Frnt air bag ('66 only?)

[chrlsful]

Buddy hada '66 with black FireStone air bags up frnt from the dealer (factory installed?). Now this wuz 30 yrs ago...
I looked at Summit futzin around and found some for a '77 F100.

Coil-Rite Air Helper Spring Kits 4102:

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/fip-4102/overview/year/1977/make/ford/model/f-100

Folks @ Summit said "they don't fit ur bronk." WasssUp Widat? They won't fit inside the coils? His did, I thought I saw them inside the coils! Too fat? tall? (I got 1 inch BL, 2 inch SL).

Anybody know where/how to do this? I need some help up there (U 4Bt guys?). I'll putem in back too as I have the 'soft multi-pac' now.
Thnx !!!

 

[SHX669]

Not sure if they still do but they used to sell Bronco specific " air bags " for the front coils. Some bought em to help with a heavy front winch bumper or a snowplow . We bought them to fight front wheel hop. Stuffed them into the coils and then ran 5 - 7#s or so of pressure .

 

[chrlsful]

yeah, don't need much.
Whick make/model bag? ya know? (I got a variable rate frnt spring? SuperLift I think...Super sompin.....lol).

Rears help w/loads too

 

[brewchief]

Air lift in Lansing MI sells a large variety of air springs including the inside the coil versions, they don't list anything for the broncos but I think I would make a call or send an email and see what they can do.

 

[okie4570]

Yeah dealer installed, I've still got them on my 66' u14.

 

[Rustytruck]

Back in the day I use to run the Air Lift bags in my coils. They worked well to keep the front end from smacking the bump stops. I didn't use them after my 2.5" lift. The f150 bags will be about 2.5" longer than stock length Bronco bags. If you want the bags it would be worth a call to airlift.

 

[chrlsful]

Thnx 4 the ideas!
Air Lift seems like the guys !
'S tough w/just one company - no price comparisons possible.

To do it right measure the inner diameter & over all lengths (extended'n collapsed)?

 

[Rustytruck]

Let us know how it works out.

 

[chrlsful]

well, right off - I don't have the 5-7 hundred $ for the listed purchases (airlift). Gotta figure more toward the summit end of the range.

Like said above - guess I'll measure the inner diamiter, extended/collapsed sz (just like for the Bilstiens) & go for F150 (next). C if the F100 actually do fit.

Wondering what sits at top'n bottom of the bag (ie what I need 2B concerned abt for measurements re: install fittings/hrdwr). Plates? simple bolts? Like said it's been 30 yrs since I saw em.

 

[Rustytruck]

There is a pad under the bag, There is a pad on top of the bag which the nipple goes through. you have to drill a hole on the top of the spring mount for the fill nipple to go through. Back in the day that was the basic kit. Then there was a better kit that added fill tubes and fittings so you could fill both bags at the same time for some extra cash. I am sure these days you can get a compressor and switch to go with it all. but at such low pressures run a bike tire pump will do.

 

[chrlsful]

yeah, since I got the soft springs I can't carry the loads I did (plow/firewood). Just a few #s is OK & no, this is a budget operation, no fancy extras.
OK, so 2 cups or pads, some bolts...
thnx

 

[SHX669]

Not much help but as a matter of interest ; looking at a 1976 local off road catalog it says "for Bronco and f 100 4 wheel drive " - listed for $ 36 .

 

[chrlsful]

that's Y I initially looked @ F100. Not sure that co or product is still avail, tho.
Buddy's (blk) were actually made by Firestone (they still make sim product in red I think).

Duz the cat. name the orig manufacturer?

 

[BruceAH]

Way-back-when...added Air Lifts to help support the weight of my snowplow. Was a simple install: (with no weight on the front end) just loosen the top retainer of the coil, pop it out to allow dropping the bag and pads in, and return the spring to its normal position and secure. Don't recall needing to drill anything, I think the nipple came out the side above the top coil.

 

[rydog1130]

jeff sells an air kit https://shop.broncograveyard.com/Front-Air-Lift-1000-66-79-Bronco-73-79-F150-4x4/productinfo/12915/

 

[chrlsful]

dair ya go (no on-line installation guide tho, damn).
In my price range too. (he duz say they R airLift brand)
Glad they (Jeff's) sponsor this site!

 

[chrlsful]

here's sompin 4 da back too - somebody asked to keep in touch
https://www.sdtrucksprings.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=6755

 

[rydog1130]

dair ya go (no on-line installation guide tho, damn).
In my price range too. (he duz say they R airLift brand)
Glad they sponsor this site!

I would imagine you'll have deflate them mount your springs on the lower cup, than put your spring retainer clip back on. My 68 had them because it was a plow set up but I had to sawzall them to get em out since everything was rusted to hell

 

[Amac70]

go real old school, Tennis Balls for the win.