Thread: Airbag man rear suspension fitted

dunno how i missed this thread.......

just fitted my kit today, manual inflation ATM but have the digital in-cab controller to fit once i sort the new dash out and permanently mount the compressor ........will post a new thread with my thoughts and tips

Hi Simmo and Weeds
I am in the process of fitting air suspension to my Defender 6 x 6 build up, I have an accu air controller and new bags for the rear but acquired a second hand fitting kit for one axle. The top spacer/bracket is 25mm tall but have been told the Air Bag man kit has 35mm top bracket.

Can you confirm? Or, is there a more desirable height of the bracket?

I have noticed that on the old bags there is a rubbing area which appears to be from the angle of the chassis spring mount as it runs down to the bottom of the chassis rail. It is opposite on the bags/brackets which would indicate that it is either the front or the rear on both sides. There is significant rubbing down to the cord which will reduce the lifespan of the bag.

Do either of you (or anyone else) have a similar wear pattern?

Is there a solution? (e.g. a protective plastic or rubber skirt between the bracket and bag.)

Originally Posted by Lotz-A-Landies

Do either of you (or anyone else) have a similar wear pattern?

I was able to compare my installation (W01-358-5426, Firestone Reversible Sleeve Air Spring, Firestone Air Bag 5426 | TruckSpring - same bags as yours) to Weeds' today (W01-358-5422, Firestone Reversible Sleeve Air Spring, Firestone Air Bag 5422 | TruckSpring). Although they both state the same diameter, by eye mine looked fatter than Weeds. My bags are close to rubbing on the bump-stop plate that's welded onto the outside vertical section of the chassis (<5mm). Weeds' seemed to clear this by about 20mm. This indicates that the Airbag man top plate is offset outwards further than mine. I also have some almost inperceptible rubbing on the front and rear of my bags from the spring hanger webs, but nothing I'm worried about.

Also, Weeds' top plate (~65mm from memory) is taller than mine (52mm). This means the Airbag man top plate is a bit taller than mine.

Ultimately, by offsetting and perhaps heightening the top plate some more, you should remain clear of all possible rub points.

Hope this helps.

Thanks Ranga

The rubbing on mine is from the same web you speak of but only on one side not both so obviously the bracket is not centred fore and aft.

Just went an measured the brackets and the height is 33mm my recollection of 25 mm is the width of the flat bar used to space the top and bottom plates. (After that, analysed the bag and bracket with the air line fitting to find that the rubbing is likely the front web.)

Do you think it's worthwhile re-manufacturing my bracket plus another for the third axle or just go to the Air Bag Man?

Originally Posted by Lotz-A-Landies

Thanks Ranga

The rubbing on mine is from the same web you speak of but only on one side not both so obviously the bracket is not centred fore and aft.

Are you sure? I would have thought the worst chance of rubbing would be against the chassis.

Originally Posted by Lotz-A-Landies

Do you think it's worthwhile re-manufacturing my bracket plus another for the third axle or just go to the Air Bag Man?

It comes down to effort mostly. If you're a tight-arse like me, and have the skills (unlike me), you'd just do it yourself. Perhaps it's false economy, and you're best off just getting them from Airbagman?

Originally Posted by Ranga

Originally Posted by Lotz-A-Landies

Thanks Ranga

The rubbing on mine is from the same web you speak of but only on one side not both so obviously the bracket is not centred fore and aft.

Are you sure? I would have thought the worst chance of rubbing would be against the chassis.

My automatic (pedantic) response is that both the web and the bump stop bracket are "the chassis" but in my non-pedantic self, I understand you were talking about the bump stop bracket.

However on closer inspection, we're both correct, it's rubbing on both the web and the bump stop bracket. (See piccies)

Diana, are they custom brackets or the airbagman setup?

FWIW mine (custom setup) have been rubbing slightly since I installed them 6 years ago. I have never gotten around to adjusting/tweaking the brackets. No problems though despite lots of offroad work / towing / heavy loads.

Hi Ben

The person I got them off told me they were the first prototype brackets by someone but I don't know if that was the Airbag ban or someone else.

What I paid was essentially the cost of a single new bag without postage and I got the brackets two old bags and a new unused bag.

Diana