This is my install on a 2012 Sport 1500 4x4 Crew.
The total load control air bags are the easiest I have ever installed. I have installed Firestone air bags on a 2005 Dodge ram 1500 and on a 2012 F150 and they took significantly more effort.
Remove the bump stops. Then one bolt to mount the lower plate to the axle, slide the air bag keeper bolt through the right hole on the lower plate, then 4 bolts to bolt the two plates that sandwich the top of the air bag plate to the part of the frame that used to hold the bump stops. Literally a 10 min job on a lift to moun the air bags.
My two minor complaints: 1. the top plate when bolted tightly still allows the air bag to turn freely. I can't see any reason why they couldn't have used thinner spacers that would allow the plates to tighten down more and not allow the air bag to spin. If the air bag does move a bit, eventually the air line to it could break. 2. I bought the kit because the web site showed the air bag, when deflated, completely disengages from one side. Therefore, not affecting the ride at all. The new design does not seem to allow for this. Having to keep air pressure in the bags at all times (even 5psi) does affect ride a bit (minimally).
Pics of the two bags installed:
Driver's side:
The bolt has to wiggle through the axle locator arm mount. Fairly easy if you use a magnet to hold the bolt.
The next step was to mount the air compressor and air distribution block. I live in a cold climate, so I wanted the air compressor in the cab of the truck. I mounted it behind the rear seat, as it has easy access to the exterior of the truck through a plastic plug. It also is very well hidden.
With the rear seat reinstalled:
Next came routing the air lines to the air bags from the distribution block behind the rear seat. I wanted back up in case the air compressor failed while towing a trailer on a trip, so I installed a T connection after the distribution block allowing me to use an external air hose to fill the bags. I also used cable loom to protect all of the air hose from rocks and rubbing damage.
Picture of the air connections underneath the truck below the rear seat:
The total load control air bags are the easiest I have ever installed. I have installed Firestone air bags on a 2005 Dodge ram 1500 and on a 2012 F150 and they took significantly more effort.
Remove the bump stops. Then one bolt to mount the lower plate to the axle, slide the air bag keeper bolt through the right hole on the lower plate, then 4 bolts to bolt the two plates that sandwich the top of the air bag plate to the part of the frame that used to hold the bump stops. Literally a 10 min job on a lift to moun the air bags.
My two minor complaints: 1. the top plate when bolted tightly still allows the air bag to turn freely. I can't see any reason why they couldn't have used thinner spacers that would allow the plates to tighten down more and not allow the air bag to spin. If the air bag does move a bit, eventually the air line to it could break. 2. I bought the kit because the web site showed the air bag, when deflated, completely disengages from one side. Therefore, not affecting the ride at all. The new design does not seem to allow for this. Having to keep air pressure in the bags at all times (even 5psi) does affect ride a bit (minimally).
Pics of the two bags installed:
Driver's side:
The bolt has to wiggle through the axle locator arm mount. Fairly easy if you use a magnet to hold the bolt.
The next step was to mount the air compressor and air distribution block. I live in a cold climate, so I wanted the air compressor in the cab of the truck. I mounted it behind the rear seat, as it has easy access to the exterior of the truck through a plastic plug. It also is very well hidden.
With the rear seat reinstalled:
Next came routing the air lines to the air bags from the distribution block behind the rear seat. I wanted back up in case the air compressor failed while towing a trailer on a trip, so I installed a T connection after the distribution block allowing me to use an external air hose to fill the bags. I also used cable loom to protect all of the air hose from rocks and rubbing damage.
Picture of the air connections underneath the truck below the rear seat: