Best Towing Upgrade! Air Lift Air Spring Install and Review (Chevrolet Silverado)

[@Patrick-kc5ur]

My buddy, who has his own shop with a hoist installed this kit on my 2004 Sierra 1500 today. Typically with parts that can go together in either of two ways, you need to figure out which way is the right way. Once that was decided, it went together really quickly. I used Superzilla penetrating fluid on the snubber bolts about 4 days ago and they broke free with a box wrench. I covered the air lines with 3/8" fuel line to prevent any chafing and the frame. I used the "T" fitting so I only needed one Schrader valve. With 25 lbs of air pressure it raised the bed about 1". Perfect. The ride is a little stiffer, but worth it. He also tightened the torsion bar bolts and raised the front about 3/4". Perfect.

[@garymccarver5006]

Air bags do make a huge difference. The problem is that they do nothing to put the weight back on the front end. The rear axle is still acting as a fulcrum, lifting the front end. To get the weight back on the front axles requires the use of a weight distribution hitch. Running both bags and distribution hitch are the perfect combination.

[@racer72]

I was just going to say the same thing. Plus towing something that sits that high would be susceptible to swaying in high winds, the weight distribution hitch will help a lot. I just towed through Eastern Washington during some gusty winds with my travel trailer, I had zero sway issues. Watched other deposit little green bricks in their shorts, a couple people were waiting out the wind at a rest stop.

[@JayLupe]

@@racer72 would this be suitable for doing hotshots with a f450 dually?

[@SkyBlueOffRoad]

I have an 07 f150 as my tow rig and when I did the air bags a few years ago I felt like I got a new truck. Great investment.

[@Rick-k7m]

I have an 06. I plan on doing this too. Glad to hear more feedback from 11th gen owners

[@petersherrouse33]

My hats off to you putting the video together, and air assist springs do have their place, BUT, while they do lift the rear of the truck body and keep the hitch from dragging, they do not shift the weight to the front wheels (see extra comment at end) . A lot of people think that a bigger truck, with heaver springs in the rear, some how moves the weight forward. The bigger the truck, and the heavier the front end, the less it matters. The only way to move the weight forward is less distance between the hitch and rear axel or using a load (re) distribution hitch. I see some trucks with really long hitches (they should be a short as possible, A longer truck is better also. Shorter beds often have less "overhang". You will notice that some USV's have a rear axel that is very far aft. This is good for towing and where where spring are most useful. Fifth wheel hitches have zero (or negative) overhang. Last point, For a single axel trailer, load assists do little to improve handling. For dual axel trailers, as the hitch is raised, more weight shifts to the rear axle (even if just a little) . This has two effects 1) it moves the trailers "effective" axle to the rear making the trailer more stable (same as moving the load forward) and 2) it adds more hitch load - which winds up reducing the truck front wheel load. The increased stability of the trailer is more important to handling. If you are struggling to improve stability - you really need to move the hitch forward (if possible) or get a weight re-distribution hitch or a bigger (heavier all the way around) truck which simply overpowers a poor weight/hitch/vehicle geometry. I also think stability is improved by running the highest tire pressures you can.

[@303Estates]

Air lift plus weight distribution hitch is the way to go!!

[@WideOpenThrottleC6]

at 5:30 the lock washer goes on the other side of the washer. between the head of the bolt and the washer.

[@krnwhitlow]

those are nice i just cant afford them,i went with rancho add-a-leaf springs and monroe air-adjust shocks , to my 05 1500 sierra ,it really was a night and day difference in the ride empty or towing my 6000lb camper, total was 100 bucks ,anyone who tows needs air help no matter how you do it ,you will love it. i also use a F5 programmer to help with towing with my 5.3 ...keep those videos coming

[@Travelwithmagalysergio]

What’s the F5 programmer for?

[@jimmym9929]

I have an 02 Silverado 1500 Base model I load up to about 600pounds and the truck will level out or sag. I was told about air bags and wanted to upgrade the leaf springs instead but after this video I think I will go this route and go with air bags. Thank you

[@raymondmoreno7442]

Thank you sir great video helpful 👍

[@alexstokes9763]

Ordered mine today.... thanks for the video!

[@Long-nd8bq]

Thank you for the review. I will be ordering this kit for my 2000 Z71 since I tow and want to keep things level and safe.

[@smoky407cdd]

How is it

[@Long-nd8bq]

@@smoky407cdd haven't ordered yet. Torque converter went out on my truck so I just got a new one and need to get it installed. Truck has been sitting for a while and I've been driving my car.

