Firestone Level-Rite Air Over Shock System

[GMCHD4x4]

http://www.truckspring.com/images/Manufacturer/Firestone/1003_med.jpg


Firestone Level-Rite Air Over Shock System (http://www.truckspring.com/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=1003)

Firestone Level-Rite Air Spring Plus Damper will:

* Level the front end in variable load applications - Snowplow, slide-in camper, grille guard.
* Allow control of front ground clearance - off-roading.
* Improve vehicle control and stability by maintaining constant tire, driveline and headlight alignment.
* Reduce bottoming - protective air cushion softens contact between the frame and suspension.
* Reduce suspension fatigue - prevent factory torsion bars from sagging under repeated or constant load.



Anybody going to get a set, I'm wondering if it would really help the load on the front? :shades

[Snowboy]

How much? Wonder if it would work well with a snowplow like they probably say it does. Now I can put that 8611 low pro on my truck right Chris?

A friend wants air on his F550 for the 8611 which he says is too heavy for his truck so its air and plasma. :zoinks :beatsme

Dave.

[IHI]

So long as they're priced right I would have no problem running a set to see how they perform. Got spoiled with the coil front end on my old truck and air bags I installed inside for a quick/cheap fix that worked wonders over the stupid timmbrnes I had...might as well just welded the suspension solid with those:(

Heck, if the ride is'nt real bad aired/un aired I think the may be a nice accessory front and rear if they go that route with them. (just thinking a rear kit would distract from their bagged system and may possibly cause a liablity issue since overloading and fixing with air shocks might not hold upto the wear and tear?)

Edit, wow, they like those shocks:o

[hlntoiz]

I was looking to put airbags on my HD but couldn't find them and was told they didn't make them. I have a air ride system for the rear already. I ended up putting timbrens on insted. If the cost ($550) was a little more reasonable I would seriously consider it. I would definately consider it if it was snowing here like in CO!

[earnies2]

You have to build a air bag system for your truck like I did It's not that hard and what a differance in the ride and yes you can hang a 8611 LP on a F350:rolleyes:

[JohnnyU]

That's an innovative idea, really. As long as the shock mounts are sturdy enough to help support a load it would seem that they would work well.


They are proud of them though, aren't they?:cash

[IHI]

They are proud of them though, aren't they?:cash

Oh yeah they are:scramble I'm not too afwul concerned with my F350, the western V only drops it exactly 7/8" of an inch with snow on the blades, so it handles it just fine. If it were a few hundred cheaper I would probably get some just for the cool new thing factor, but I cant see in my case ever justifying that much dinero for an item I dont need, which I 'm sure is the case with most of us since there are cheaper remedies out there.

[wsmm]

I used to have an old Jeep Wagoner that I used to plow with. This ws back in the 70s and I used a set of Garbiel Air Shocks on the front to compensate for the weight of the plow.

[Markford14]

To bad they are only made for chevy and GMC. Why not ford.

[CGSI]

I wonder if these are really any different than the monroe air shocks we used in the 70's besides being gas shocks and not hydraulic?

[GMCINFO]

I have been looking into something that will help the front end with the snow plow attached. This seems to be the best option so far for me. I like the idea because I also want to add air springs to the rear for towing and heavy loads in the bed and they would pair up nicely. The big drawback is the price... WOW, roughly $599.00 just for the front. If they come down in price I would buy them for sure but unless someone has tried them and can't live without them, I think I'll wait.

Rancho makes a "Coil-Over" that they say will level the front end for about half the price. My only question would be if they can take the extra 800lbs. with my 8' Boss plow attached and perform better than the stock shocks.

I would like to hear any feedback on either product.

[GMCINFO]

I have been looking into something that will help the front end with the snowplow attached. This seems to be the best option so far for me. I like the idea because I also want to add air springs to the rear for towing and heavy loads in the bed and they would pair up nicely. The big drawback is the price... WOW, roughly $599.00 just for the front. If they come down in price I would buy them for sure but unless someone has tried them and can't live without them, I think I'll wait.

Rancho makes a "Coil-Over" that they say will level the front end for about half the price. My only question would be if they could take the extra 800lbs. with my 8' Boss plow attached and perform better than the stock shocks.

I would like to hear any feedback on either product.

