AirLift rear bag system - info you need to know

[Benbean66]

So here's what I came up with... (I know, I know... that was quick... "That's what she said" -Michael Scott ??)

I took the lower brackets off and removed about 2-1/2 to 3" to lower them closer to the bump stop seat (kind of defeating the purpose of having Timber Grove design these for my specific purpose, but oh well...). I then replaced the bolt that held the bottom of the bag to the bracket with a longer bolt and used that to keep the bottom of the bag aligned with the rear perch, but it allows the suspension to flex out much more (aprox 2" more) than just what the bag would alone. Cutting the rear brackets down also allows the bag to sit at a more relaxed position, rather than be all squished like it was with the original design.
I tested it out behind my house and am very pleased with the results. The suspension can droop all the way, and if I close the valves on the lines leading to the bags before going off-road, they act as bump stops and prevent the bags from compressing too far.
Again, this is what I came up with and may not be feasible, or appropriate for everyone, but it allows me to still utilize my JT for what I built it to do, work and play.

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[PhantomChameleon]

So here's what I came up with... (I know, I know... that was quick... "That's what she said" -Michael Scott ??)

I took the lower brackets off and removed about 2-1/2 to 3" to lower them closer to the bump stop seat (kind of defeating the purpose of having Timber Grove design these for my specific purpose, but oh well...). I then replaced the bolt that held the bottom of the bag to the bracket with a longer bolt and used that to keep the bottom of the bag aligned with the rear perch, but it allows the suspension to flex out much more (aprox 2" more) than just what the bag would alone. Cutting the rear brackets down also allows the bag to sit at a more relaxed position, rather than be all squished like it was with the original design.
I tested it out behind my house and am very pleased with the results. The suspension can droop all the way, and if I close the valves on the lines leading to the bags before going off-road, they act as bump stops and prevent the bags from compressing too far.
Again, this is what I came up with and may not be feasible, or appropriate for everyone, but it allows me to still utilize my JT for what I built it to do, work and play.

Interesting...so do you think you would have been better off using the 2in lift version? Do you think those with the 2in Mopar lift would be better off buying the stock Gladiator version?

 

[Benbean66]

Interesting...so do you think you would have been better off using the 2in lift version? Do you think those with the 2in Mopar lift would be better off buying the stock Gladiator version?

Hard to say... When I installed mine as they came, the bags had little to no room for compression. This was due to the measurements I had given Steven, and I believe he was trying to prevent the bags from being stretched when at full droop. If I was to do it again, I would probably just get the 2" kit, and make the modifications I did to allow the axle to droop without stretching the bags. Again, not everyone will have the same needs as I did. I find my suspension setup to be very flexible, and I didn't want to lose any of that. I would say with a 2" lift (Mopar?) you MAY be able to get away with the standard kit (if you're not going to be flexing out), or if you're planning on having a lot of weight in the bed for the majority of the time, and just want to compensate for the sag. In my situation, I felt a little more room for up travel was needed for daily driving/light wheeling right off the bat.

It's hard to say what results from others will come out of this, but after a few modifications, I am super pleased with the results.

 

[AdamH]

Very soon after starting this thread I sold my Gladiator due to someone wanting it much more than I needed to keep it. Took that money and bought the Ram Rebel I drive now. I also have the airlift bags on my Rebel without issues.
I just ordered a 23 JT Rubicon so I’m back on this site. I’m excited to see other ideas / products being used so I can decide which way to go with the new Gladiator.

 

[Cruizer8]

Hard to say... When I installed mine as they came, the bags had little to no room for compression. This was due to the measurements I had given Steven, and I believe he was trying to prevent the bags from being stretched when at full droop. If I was to do it again, I would probably just get the 2" kit, and make the modifications I did to allow the axle to droop without stretching the bags. Again, not everyone will have the same needs as I did. I find my suspension setup to be very flexible, and I didn't want to lose any of that. I would say with a 2" lift (Mopar?) you MAY be able to get away with the standard kit (if you're not going to be flexing out), or if you're planning on having a lot of weight in the bed for the majority of the time, and just want to compensate for the sag. In my situation, I felt a little more room for up travel was needed for daily driving/light wheeling right off the bat.

It's hard to say what results from others will come out of this, but after a few modifications, I am super pleased with the results.

Now I am curious to see somebody install this on a Mopar lift. I like the Timber Groves but I don't necessarily want to be a guinea pig.

 

[Readyt]

They don’t limit it at all. When I installed mine the bags had some free space above them while I still had the axle dropped down. Now they may become displaced at full droop but they won’t limit anything.

4 years after your post, I'm looking at doing this for my JT overland with a 2 inch Mopar lift. I have a rack, frig, power station, RTT, gear and full RotoPax. I want it level with no sag, but not lifted anymore as it wont go in the garage.
How did yours work out with the bags for the Ram?
Thanks

 

[InvertedLogic]

I need some install advice for the Airlift bags. I attempted this in my driveway today at full droop and could get the top of the bag squeezed into the coil, but then the bag was too wide to “turn the corner” to get the bottom in. Any tips? I think I’ll try disconnecting the shocks next, but I see some people are getting them in at ride height!? I have no idea how

 

[GeneralMaximus]

I need some install advice for the Airlift bags. I attempted this in my driveway today at full droop and could get the top of the bag squeezed into the coil, but then the bag was too wide to “turn the corner” to get the bottom in. Any tips? I think I’ll try disconnecting the shocks next, but I see some people are getting them in at ride height!? I have no idea how

I squished it down, folded it lengthwise and plugged the nipple, then used packing tape to keep it squished. After getting it in place and hose connected, i cut off the tape.

 

[InvertedLogic]

I squished it down, folded it lengthwise and plugged the nipple, then used packing tape to keep it squished. After getting it in place and hose connected, i cut off the tape.

Thanks for the packing tape tip, I'll give it a go.

Turns out these bags are way more pliable when they're 75F instead of 32F sitting outside too, ha!

 

[GeneralMaximus]

Thanks for the packing tape tip, I'll give it a go.

Turns out these bags are way more pliable when they're 75F instead of 32F sitting outside too, ha!

Good luck! Yes, I left mine out in the sun(early summer) to get them nice and pliable, before squishing them down.

 

[InvertedLogic]

Got em in thanks to letting them warm up inside for a bit and the packing tape trick. Should make my tow on Wednesday much smoother

 

[GeneralMaximus]

Got em in thanks to letting them warm up inside for a bit and the packing tape trick. Should make my tow on Wednesday much smoother

Well done! Now, just dont overinflate or it may blowout while you drive. A little sag is okay to have.

 

[MudderNuker]

I have the same bags in a box waiting to be installed. On my previous Gladiator I installed the same and it was a real PITA to get them in the spring. It didn't help that the temperature was low 60s. This time I'm having the shop do them, as they will be installing a TF leveling kit and rear spacers.

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