[@Zakman695]

Dude sweet rig setup! I’ve got almost the same truck and an XJ, planning to get set up in a similar fashion.

[@williambailey9917]

nice job bud, you sold me

[@bogtrotter5110]

great job and presentation.

[@williamcarter7113]

great video best one on youtube so far good job buddy

[@flako2022]

Awesome video. Thank you

[@georgesanchez9971]

Love the video. I use a weight-distribution system when I tow. However, I will be putting the bags to improve the ride height when I take a mototote brand motorcycle carrier on my 03 z71 sierra fitted with a 1k tongue weight capacity hitch. I am planning to transport my 800lbs stripped-down road king. The saddles and other times will be traveling on the rear seat of my extended cab.

[@apotbos]

Have you added the bags yet and if so does it affect the sway bars in any way

[@centralcoast6720]

Nice a shop was charging me 8hrs to install 120hr

[@PVPEEP22SAAAN]

Thanks i needed this video

[@gingerjohnson2669]

Witch is better lift spring or air bag

[@chatobalencian1504]

Can you post a link or lmk where to order the same kit for my 05 Silverado thanks bro

[@drfrank777]

Great video, but I don't see a link to the air lift kit you used. Did I somehow miss it? I want to do the same thing with my 2004 Silverado, so can you please ID the part and maker you used? Thanks!

[@maravillosonene99]

Looks awesome

[@Travelwithmagalysergio]

My rv is 6400 pounds can I still install this airbag suspension?

[@slowride55]

Do you see any reason this wouldn't fit a 2wd 2005 silverado 1500?

[@francogomez3212]

Just curious but was this the Airlift 57272?

[@teadyelevate-neverhesitate5953]

Would these work for a 2 door Chevy 1500 🤔

[@bearbait2221]

lots of tough weight with that jeep so far forward on the trailer. How are the bags doing? glad 2 see a man use a mans truck THANK U SO MUCH FOR not slamming it to the ground like all city-idiots

[@MuddyBeards4X4]

Thanks man. They have held up great. Still hold air just fine and brackets have stayed tight. I really do think this is the best upgrade I have done for towing.

[@yerwrng]

A 1500 is a woman's truck . Also check for spark plugs and tampons... ;-)

[@coltonware5627]

@@yerwrng The masculinity is fragile in this one.. watch out everyone!!

[@yerwrng]

@@coltonware5627 Sounds like Colton has spark plugs in the family closet.

[@mikeschuster7508]

Great video. But can these bags be installed with a 3 inch lift

[@MuddyBeards4X4]

I believe they can but you would need extended mounting brackets. I believe it's an option at purchase

[@hammer-r]

Thinking of airbags for my Silverado. My question is, when your not towing, do you reduce the air pressure in the bags to almost nothing so the ride is back to normal or do you keep them loaded up all the time. Tks.

[@MuddyBeards4X4]

I drop them down to 10 psi. Still rides a little bouncy with no load but not bad at all

[@hammer-r]

@@MuddyBeards4X4 ok Tks, yea that’s what I’m worried about. I have elderly parents and a finicky wife. I’d rather not hear either bitch when they are in my truck. Lol

[@justincooney6873]

Sorry I don’t see your link to where you got the bags from..

[@ShineRite]

Will this kit fit the 06 Sierra 1500?

[@kylepierik6692]

Novice question! How do you then deflate each bag when done towing?

[@ambertimme6838]

Same way as a standard tire as it has a valve stem.

[@noelrosario2885]

How much does payload capacity hold up to?

[@pineappleboi27]

Exceeds specs of stock truck springs.

[@thejwilliams333]

What if you have a lift kit?

[@mariosrecycling8649]

would these work on a 2003 chevy silverado ls short bed. never mind I found your link . nice video

[@GHEC3]

Plumb the bags together and then you have one fill valve and the exact same pressure in both bags. Good video I’ll be doing this to mine

[@jfernandito8205]

Good idea 💡

[@tylerbeck8492]

Bad idea. If you have a load shift, the air from one can transfer to the other. Almost learned that the hard way on a set with a Cabover camper

[@saloram990]

Can I use this AIR LIFT on my Model: 2000 (1500 ) GMC Sierra ?

[@moejr14]

Do they not come with an air pump?

[@shmokinbrakes5483]

Is it just for the rear or for both ?

[@spidernose]

Will this work on a 2wd?

[@jeremymerrix6236]

How much tongue weight is on that thing? It looks way over your 10%.