[EZSnow]

Well, the site liked above was $527, not $599- but let's not split hairs.

How much are bilstein shocks? 75 bucks a piece? So that's $150. Then throw in some airbags for the front... 'cept you can't get any. The rears 'bags are in the neighborhood of $250, so if bags *were* available for the front, you'd still be into the deal for at least $400, and probably more considering the amount of engineering required to get airbags on the front of a car- i mean- uh... Gm-Easy-for-soccer-moms-to-get-into truck.

So for $527 you've got a bolt-on solution that gives you variable added load capacity, a great set of shocks and you get to keep the carlike ride of the IFS. If I were still running chebbies and hadn't yet changed the shocks, I'd do it in a heartbeat.

[hlntoiz]

$550 is still a lot for 2 shocks. I already have a firestone air ride system with compresser on my truck for the rear air bags, so it would be a pretty cool solution. But last year I put timbrens on the front and after I put my back blade on the tuck handled the 810 much better. Balanced the truck out much better.

17013

17014

[Joey D]

Look on the diesel place in suspension, guy were talking about buying from an internet vendor and if you bought three or more they were under 400 bucks

[stangman35]

To bad they are only made for chevy and GMC. Why not ford.

I just checked out that web site and bought a set of hd coils for my 06 f-350 3,500lbs each for a total 7,000lbs.

1000lbs over my stock coils.For under $200 bucks including shipping Im gonna give them a try.

[urethane dino]

I am installing mine today. I will grab pics, and report how they hold the plow.
Chcuck stay tuned for resizing.
Dino

[iakentdoz]

I just checked out that web site and bought a set of hd coils for my 06 f-350 3,500lbs each for a total 7,000lbs.

1000lbs over my stock coils.For under $200 bucks including shipping Im gonna give them a try.

I installed the #6500 springs on my 2005 F250 and love how it rides with or without the plow. I was going to install the #4800 but got a great deal on the #6500 springs.

Here is the link to my thread about installing the springs (http://www.letstalksnow.com/forums/showthread.php?t=14870)

[urethane dino]

I got he air over gas shocks in, and pretty easy install overall. One note, after collapsing the shock so you get the unit to fit. Use some tie wraps to hold the shock in the collapsed position. We installed the unit, cut the tie wraps and bolted the unit top and bottom. We ran the air line and put the air to it leaked like a sieve. Thought I had a bad unit, so we removed the unit and bench tested it, no problems, worked great. Reinstalled, and had the same issue when we put the air to it again. Removed once again and bench tested, again worked fine. Seems that the unit got slightly tweaked when installing the bottom bolt, enough to cause the air bag to lose its seat.
So when installed the last time, we attached the air line to the unit before we cut the tie wraps. Put about 10-15 psi to help east the bag against the shock. Cut the wraps, bolt it up and worked like a charm.
I have the pics of the install. I will forward them to Chuck, and I am sure he post them here.
When I mount the plow in the am, I will get some pics of how the front end looks with the plow at different PSI settings.
Dino

[hlntoiz]

I got he air over gas shocks in, and pretty easy install overall. One note, after collapsing the shock so you get the unit to fit. Use some tie wraps to hold the shock in the collapsed position. We installed the unit, cut the tie wraps and bolted the unit top and bottom. We ran the air line and put the air to it leaked like a sieve. Thought I had a bad unit, so we removed the unit and bench tested it, no problems, worked great. Reinstalled, and had the same issue when we put the air to it again. Removed once again and bench tested, again worked fine. Seems that the unit got slightly tweaked when installing the bottom bolt, enough to cause the air bag to lose its seat.
So when installed the last time, we attached the air line to the unit before we cut the tie wraps. Put about 10-15 psi to help east the bag against the shock. Cut the wraps, bolt it up and worked like a charm.
I have the pics of the install. I will forward them to Chuck, and I am sure he post them here.
When I mount the plow in the am, I will get some pics of how the front end looks with the plow at different PSI settings.
Dino


Dino, do you have a compressor or manual fill?

[urethane dino]

Manual fill right now, but already see that having on board air system would be the hot set up.
Dino

[hlntoiz]

Manual fill right now, but already see that having on board air system would be the hot set up.
Dino

It is hot, had on in the Chevy, But it is pricy!

