extech Posted February 6, 2023 Share Posted February 6, 2023 as long as they aren't rusty or cracked you're alright. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hamkid Posted February 6, 2023 Author Share Posted February 6, 2023 The old airbags that I removed were more like the Ride Control, if I want to install the Load Lifter airbags will there be any modifications I have to make? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
linda s Posted February 7, 2023 Share Posted February 7, 2023 Looks like you might have to drill a couple of holes in the frame for the upper bracket. Read the instructions, examine your truck where they need to go. Your old ones were probably T9. I don't know how those went in. Plenty of newbies have done it. You come in as master mechanic now. You can handle it Linda S Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hamkid Posted February 8, 2023 Author Share Posted February 8, 2023 (edited) Yup, I looked up T9 and it seems like that’s what I had on before. If you look at the first page of this post there is a picture of them on before I took ‘em off. https://3tsrv.com/T-9 System Air.html Edited February 8, 2023 by hamkid Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
linda s Posted February 8, 2023 Share Posted February 8, 2023 Looking at the picture on the T9 site, their upper bracket also installs with bolts through the frame. Measure them and measure the bolt holes in the air lift system. I don't know if you bought them yet. Maybe you can call and get the measurements from the company. Be pretty nice if they were the same. Linda S Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hamkid Posted February 8, 2023 Author Share Posted February 8, 2023 Haven’t bought yet. Was also curious if the ride control is an option for me? If I buy the load lifter just gonna deal with whatever I need to do for it to fit. Gotta finish this up A.S.A.P!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hamkid Posted February 9, 2023 Author Share Posted February 9, 2023 (edited) The instructions show a totally different orientation for the U-bolts and leaf springs than my set up. The kit No. is also different than what the company shows to order for my RV. Sorta confusing, is this going to work? Should I call Airlift? Edited February 9, 2023 by hamkid Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
linda s Posted February 9, 2023 Share Posted February 9, 2023 The model you need is 57113 . Yes I see the pic is showing axle below springs like a 4x4. Absolutely give them a call and have them explain how you can install them. They know they make them for Toyota motorhomes and they should know there are almost no 4wd Toyota motorhomes. I do see looking up the right model it does show a higher rounded on the bottom lower bracket like it's supposed to go over the axle. Linda S Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hamkid Posted February 10, 2023 Author Share Posted February 10, 2023 You're right the bracket for the 57113 looks different than the bracket shown in the installation guide. I found the best deal on Amazon and didn't want to deal with returns if I had the wrong part number. Is there an actual Toyota motor home called micro mini or that's what they use as a generic term for all Toyota motor homes? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
linda s Posted February 10, 2023 Share Posted February 10, 2023 To reference part numbers for shocks and the airlift bags I always go to #1 Shocks and Struts Superstore - Shockwarehouse.com Might not always be the cheapest but I know the part numbers will be correct. They call the Toyota's mini motorhome chassis. Linda S Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hamkid Posted February 25, 2023 Author Share Posted February 25, 2023 Box says 57113. Air bag does not. All the same? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
linda s Posted February 25, 2023 Share Posted February 25, 2023 No I wouldn't expect the air bag was only made for one model. Different brackets and it could work for many other vehicles Linda S Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hamkid Posted February 25, 2023 Author Share Posted February 25, 2023 So it’s ok to install? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
linda s Posted February 25, 2023 Share Posted February 25, 2023 Yes I think it's all good Linda S Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hamkid Posted February 25, 2023 Author Share Posted February 25, 2023 Brackets don’t fit Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
linda s Posted February 26, 2023 Share Posted February 26, 2023 I have no clue. I've never had to install them. There are plenty of other guys here who have. Hopefully they will offer advice. Maybe kit came with wrong brackets? Of course you could also send those pics to the company you bought it from with a WTF Linda S Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scott iv Posted February 26, 2023 Share Posted February 26, 2023 I installed them on mine a few years back and do not recall an issue with fitment. I also have an escaper (87). I'll crawl under there tomorrow and see what I did. I can't remember. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WME Posted February 26, 2023 Share Posted February 26, 2023 Back up the camera a bit, so we can get a more complete picture of things Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hamkid Posted February 27, 2023 Author Share Posted February 27, 2023 (edited) The brackets are way too long. Does this thing being 1985 and the airbags being for 1986 have anything to do with it? Probably gonna return. What happens if I drive this thing without air bags? Edited February 27, 2023 by hamkid Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
