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thenewkid64 · 06-23-2002, 10:00 AM

Fred,

I stole and idea from you, or maybe I should say from Jellybean III. At Mystic springs I was intrigued by your front airbag setup with one fill valve. I had two fittings to fill my front airbags. I could not get them filled evenly with my 120V compressor. So I pulled out all of the black hard brittle tubing and replaced it with what is pictured below. Now when I fill and check the air pressure I have one spot to do it and the bags are evenly inflated low or high. I do not think having them share air is an issue but I welcome any advice.

FrankR · 06-23-2002, 11:56 AM

We used to own an ole GMC front wheel drive RV. It had rear air bags. I found that the best material to use for all fuel. oil and air systems is DOT air brake nylon line. The fittings used are nearly the same as copper compression fittings with a special fitting for the ends. This material is nearly impervious to anything............ except hi heat. On our old rig, the air gages were at the dash and under the hood. Air could be checked and added at several places.

thenewkid64 · 06-23-2002, 01:57 PM

That is what I took out due to it getting brittle and cracking. I had to add air to the bags at the bags. No fun. The orange stuff in the picture is 1/4inch ID air hose, it is rated at 300 psi and 85 degrees C. The orange covering is supposed to be able to take oil etc.

dienst1 · 06-23-2002, 03:19 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by thenewkid64
That is what I took out due to it getting brittle and cracking. I had to add air to the bags at the bags. No fun. The orange stuff in the picture is 1/4inch ID air hose, it is rated at 300 psi and 85 degrees C. The orange covering is supposed to be able to take oil etc.

My 1981 Excella motorhome had no front airbags. I ordered a pair from Camping World along with the central fill line kit. (link) http://www.campingworld.com/browse/s...90&skunum=4946

ViewRVs · 06-23-2002, 03:37 PM

I'm glad you got something out of Mystic Springs! Monique and I were talking about how valuable it was to make the trip. We guessed that you and Peter were the only two that didn't learn something! Time to start planning for Mystic 2 in April of 2003!!!!

My driver's side bag is still bad. I looked underneath to see if I could replace them. I will never be a mechanic type. The entire job is $130 at Camping World for both. I thought about having the existing Air-Lift bag replaced under warrenty. I still have the previous owners receipt. I could not see the top of the coil spring to see where to install the top piece.

PeterH-350LE · 06-23-2002, 04:18 PM

Fred, since our gathering at Mystic Springs, I have seen exactly zero Airstream Motorhomes on the road or elsewhere. I believe having the opportunity to see and feel all the different models, was a great learning experience for everyone.
One of the most overlooked details concerning the front airbags is the direct relation of front end alignment and pressure in the bags.
Any front end alignment should always be done with properly inflated air bags.

Dienst1: If you add airbags, your front end may have to be realigned.

dienst1 · 06-23-2002, 04:33 PM

Peter,

I've also added lower rate front springs (the previous owner liked a hard ride), a Super Steer Bell Crank and a Steer Safe Stabilizer. The front end alignment is definitely impacted.

Dick

PeterH-350LE · 06-23-2002, 05:54 PM

Dick, I have been following your story since you bought your MH and I am truly amazed at the amount of work you are having done to your 1981. By now, you must be getting anxious to get your hand on it?
Are you keeping the original diesel motor?

dienst1 · 06-23-2002, 06:38 PM

Peter,

I'm a "Diesel hugger" and spent a lot of time looking for the combination that I bought. My car is also a Diesel (Olds Cutlass Ciera with the 4.3 L Diesel, also designed by Isuzu). I may or may not have a turbocharger installed depending on my driving experience. It already has a US Gear underdrive which helps with the low end.

Dick

joepospisil · 06-24-2002, 09:14 PM

Another option for a 82 310 Turbo is a 5.9 Cummins with the 518 Chrysler automatic trans. It is a neat swap and makes a lot of power. We have done two of these in the last year and a half and they really work. Joe

LKappenman · 06-25-2002, 08:31 AM

What $$$$ are we looking at for that swap?

joepospisil · 06-26-2002, 06:05 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by LKappenman
What $$$$ are we looking at for that swap?

Hello
The parts cost was about 3500 dollars for the power train and parts from a 96 Dodge pickup. If you need details on this swap drop me a line and I can share some thoughts with you.
Joe

ViewRVs · 04-20-2003, 04:38 PM

Okay, I did stop by Camping World while in Orlando. After the initial excitement, I put back all the WANT things and bought something I NEEDED (the air Lift bags). With your encouragement, I am going to atempt this myself. One question.

Is it allright to use the front leveling jacks to lift up the front?

I did read the installation instructions about making sure the brakes are on and the unit is blocked.

thenewkid64 · 04-20-2003, 04:57 PM

Fred,

I have heard of stories where they have used the front jacks to lift the front. I would not use them for permanent support, just get the weight off the springs and then use jackstands that are up to the task to actually support the weight and rest the coach partally on the jack stands. You do not want the coach to be fully supported by any one type of support.

Just my .02 worth

87MH · 04-20-2003, 05:44 PM

Be sure to use front jacks and rear jacks as a pair.

The use of only one jack to lift a wheel clear of the ground will assuredly result in a bent jack support, if not a sprung frame.

The PO of my unit (or a jack leg mechanic) bent both of the front jack supports of my '87 345 (they failed outboard). They were a real bugger to remove (the Grade 3 bolts were streched, so they were tight all of the way off). After straightening the support assembly side leg, I welded a third gusset in the middle of the assembly. I did not extend the gusset above the two original ones since I assumed the design had a safety factor built in so that the jack support would fail prior to the frame itself permanently deforming.

ViewRVs · 04-26-2003, 07:34 PM

I got up early Saturday morning and set out to replace the air bags. Getting the old ones out is pretty tough! I used a large flathead screw driver and a large vice-grip and a lot of hard twisting and tugging! Twisting with the vice grips was the key.

Getting the new bags in was equally as difficult!

I did fill them with a little air before lowering the front jacks. I then added 60 lbs. of air pressure. I didn't test drive it because I was so tired from the task! I left the old lines on that hung down because they had the 'T' fitting that Brett liked. I am going to look for a 90 degree adapter for the air fitting. Napa and CarQuest did not have one.

Camping World only charges $60 for the installation. Well worth it if you are in for other work or close to one! It took me about 2.5 hours and lots of grunting and groaning! Amazingly, no blisters!

PeterH-350LE · 04-26-2003, 08:19 PM

Fred, good deal!
I am proud of you for tackling it!

ViewRVs · 04-26-2003, 08:27 PM

Thanks Peter! I've come a long way baby!

Middle Management by week-day, aspiring mechanic on the week-ends!

FYI - I also replaced a rivet all on my own! I used my own rivet tool and stock of rivets! That's a first! (I usually just borrow Brett's!

)

mlmarch · 07-02-2003, 09:06 PM

Fred
I have the same rig as yours and I just noticed that both front air bags are long gone. Could you give my the item # from camping world that you put in yours. Also did you put in the extra line kit to check/add air pressure under the hood?

michael

ViewRVs · 07-03-2003, 05:52 AM

Here is the link for the Air Lift 1000 air bags. They do come with long hoses and a bracket to move the vavle stem to the front. My unit already had a modification with hoses set up like Brett pictured above so I didn't use the hoses in the box.

If I had to do it again, I would call Air Lift and see if soaking the bags in warm/hot water to soften them up is acceptable. THey are stiff which wakes the job that much more fun!