Hellwig airbags for K10

[med.bronze]

Has anyone used this kit for a K10? http://www.truckspring.com/products/...0__HW6400.aspx

I've got a '71 with a Tuff Country 2" lift with their rear springs and was looking for something to help the squating when towing. I know the Hellwig kit says it works with '71 K10's but wasn't sure if it would work with my lift.

[snj8198]

Originally Posted by med.bronze

Has anyone used this kit for a K10? http://www.truckspring.com/products/...0__HW6400.aspx

I've got a '71 with a Tuff Country 2" lift with their rear springs and was looking for something to help the squating when towing. I know the Hellwig kit says it works with '71 K10's but wasn't sure if it would work with my lift.

If not im sure a spacer could easily and cheapy be sourced. I've considered doing this myself as I too have 2" TC ez rides, an extra inch lift block, and a helper spring pack that mounts on top of the TC springs.

[med.bronze]

I wondered if a spacer might work. I looked at the installation pdf on their website and tried to figure out where a spacer would work best; the upper bracket that mounts on the frame or the lower one.

[Stocker]

Why not call 'em next week? They just might know the answer...

[special-K]

I would mount onto the axle as usual and space against the frame or under the bracket. Is it an "L" for the top bracket (bottom/side of frame)? You could use 2" square tube on that. I have only used Air Lift brand because they are the ones who always specialized in such things before other companies decided to

[snj8198]

Originally Posted by special-K

I would mount onto the axle as usual and space against the frame. Is it an "L" for the top bracket (bottom/side of frame)? You could use 2" square tube on that. I have only used Air Lift brand because they are the ones who always specialized in such things before other companies decided to

That's what I have typically seen K. Either a spacer is used on the top mount or the whole top bracket is redesigned with the needed spacer built in.

[med.bronze]

Originally Posted by Stocker

Why not call 'em next week? They just might know the answer...

I couldn't wait till Monday Thats actually a good idea, I'll do exactly that and see what they say

[Billhilly]

Just remember that with bags of this style you ultimately will be limiting your overall travel. One potential work around is to something like this http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=217490&page=7 (post #165) and let the bottom of the bag 'float' when the axle 'droops'. I my case the bags have actually become the first point of impact in a compression situation. Not ideal, and I haven't sorted a solution yet...

[special-K]

Originally Posted by snj8198

That's what I have typically seen K. Either a spacer is used on the top mount or the whole top bracket is redesigned with the needed spacer built in.

I changed my post to also say under bracket. That's all using what they give you (which I assume is like Air Lift). A whole new bracket would be a clean deal. Who knows, maybe they can supply brackets or spacers for such applications.

I can see where these would not be best for extreme travel. I suppose their stretched out dimension would be the limit on droop and with really flexy situations the bag could be damaged. But that's not within normal use. Most guys wanting a lot of flex don't give a hoot about carrying capacity. Usually whatever they do for more flex sacrifices the trucks load capacity. It's the line between truck and toy

[med.bronze]

I had never considered limiting the travel, that's a good point. Although I do use mine for hunting the places I go aren't too extreme. It mostly gets used as my shop truck for hauling lumber and sheet goods and occasionally pulling a trailer.

[special-K]

Bags allow as much travel as stock suspension. If you space them 2" you will maintain stock travel. If you are really concerned with excessive droop, you could always lower the bump stops. Limiting compression on one side will limit droop on the opposite side. Again, with 2" lower bump stops you will maintain stock travel for your 2" lift. Probably would only need 1" lower if anything at all

[med.bronze]

Well I talked to one of the guys at Truck Spring today and he informed me that a spacer would be needed and that Tuff Country makes 2" spacers for the airbags and it works with the Hellwig kit. I'm going to go ahead and order the kit along with the spacers and the Firestone compressor kit. I'll post pics of it after I get it installed.

[snj8198]

Here's something interesting you may want to look into..

http://timbren.com/

[med.bronze]

Originally Posted by snj8198

Here's something interesting you may want to look into..

http://timbren.com/

Those were interesting. I was surprised to see a availability for our year of trucks but it looks like only for 2wd for some reason. Looks like they make um for the front too..

[snj8198]

Sorry Med, I should have sent you here: They do make em for our rigs...

http://www.suspensionconnection.com/...mbren+SES+Kits

Even if a guy had to fab up the brackets the technology still applies tho.

A buddy of mine is a trucker by trade and loves pulling his big heavy 44' toy hauler around. He installed these on his new GM 1 ton diesel and loves them.

Looking at some pros and cons...

What is the price of a heavy duty air bag kit these days?
Although on board air isn't necessary, it is nice to have but there is still some thought on air supply.
Lift issues as you mentioned?
Potential blow outs or snagged air lines?

I'm not pushing either way bud. I just found these interesting enough that I am going to look a little deeper into them, especially for their price. I think they would work well with either a 63" spring swap or a stock spring with shackle flip or some combo of sorts that softens the unloaded ride while still giving load support when necessary.

Steve