[@djhewecko123]

Same set up im doing on my audi car

[@user-qc8me3nx7i]

Wat kinda lift can u run it with

[@billvanvliet]

does this kit change the type or size of the shocks used for the rear suspension?

[@MuddyBeards4X4]

I did not change the shocks. Honestly the bags take up most of the dampening when inflated

[@joeoso8488]

I have this same setup in my 2020 but when I’m unloaded the truck rides really stiff even with 5 psi. How does yours handle unloaded? Thanks

[@MuddyBeards4X4]

It does change the unloaded ride quality a little bit.

[@hear2daygon32marrow]

How is the ride quality when your not towing? I heard it gets bouncy..?

[@Gperez0007]

Yeah it’s bouncy

[@Chafat]

Would this work in a 1999 GMC Sierra 1500 single cab?

[@MuddyBeards4X4]

Should be the same

[@ShinMufasa]

Awesome

[@queenelizabeth3973]

Is there a reason this wouldn’t fit a 2wd truck

[@ThriftyGarage]

I know this video is older but a video editing tip from one creator to another. Try balancing your audio levels. The transition from talking to music is pretty drastic. Otherwise thanks for the great video on air bags!

[@steemo1385]

Could it only have 1 air nozzle?

[@MuddyBeards4X4]

I'm sure you could splice in a t and run 1 line

[@jacksongardner6746]

Can you have a lift kit and bags

[@MuddyBeards4X4]

As the kit comes no. But I think you can buy extended j brackets

[@outdoorslife97]

@@MuddyBeards4X4 do you see and reason these wouldn’t work with my Silverado ss that is lowered 2”?

[@MuddyBeards4X4]

Again the j brackets may be the wrong length depending on how it's lowered. But I'm sure you could modify or buy the right hardware

[@woody1977321]

13:02

[@Davidriveraz71]

What if my truck is lifted

[@danhambrick6331]

Could you put a spliter in the air line so both bags would fill evenly?Like the old air shocks were...

[@1stzjtruck706]

Dan Hambrick that’s what I was thinking too

[@gamecapturemoments1]

They still sell air shocks, really cheap too. Probably going to switch mine out with those.

[@Realmccoymowers]

Yea it's an extra 7 bucks on the site in his description

[@MrAcuta73]

Go a step further and get an onboard air supply (compressor with or without tank), and a leveling valve like on semi's. Bout $40 online and some adjustment to work right.

[@dylanrivenbark2820]

Could you tee the two airbags together and fill them equally together?

[@MuddyBeards4X4]

You could but I wouldn't. If their connected then as you go around corners the air can shift from bag to bag. I would keep them separate to avoid that

[@bunythebeastgamer6920]

Pull that Jeep back some so there’s not so much tongue weight!

[@erickmarquez3365]

Didn't show before and after air fill..

[@gamecapturemoments1]

Soooo basically I'm seeing that if I have 4 inch lift blocks in the rear this will not fit my truck.

[@MuddyBeards4X4]

Ya unfortunately, unless they offer extended j brackets I dont think this will work on block lifted trucks

[@NoStress90s]

just make your own brackets

[@NoStress90s]

all you need to do is bend some metal and use some drill bits

[@peepeesmelly1]

I thought they offered extensions for that situation they don't come with any of the kits but can be ordered for your application

[@benbuttars5594]

They sell spacers. I bought them for mine.

[@santosaguilera8615]

Como puedo comprar este sistema

[@keithlea6804]

Please scale your trailer and jeep I'm betting your closer 7000# and really curious what the jeep weighs with all the mods. Stock Cherokee is 3006 # give or take. I put Goodyear air bags on in the 80s then Firestone got into the game I have installed this brand before and I would inspect it frequently for the bags getting loose and I would hard line it . Thanks for the video you did a great job on it.

[@MuddyBeards4X4]

No way it weighs 7k. 1500 lb trailer and prob 4k jeep. I did think about getting some hard lines though. That's good advice

[@keithlea6804]

I was thinking 5k on the jeep 1500 + on the trailer. Could be wrong but I think I'm closer. Lol but seriously you did a super job on the video.

[@Will-bp2yc]

Airbags Yuck! Nice with a load, empty they really suck! (even with 5 lbs. air). So every time you unload it a rough ride, unless you air down. (still rides bad.) Go with Timbrens, and Roadmaster Active Suspension! So nice for heavy loads, or empty! No maintenance ever. nothing to adjust, nothing to leak air, and its an easy install!