes...

Anyways - just call me fickle!
I run polyairs in the coils and despite the fact they are not as good as full air springs they sag less at GVM than the OEM inner coil and ride a zillion times better.

My above ramble is just pointing out although good they are not infallible!

Steve