[urethane dino]

http://www.truckspring.com/firestone-remote-air-command-i-2334.html

I like the remote idea, with nothing to run through into the cab. Not to badly priced either.
Dino

[hlntoiz]

Very cool, but no pressure guage? That will run you about $100.

[JENTERPRISE]

Hey Guys!!!

I have been down both roads and honestly I think just changing the springs is the way to go, If you have read any of my posts you already know I run the crap out of my trucks and over load them and just plain beat them, I ran air bags in the rear in my dodge 3500 and honestly don't think it helped that much, sure it leveled the truck when I had a small load but mine were hooked together so when you leaned the truck the air would transfer from one side or the other. I believe in springs, I use to get into rock crawling and off road buggies and we had air chocks, nitro shocks and springs. I got the most from springs and the shocks just helped keep it level in off camber situations. I have added a new set of leafs in my 97 dodge 3500 and they are BIG, as in 12,000lb capability BIG w/helpers. I love them and in the front I ran the 3300lb coils. This truck may drop an 1" with a western 8.6 with custom 1/4" thick wings. the plow is 11' w/wings and weighs much more than any western you'll see, I have a few repairs on it too which ads to the weight :)
I would say Springs but I spent much more than 600 bucks getting custom packs made and the coils came from Dodge

[ratlover]

Figure you would have 300$ in just shocks and timbrens......

Wonder how well the shocks mounts would hold up though? Be real nice to have a comressor to run em though. With these shocks how long will they stay aired up were you set em? They leak at all in the real world getting use?

[urethane dino]

Upper shock mnts I dont think will be an issue. They are real stout, and they dont see alot of movement.
I didnt lose any air last night in the system while running around with the plow, but it didnt see many up down cycles.
Would have loved to been able to change springs to a higher rated torsion bar, but the ption just isnt there. This seems to be the best all around system.
Dino

[hlntoiz]

Hey Guys!!!

I have been down both roads and honestly I think just changing the springs is the way to go, If you have read any of my posts you already know I run the crap out of my trucks and over load them and just plain beat them, I ran air bags in the rear in my dodge 3500 and honestly don't think it helped that much, sure it leveled the truck when I had a small load but mine were hooked together so when you leaned the truck the air would transfer from one side or the other. I believe in springs, I use to get into rock crawling and off road buggies and we had air chocks, nitro shocks and springs. I got the most from springs and the shocks just helped keep it level in off camber situations. I have added a new set of leafs in my 97 dodge 3500 and they are BIG, as in 12,000lb capability BIG w/helpers. I love them and in the front I ran the 3300lb coils. This truck may drop an 1" with a western 8.6 with custom 1/4" thick wings. the plow is 11' w/wings and weighs much more than any western you'll see, I have a few repairs on it too which ads to the weight :)
I would say Springs but I spent much more than 600 bucks getting custom packs made and the coils came from Dodge


OK dude us whores need pics!

[urethane dino]

I thought I was able t send them to Chuck?
I am sure he has been busy, all in good time.
Dino

[Chuck Smith]

Yes, very busy. Which is a good thing.

~Chuck

[Chuck Smith]

Three more.

~Chuck

[Chuck Smith]

Last 2.

~Chuck

[hlntoiz]

Nice, Let me know how they work out with the 8611pl.

I am planning on putting some rear bags on my 3500. Loaded with salt even for an hour it seems a little to much for her. I guess I am used to the F450.

I may put these shocks on the front also.....thinking about it.:rolleyes:

oh by the way.....I am figuring that you are taking the pics with your phone. Change the settings (to less fine pic) and you probably won't have to reasize them. After I did I never have to resize.

[urethane dino]

no pics with the phone, all done with a real nice canon digital, thus the need for the resize

[CGSI]

Nice, Let me know how they work out with the 8611pl.

I am planning on putting some rear bags on my 3500. Loaded with salt even for an hour it seems a little to much for her. I guess I am used to the F450.

I may put these shocks on the front also.....thinking about it.:rolleyes:

oh by the way.....I am figuring that you are taking the pics with your phone. Change the settings (to less fine pic) and you probably won't have to reasize them. After I did I never have to resize.

Matt
Why not just put on a set of timbrens? you won't need anymore than that. I run an 8 foot Stainless spreader with a 3X6X3/16 steel tube frame in mine FULL of Magic and I am just touching the helpers.

