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1974Argosy20 · 05-24-2017, 01:52 PM

Hi guys,

My front air bags are leaking and i'm looking for the placements. I cant seem to find the correct part number or supplier for the placements.
any suggestions or help would be great.
1974 20' Argosy

thanks
Patrick

mayco · 05-24-2017, 03:08 PM

I don't have the part number with me but if you Google...."AirForums motorhome front air bags"...you'll get more than you'll ever want to know about them

. Welcome to the forums!!!!

Mike

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f311...rn-134995.html

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f310...on-167321.html

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f311...ods-59597.html

Just the first few hits off google

1974Argosy20 · 05-24-2017, 04:01 PM

Thanks Mike.

bkahler · 05-24-2017, 04:37 PM

Patrick,

Based on your avatar picture I would suggest you also replace the front springs at the same time you're doing the air bags. Your front is sagging quite a bit, the coach should actually sit somewhat level front to back. If you don't replace the springs you'll be replacing the air bags a lot sooner than normal and the ride will be rough with the springs the way they are.

Brad

1974Argosy20 · 05-24-2017, 04:45 PM

This is want I found so far that might/could work.

1963-1999 Chevy / GMC P-30 Motorhome Class A - Firestone "Coil-Rite" Air Bag Helper Springs (NO-DRILL) [FRONT]
Model: 4100
$94.95

While I was searching I found the rear air bags for load leveling. I'm planning on towing my 31' Sovereign.

1963-1999 Chevrolet P-30, P-32 - "Load Lifter 5000" Air Helper Springs [REAR]
Model: 57203
$280.23

Well I figure if I'm going to add rear bags, I want to add a compressor with dual control ( front and rear) .

Firestone "Standard Duty" Air Compressor - Dual Electric Air Command w/ Dual White Gauge
Model: 2178
$383.44

Has anyone else upgrade to a full air ride controlled system, if so anything i should look out for.

1974Argosy20 · 05-24-2017, 04:47 PM

Thanks Brad, i think that a great idea. Do you know a part number or supplier for the front springs?

bkahler · 05-24-2017, 05:09 PM

I installed these Moog 7560 coil springs.

I believe the rear air bags you listed are the same ones that Joseph (jm2) has on his 20' Argosy. I don't think installing front and rear air bags constitutes a full air ride suspension, it would be more like an air assist system.

I've been considering adding those same rear air bags to my coach since I'll be pulling a car trailer, just haven't gotten around to it yet.

Brad

Neil Archer · 05-25-2017, 03:11 PM

I have a 2001 Land Yatch (P-32) which had the air bag issue, they did not leak at the same rate which cause some stealing issue. Simple solution is to get rid of the air bags. There are several coil spring Mfg that will custom make springs for the weight you want to support. You have to weigh the front end of your motor home loaded as it will be used and they will get you your springs for about the same money as the air bags and less labor to install.
While they are under there check the steering linkage.
Mine had several worn components that needed to be replaced. It rode level and drove a lot better. My LY had 30K on it when I got it a year ago it now has 37K an it runs, rides and drive great. And I have cool air coming out of the dash vents life is good now

Termite748 · 05-25-2017, 04:03 PM

I replaced my front airbags last fall. Got them from Jc Whitney, they are made by airlift. I'm on the road right now so I don't have the part number handy.

martin300662 · 05-25-2017, 04:18 PM

I was under the impression the early (short) MH did not have air bags at the front (same as they didn't have the steering damper, or even the V shaped Pitman arms to take a steering damper). Not saying they can't be fitted but they probably weren't there to start with.

mayco · 05-29-2017, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by martin300662

I was under the impression the early (short) MH did not have air bags at the front (same as they didn't have the steering damper, or even the V shaped Pitman arms to take a steering damper). Not saying they can't be fitted but they probably weren't there to start with.

I believe it depended on which motor was installed. Didn't they install 350s in the shorter early models with the 454 as an option?

heyraylata · 05-29-2017, 10:49 PM

My 20 came with a 350 and a steering damper. IMO replace the springs and forget about the front bags.

bkahler · 05-30-2017, 08:23 AM

The discussion on whether to use air bags in front or just upgrade/up rate the springs has been a hot topic for a long time. I originally was going to just up rate the springs because I didn't want to fight the battle of pushing the bags through the small hole in the control arm. However after talking with John Warden he said just remove the spring, install the air bag and put the spring back in. At first I thought that would be harder but after trying it that way it turned out to be pretty easy.

So I'm sticking with air bags for now

Brad

bkahler · 05-30-2017, 08:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mayco

I believe it depended on which motor was installed. Didn't they install 350s in the shorter early models with the 454 as an option?

Mike, I'm not sure if the motor difference was the decision point for air bag or no air bag. You are correct in that the early Argosies had the 350 with a 454 being an upgrade.

Martin's 20 is a 350. Mine is a 454. Apparently the 454 was a popular upgrade as I've seen very few 350s listed anywhere.

Brad

mayco · 05-30-2017, 09:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bkahler

Mike, I'm not sure if the motor difference was the decision point for air bag or no air bag. You are correct in that the early Argosies had the 350 with a 454 being an upgrade.

Martin's 20 is a 350. Mine is a 454. Apparently the 454 was a popular upgrade as I've seen very few 350s listed anywhere.

Brad

Ahhhhh, I was guessing that it might be the weight. Of course I have no idea what the difference in weight is!

Boom Sounds · 05-30-2017, 01:08 PM

200lbs

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Gregsch · 06-10-2017, 07:41 PM

I used the Firestone air bags. I am very happy with the stock springs and the air bags. 55 psi seems good, 70 psi makes the ride a bit harsh. No air in the air bags is down right scary to drive. The air bags make a huge difference. I just forced them up through the hole in the bottom of the A arm. Draw the air out of them with vacuum pump, lube them with soap and force it into the hole. After I got it forced about half way in it got difficult so I lowered apiece of rope down from the top of the coil and wrapped it around the air bag with a slip knot. Then I wrapped the rope around a pry bar for leverage and pulled the air bag the rest of the way in. Pulling them tends to stretch them out and make them thinner, pushing them tends to make then bunch up and get more difficult to get through the hole. You should be able to install both air bags in a couple hours.

1974Argosy20 · 10-22-2017, 02:03 PM

Sorry for the delay in updating this post. i finally have same time to work on her. I've got my hands full this week with replacing front air bags, installing rear bags along with the compressor.

I decided to replace the starter because of issues i was having restarting after she would get up to operating temps. Plus she currently has the original starter for 74, so i figure while I'm down there...

I'm changing the valve cover too, the originals were leaking everywhere.

I'll post pics when i'm finished.