linda s Posted February 27, 2023 Share Posted February 27, 2023 Yeah that looks weird. Here's a picture of a dually frame. You can see the frame extensions start after that last cross brace. Yours come into your wheel well. Never seen that before. Also the round cross brace before your axle has a large metal thing sticking down. Not part of a regular Toyota frame. See the bump stops? Thats where you air bags would be mounted. On this truck there is nothing in the way of that. Linda S Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ctgriffi Posted February 27, 2023 Share Posted February 27, 2023 Like Linda said, you’ve got some stuff added in there that’s not part of the original frame. Looking at that third photo, can you make a few slots with an angle grinder in order to slide that bracket in? Obviously, you want the bags directly above the axle, and you don’t want to compromise anything important. You do not necessarily need air bags, no, especially if you’ve got good/new springs. If it were me, I probably would’ve drive-tested it some as-is, before ordering the bags/kit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
linda s Posted February 27, 2023 Share Posted February 27, 2023 Your going to have to return them. The bags are too large and don't fit. When your vehicle is moving the bag is so close to that metal I think it would shred. You said the ones you had before were narrow like the T9's. They are still in business. Maybe you should give them a call. Wish you still had the original brackets from those springs. Would be nice to compare Linda S Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hamkid Posted February 27, 2023 Author Share Posted February 27, 2023 What about these? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
linda s Posted February 27, 2023 Share Posted February 27, 2023 I like Timbrens but they are designed for loaded and unloaded situations. We are always loaded. They also don't give you the ride height adjustment air bags do. I often use my airbags for leveling side to side. Then again there is that bracket issue. We don't know how long that top bracket is and that is the only thing holding the Timbren in place. Bottom bracket is just the shelf for the Timbren to bounce on. It's only attached at the top. Linda S Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scott iv Posted February 27, 2023 Share Posted February 27, 2023 These fine folks answered your air lift question correctly before I returned from crawling under mine. You have a different frame situation where the bags are installed. interesting addition on yours and the welds don't look too bad. Didn't you say on an earlier post you had the mounts for the original factory bags on your unit? I thought someone here some time ago mentioned firestone sold bags for the original mounts. Could be wrong. Anyway. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
linda s Posted February 27, 2023 Share Posted February 27, 2023 And I just talked to Sheri at 3-T's RV products and they can replace your original bags but they don't have the lower bracket and can't make any. Can you find those brackets you took off. It would be a big help Linda S Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hamkid Posted February 28, 2023 Author Share Posted February 28, 2023 (edited) Those brackets got tossed. They are probably one of the only things I threw away. This project just keeps getting better and better. Edited February 28, 2023 by hamkid Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WME Posted February 28, 2023 Share Posted February 28, 2023 (edited) Jumping in to Mr. Peabody's way-back machine. Your first post has a good picture of the lower bracket. Some 2" strap-iron, a BFH and a vice or an anvil you should be able to make a set of brackets. Edited February 28, 2023 by WME Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ssunrader Posted February 28, 2023 Share Posted February 28, 2023 (edited) You could probably get away with some rubber bump stops if your springs are good enough. Rubbershox has some that are 4” Dia, lengths like 4”, and 5-1/2”. Or get the original bags that Linda found, and make new brackets. Edited February 28, 2023 by Ssunrader Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
linda s Posted February 28, 2023 Share Posted February 28, 2023 So I just watched a guy cut a heavy Ford truck frame with a reciprocating saw. Get all that extra nasty crap out of there. Cut the thing in front of the axle off and cut those frame extensions back so they won't hit the air bag. It's not going to hurt anything. Linda S Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hamkid Posted February 28, 2023 Author Share Posted February 28, 2023 Did you get price for the T9? How many pounds? Which is easier, making a bracket or cutting the frame? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
linda s Posted February 28, 2023 Share Posted February 28, 2023 $345. unfortunately they are expensive. You wouldn't be cutting the frame. Just some stuff attached to it. You could try on one of those things in front of the axle. I see no purpose for them Linda S please wear a mask and gloves. metal shavings are nasty Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hamkid Posted February 28, 2023 Author Share Posted February 28, 2023 $345 each or for the set? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
linda s Posted February 28, 2023 Share Posted February 28, 2023 The set. It will come with the top bracket but you have to call and get someone to show you some pics and measurements. Their brackets have changed and I don't know if the newer ones will fit in that small space either. Cutting that extra stuff out of the way might not be all that hard. This video made me want to buy a junker just to cut it up or maybe make my already tiny truck into a smart car sized truck. go to 2.34 minutes for the cutting part Cutting A Truck Frame In Half! - YouTube FUN 80's Japanese autos had a galvanized steel frame. I've cut lots of galvanized steel with my Sawzall when I replumbed my house. Linda S Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fred heath Posted February 28, 2023 Share Posted February 28, 2023 (edited) 4 1/2” angle grinder with cutoff wheel would do a better job. Buy several cutoff disc’s as you will go through them pretty fast. face protection and heavy duty leather gloves are a must. You can use the sawsall for any areas to deep to reach with the grinder. Remember BOTH HANDS when using the grinder. The metal attachments in you picture are made from angle steel. Much thicker that the frame material. You will spend a lot of time and sawsall blades using the sawsall alone. Edited February 28, 2023 by fred heath Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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