[XGARDX]

I got he air over gas shocks in, and pretty easy install overall. One note, after collapsing the shock so you get the unit to fit. Use some tie wraps to hold the shock in the collapsed position. We installed the unit, cut the tie wraps and bolted the unit top and bottom. We ran the air line and put the air to it leaked like a sieve. Thought I had a bad unit, so we removed the unit and bench tested it, no problems, worked great. Reinstalled, and had the same issue when we put the air to it again. Removed once again and bench tested, again worked fine. Seems that the unit got slightly tweaked when installing the bottom bolt, enough to cause the air bag to lose its seat.
So when installed the last time, we attached the air line to the unit before we cut the tie wraps. Put about 10-15 psi to help east the bag against the shock. Cut the wraps, bolt it up and worked like a charm.
I have the pics of the install. I will forward them to Chuck, and I am sure he post them here.
When I mount the plow in the am, I will get some pics of how the front end looks with the plow at different PSI settings.
Dino

i had the exact same problem as you drescribed installing mine last week!!! haha. i was about to go crazy, i got mine from a guy used for $300 shipped, which was a steal. one worked fine, the second i had to take off twice and bench test cause it was leaking air after i installed each time. but i got it right eventually.

oh, and if you're running a heavy plow on the GM i'd say they're a must! i barely had enough front end height before with my dually diesel. put timbrens on 800lbs of balast and it was marginal. with the air shocks at around 75-80psi the front end sits and extra inch or two up with the plow up in the air. i love it!!! just got in from my first snow fall with this new rig setup and i couldn't be happier. the airbags made the ride alot softer as well cruising down some bumpy roads.


i dont know the $600 prices, geeze... i found them on summit racing's page for $500. even if i didn't get as good of a deal as i did for $300, I would drop the $500 for them after seeing how much of a difference they made for my setup. especially when their aren't that many options for a GM dually out there.

[XGARDX]

one more thing i remembered for the install. the last time i took the one back off, it was still leaking air around the top nut because the red bushing weren't lined up exactly right. they act as part of the air seal for the top end of the unit. as long as you do the steps right the first time through, it a rather easy install i thought, would have been an hour or less with hand tools jack stands, and a socket set ( depending how elaborate you want to get for your airline routing locations too though...)

[hlntoiz]

Matt
Why not just put on a set of timbrens? you won't need anymore than that. I run an 8 foot Stainless spreader with a 3X6X3/16 steel tube frame in mine FULL of Magic and I am just touching the helpers.


Because for what AW Direct (http://www.awdirect.com/catalog.cfm?dest=dir&linkid=215&linkon=subsection) wants for the timbrens I can get Air bags and have control. I actually got a price for The airbags from my Truck Accessory dealer for about $50 less than AWDirect.

[CGSI]

Matt
Michigan Truck Spring sells Timbrens for 175 shipped Free

[hlntoiz]

Matt
Michigan Truck Spring sells Timbrens for 175 shipped Free

Thanks John, I think I will would like the option for a few buck more. Plus then I have an Aux Air tank for flats on machines and maybe an airhorn:eek::p

[CGSI]

Thanks John, I think I will would like the option for a few buck more. Plus then I have an Aux Air tank for flats on machines and maybe an airhorn:eek::p

Matt...
Thanks for the clarification.... I did not know you wanted more than just suspension improvement.

[jfsanterre]

I just installed a set last week for a guy at work. Plow a bit last week end and so fare, he like theme alot. He was tired of adjusting the torsion bars over & over, and the stiff timbrens. They are pretty easy to install. For now i just installed a "tire valve" in the bumper cover to adjust the pressure, but he said he will comeback next week with an on board air compressor (with gage and switch) and a set of rear air bags for the rear end.

[John DiMartino]

That is a sweet setup. I wonder why some GM IFS trucks hold the plows so differently. My 01 GMC ,i put timbrens on it,and it drops about one inch ,if that.I dont need them,so Ill save the money for rear airbags,which it could use,because it is definitely sprung soft in the back for a 2500HD.My buddies truck,excab Dmax,sags a lot more than my truck,and he has a plow prep pkg.
Very good pics Dino,now get the air compressor,and dual valves and you'll be all set.:drool