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I have a 2018 GMC Denali 1500 that is lowered 4” in the rear with drop spring and shackle, retaining spring over axle setup. There is not enough room between the axle and bump stop (or jounce bumper). Even with cutting down the bump stop there is only 1” to 1.5” unloaded before the axle hits. I would like to get enough room for the suspension to work, and often tow a 7500# boat. I'm thinking of getting a set of airbags where the bump stops are.
I am not having any luck finding a manufacturer who makes air bags (tow assist style) for 4” lowered AND Magneride suspension.
My current best idea… Cut the steel bump stop bracket off the frame, mount air bags to the frame in the bracket’s place, use the existing bump stop pad on the axle for the lower mount. This would give me 5.5” between the axle and frame for bracket and bag. Some kits that I have used install the air bag to the outside of the frame to the leaf spring, this style seems tougher to find the 4” to fit my setup.
I found the Air Lift 88204, and with the lowered rear end there would not be enough room, unless I cut down or fab a shorter upper bracket to get the airbag as close to the frame (where the bump stop bracket was) as possible while clearing the airline fitting.
What do you guys think?
Does anybody have insight to airbag manufacturer's lack of options with the Magneride suspension? I realize that I may need to adjust the sensors, and usually run my airbags at minimum pressure unless towing or have a loaded bed.
Am I missing something obvious?
Here is a picture of my current setup.
Thank you!!!
I have a 2018 GMC Denali 1500 that is lowered 4” in the rear with drop spring and shackle, retaining spring over axle setup. There is not enough room between the axle and bump stop (or jounce bumper). Even with cutting down the bump stop there is only 1” to 1.5” unloaded before the axle hits. I would like to get enough room for the suspension to work, and often tow a 7500# boat. I'm thinking of getting a set of airbags where the bump stops are.
I am not having any luck finding a manufacturer who makes air bags (tow assist style) for 4” lowered AND Magneride suspension.
My current best idea… Cut the steel bump stop bracket off the frame, mount air bags to the frame in the bracket’s place, use the existing bump stop pad on the axle for the lower mount. This would give me 5.5” between the axle and frame for bracket and bag. Some kits that I have used install the air bag to the outside of the frame to the leaf spring, this style seems tougher to find the 4” to fit my setup.
I found the Air Lift 88204, and with the lowered rear end there would not be enough room, unless I cut down or fab a shorter upper bracket to get the airbag as close to the frame (where the bump stop bracket was) as possible while clearing the airline fitting.
What do you guys think?
Does anybody have insight to airbag manufacturer's lack of options with the Magneride suspension? I realize that I may need to adjust the sensors, and usually run my airbags at minimum pressure unless towing or have a loaded bed.
Am I missing something obvious?
Here is a picture of my current setup.
Thank you!!!
Yes,
After talking with Austin Macy at Air lift company, I purchased the 59565 ride control kit. I measured the distance between the installed brackets (4.5”) and let Austin know. He sent me a pair of 50256 bags (no charge!!!) and everything fit and worked! I finally bought the wireless one air compressor and was very happy with the setup!
I sold the truck and moved to Costa Rica, and didn’t take any pictures of the final product.
Last edited by Toofiddyhorse; 03-28-2022 at 10:55 AM.
03-09-2021 | 08:37 PM
Air bags for 2018 GMC 1500 Magneride and lowered
