To those who have rear air bags. Has anyone had any experiences with raising an air bagged truck on a hoist. The Pacbrake instructions address this and warn about possible damage to the bags. I was wondering what some may have done to help the problem. One solution I thought of was putting a limiting strap, cable or chain connecting the axle to the the frame. I have a need for air bags for towing, but I also have access to a frame hoist for maintenance.

 

I have been thinking about getting a pair of limit straps, for now I just use a wrap a couple chains when I put the truck on the hoist.

CD

 

I need to put some limit straps on mine too. My Firestones say that they need to be completely deflated if a limit strap isn't used. I'm thinking of using some strap from an old ratchet load strap to make a limit strap.

 

I have raised mine a few times without consequences, but I too need the limit straps at some point.

 

I've never had a problem and when my truck was on a lift, it always had at least 30 psi in the bags.

Quite honestly, I never even thought about it until I saw the truck up on the lift and then it was to late anyways. They still hold air so far after probably 8-10 times on a lift and almost 200,000 miles.

I think the saving grace is if you run your factory overloads compared to not running them. There is a big difference in space when the suspension is in full droop and with the overloads in place, it doesn't pull on the bags.

Jeff

 

Makes a difference if you have a full air-ride, or air-assist bags. Full air should be limit strapped, or chained.