Internal Bumpstops in Bags?

[SCOTI]

I know 'Slam-Specialties' bags have internal bumpstops to prevent damage @ low inflation. What other brands have this feature?

[PBFAB.COM]

Slams are the only one that I am aware of that are 'advertised' with this feature.

[SCOTI]

That's what got me thinking about the question.... they list the bump-stops but others I've looked into don't have any tech indicating they do/don't.

Seems like a good idea. I know my stones only compress so far but I'm not sure what (if any) damage is possible if you were to operate the vehicle w/them fully compressed.

[PBFAB.COM]

I was asked the question the other day, by a vendor, why I listed Slam Specialties bags in my Dropmember kit instead of Firestones... I responded that they have an internal bumpstop, thus eliminating the need of an external one mounted somewhere else. He then told me that a Firestone was designed to do the same thing (he wanted me to buy them from him). I have heard conflicting answers on this subject, and am interested to see what this thread uncovers.

[jimmydean]

The reason I bought Slam's were the bump stops. I know I lost about an inch of total drop when dumped because of it, but I liked the idea seeing who I cut out my stock ones.

I would "think" (I know, there I go thinking again) that if other companies had it, that is would be mentioned in in the specs.

As far as what damage to the bag would occur, I was thinking more of the rest of my truck should I have an air line blow or a valve fail. I also think that by not allowing the bag to fully collapse, it has less stress. But I have never seen another bag fully deflated and that is pure theory on my part.

[Alvin]

I'm running firestone bags, and bought these external bumpstops.

They're an Energy Suspension part... I can't remember the part number. This gives me the option of "fine tuning" the height of my truck fully dumped, 'cause I can trim the stop shorter if I want. I kinda like the flexibility of it.

And no, it doesn't rub the bag, inflated or dumped!

[Hart_Rod]

Originally Posted by Alvin

I'm running firestone bags, and bought these external bumpstops.

They're an Energy Suspension part... I can't remember the part number. This gives me the option of "fine tuning" the height of my truck fully dumped, 'cause I can trim the stop shorter if I want. I kinda like the flexibility of it.

And no, it doesn't rub the bag, inflated or dumped!

Alvin, can you post that part number? Thanks,

[jimmydean]

I saw another picture of one like that, only it was red and wasn't stepped. It looked a little smaller, but the same concept.

[Alvin]

Originally Posted by Hart_Rod

Alvin, can you post that part number? Thanks,

Here's a link, I got them at Summit: Energy Suspension Bump Stops ENS-9-9143G

Should also be available at a local parts place under the number 99143.

[Rollie396]

FWIW I've been told that stones have internal stops or something similar.They better cuz I have no external ones on there right now.

[PBFAB.COM]

Maybe I will have to cut one apart and see what's in there?

[Rollie396]

I couldn't ask you to destroy a good bag for that.I may just call up Firestone in the AM and see what's what.I do remember it feeling like there was something in there when I squeezed them by hand before installing them.

[N2TRUX]

I wouldn't rely on an internal stop to prevent the system from damage in the event of failure. I can imagine the stop inside the Slam bags are not designed to be endure the abuse of riding on a fully deflated system.

Even a system with quality external bump stops takes abuse when your system fails. Trust me on this one....

[grnddwn]

Bump stops are supposed to stop metal on metal contact to save suspension parts they're not really there to support your truck any vehicle that is built to drag on the ground will hit the ground under suspension failure don't rely on a bump stop to save your life. Just my opinion.

[Alvin]

Originally Posted by grnddwn

they're not really there to support your truck

Right, but I do feel better about having external bumpstops that I can see and replace if need be. My truck won't touch the ground anyways, even if the bumpstops fail.

[PBFAB.COM]

Don't worry, I was being sarcastic in reference to 'cutting apart' a Firestone bag to see what's in there... I wouldn't throw away a $100 bill!

On the Slam Specialties bags and their 'internal bump-stop'... they are designed to replace an external bump-stop... IF the bag's bumpstop is what limits the suspension components from colliding. They do not recommend normal driving on the bumpstop (of course!), but it is intended to act as an external bumpstop would. That's what I was told...

[7T7]

Originally Posted by porterbuilt

Don't worry, I was being sarcastic in reference to 'cutting apart' a Firestone bag to see what's in there... I wouldn't throw away a $100 bill!

...

I’ll cut one up!.
We’ve cut a few in half in the past to show people the difference in Slam vs. Firestone.
There is no bump stop in the Firestones.
I have an old Firestone in the shop I’ll gladly dissect for you guys.

Stay tuned….

[jimmydean]

Originally Posted by porterbuilt

On the Slam Specialties bags and their 'internal bump-stop'... they are designed to replace an external bump-stop... IF the bag's bumpstop is what limits the suspension components from colliding. They do not recommend normal driving on the bumpstop (of course!), but it is intended to act as an external bumpstop would. That's what I was told...

That was what I figured. With the full 1/2" setup I have now, it was real harsh on the dump before I installed adjusters. I would hate to hear what it would have been like without a bump-stop.

[7T7]

Here is the Firestone.
That little knobby thing at the bottom of the Firestone is the thread insert.
As soon as we get a Slam Specialties bag in that's in need of replacing I'll cut it up and post it.
I think someone has an old Conti bag that we will have to chop up also.....
Stay tuned.

[N2TRUX]

Nice work Frank...

[SlammedDime]

Firestone bags can come with or without bump stops, depending on which variant you order. Most used in Air ride applications do not have them. Its cheaper. Same thing applies to Goodyear (Airlift) and Contitech bags. Slam is the only manufacturer that I'm aware of that does this standard on every bag.

Personally, I wouldn't rely on an internal bumpstop in the bag. I'd rather have an external one (not that I do, but I would if I depended on it).

[SCOTI]

Wow.... lots of replys on this one.

The reason I ask is that setting up the 'outer' bumpstop is an excercise. How much does that exterior bumper really compress @ various pressures (small bump vs. really freakin big bump in the road). Now take that variable & use it to establish the correct bumpstop height & alot can be vague.

I like the idea of the internal bumpstop as a 'back up . . ..... just in case.

[67Fleet]

Interesting thread. My concern is this: When my truck is sitting in the garage, it is almost always aired out. WHEN it is aired out, since the frame is not on the ground (yet) the bags are fully compressed and are resting on the internal bumpstop (I have Slam RE7's) Is this a bad thing? What kind of damage will this cause if any?

[PBFAB.COM]

67 Fleet-
It's not a 'bad thing' the bag's bumpstop is designed to handle it.

[67Fleet]

cool, thanks Nathan!