Hey gents, I started installing my McGaughy helper bags today and I had a few questions before I get the bags on. BTW I have a 2003 GMC sierra 2wd that has a McGaughy 4/6 drop on it (flip kit in the rear).

First question is, do I need longer U-bolts? Here's a picture of how much thread I had left, but keep in mind that there is a bracket (about 1/4 in thick) for the helper bags that goes between the leafs and axle. Just kind of worried about not having enough threads...

Next, I was wondering what you guys with any sort of air bags do when you put it up on the lift because I'm worried about stretching out the bags when I jack up the truck by the frame. I'm just wondering if the unsprung weight when the tires are off the ground is going to stretch the air bags. Heres a picture of the airbag on the top bracket and there is a good 4-5 inches between the spring and the bottom of the bag when theres no weight on the rear end.

I was just kind of curious because I have this truck up in the air every other weekend it seems. Do you use straps around the frame and the axle in order to keep the air bags from stretchin out when its on a lift? Thanks!

 

Insufficient thread engagement imho, particularly owing to the fact a flip kit subjects the U-bolts to considerable tension loads.

I’ve four 1”-longer bolts taking up space in the spares bin that are yours for the asking.
Mine now has your same shorter #15002781 hardware after having ditched the OE GMT 900 lift blocks (pictured).

Zero solutions for the second half of your inquiry though. :confused:

 

Thanks for the help splinter. If you want, I'm interested in those extra u bolts you have if you want to PM me a price.

For my 2nd question. As you can see from the 2nd picture, the rear of the truck is up in the air via jacks under the frame, and the suspension is at full droop. when the helper bag is fully installed, it is hard mounted at the top bracket (as seen in the picture) and its hard mounted to another bracket that sits on top of the leaf spring. So I would think that it is possible that the air bag can become stretched once its hard mounted to the top and bottom brackets and the suspension is at full droop if I jack up the rear of the truck by any means other than using a jack under the axle. Does that clarify things a little more?

 

I've jacked my truck up to full droop before with same bags with no problems... though I'm dropped 7" in the back. I can't say for sure but I'd think you would be ok, I'd imagine they're designed to handle a little stretch at full droop.

 

I'd think about adding limiting straps like what the drag racers do to their front suspension & the 4x4 crowd does.

As examples:
Superlift - Limiting Strap


Sprint Car Tie Rod Straps : Sprint Car Drag Link Tethers : Tie Rod Strap : Drag Link Tether

 

Ha 'for the asking' = free. :nod:
PM a preferred shipping address and I'll ship 'em your way come Monday.

 

BEASTMODE, another PT member representing PA! Thanks for the info. I just thought that it seemed a little excessive given that there was like a 5 inch difference between full droop and the length of the bags, could be wrong though. I think I'll give McGaughy a call on Monday to see what they say.

Thanks for all of the suggestions Gents.

Splinter: You're the MAN

 

Firestone and Air Lift both state in their installation instructions say something about this. I don't have it right here in front of me to quote, but basically it says: If you're just lifting the vehicle for a short time to rotate tires, etc, then it won't hurt the bags. But if you're lifting the vehicle for a longer period of time, you should support the axle so the bags do not get damaged.

I can photocopy it & post a pic on Monday if you'd like. But I bet your paperwork says the same thing if you check it.

Oh, and I agree that you need longer u-bolts.

 

Actually just checked last night and my drop shackles are set to 8"... no wonder my bags look all folded up in the cup lol. Gonna have to change mine to 7" today.

Calling McGaughy's would be your best bet or Roger can provide you with that info from Firestone like he said.

 

Got it, Thanks guys. Roger I checked all the paper work and all that came with the kit is the McGauhgy instructions that reference several pictures...that aren't there. Thanks for the help and that confirms everything that I needed to know. Thanks for all the help gentleman! Enjoy the rest of your weekend