Ride Rite + Daystar = don't do this and a few questions

So let me post with a caveat. I always am super particular and a little wary of mods unless it's absolutely perfect.

The Negative.
Anyway, installed Firestone ride rite with F3 wireless. Took so long to do and tested everything good.
The total bummer is I guess when I did the final mount the ECU it was just a little too far away to make the bluetooth connection. It took me so long I'll have to wait awhile before I strip it all out and start over. SO.....Learn from me! haha.

The Question is when the airbags were bolted to bottom bracket they seemed like they needed to be set inboard. Of course there is not this big of an adjustment. Really it only moves a little but not enough, that I can see to make a difference. Thought the cradles might help. But it didn't. Does this look right to you? Also I can't tell but maybe leaf springs are a little flat? Hard to believe since it's a '17. Thoughts?

The Positive:
I also used a union T to mount manual Schrader valves in case the ECU or compressor takes a dump. Mounted the valves in the license plate frame. Worked out good and spare tire doesn't interfere with hoses.

Also, I ran everything through the Switch-Pro as well. Because why not.
One thing I noticed is a lot of people drill the fuse box or tuck under the lid. The top wiring harness is just a plastic clip that's easily removed and opened to feed your wire through for an Add-a-Fuse. I decided last second to not hook it the accessory wire for the Firestone ECU or switch PRO into anything critical. I ran it through the fire wall and plugged in to an empty Ignition slot in the dash fuse panel. However the draw back is I can't put the cover on with the low profile add-a fuse. Oh well.

 

Wow, that's a pretty impressive install. I love the way you mounted the valves to the license plate so that they're hidden in plain sight. I'm considering adding airbags and cradles in the future, so this is giving me some great ideas. Thanks for sharing.

 

i have the ride rites with daystars and my airbags do not look bent like that. I'm not sure what would cause that other than an improper install. First I've seen that.

 

The top mount looks to be 180 degrees out, as soon as I get back from lunch I will snap some pictures

 

I thought the same thing but I couldn't get the post to line up and the little frame knobs to sit in the hole the other way. Crap , maybe it is.

 

I thought those mounts were also side dependent which also might be the problem.

 

Oh crap if it is I must have missed that. I didn't see anything labeled so I just went for it.

 

https://www.etrailer.com/tv-install...-helper-springs-2017-toyota-tundra-f2445.aspx

 

Yeah same video I watched and followed. Must have messed something up somewhere.

 

I’m not sure what’s wrong with yours, but here’s mine

 

Nice install! Do you use compression fittings to install the T's in the hose to add in the schrader valves? Also what was the purpose of having two schrader valves if the air bags are plumbed together on the other end going to the pump? It would be nice to isolate them if you had an uneven load situation but you would have to have a valve to close to isolate them on the pump side correct? or am I missing something?
Glenn

 

I have the daystar cradles and new bolts for mine, I plan to install this weekend.

 

Your plates sit flush with the inside...


OP's does not...

 

Yep, I see that now

 

I need someone to come clean my truck!

 

These are mine. Hope this helps.

 

I had same set up. Hated it. The ride was harsh. Even with 0 air pressure. I put coach builder +1 shackles to get a little more travel. Still a harsh ride. Pulled them off last weekend. I still have them and it’ll take about 1 hr to set them all up again if needed. I was anticipating hauling a heavy trailer.

 

Yep I see the issue. Not sure how I did that. Ok easy fix.
Thank you tremendously.

 

I used push to connect union T's. The kit came with two push to connect Schrader valves. The bags are plumbed individually. I installed the union T between the ECU and the airbag.
Here is what I used.

$6 Air Lift 21838 Union Tee, Silver

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B001F532PY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
If you have equalized bags a-la-Air Lift you could still do the same with a single Schrader valve I imagine.

 

Ok, thanks and I see where I can get the Schraders.
What I still am not clear on, the air pump has a single output, so that is normally tee'd to fill both air bags. How do you plumb them separately when filling them from the single output air pump? Your ECU has 2 outputs?

Glenn

 

My firestone bags and daystar cradles look the same as yours, hasn’t been an issue for 1.5 years so far. A lot of towing use as well.

 

Yes mine has two outputs , left and right. You can zoom in on this.
https://www.etrailer.com/Accessorie...MI7NaD9Nym5AIVE8JkCh0cCgWzEAQYASABEgJ6Z_D_BwE

If yours only has one output, that should go to a T then from the T to each airbag. Essentially you can put another union T before one of the airbags and run , because it’ll fill all the lines back to the ECU. Here’s a quick drawing of what should work. If they made , and they might, a four way connection it would make it easier.

Edited: Something like this ...
four way push to connect.1/4"
https://www.mistcooling.com/1-4-cross-push-lock.html

 

I noticed that mistcooling site has in line valves. I could use a valve if I wanted different pressures in the bags. A cheap way to accomplish this with the single outlet ECU. Thanks for the write up!

 

@monaco730 @Omohundro
Hey just a follow up. Was able to swap plates over thanks to your insight, help and suggestions. Now it looks right. Thank you again. Love this forum.

 

Glad we could help!

 

Anyone know if adding the cradles lifted the rear end? My stance is where I want so I don’t really want to lift it more l. But I want my articulation (what little I had) back lol

 

I didn’t really notice much. I believe the cradles are 3/4 of an inch.

 

I have the Firestone air bags with the cradles and if the bags are deflated down to 5 pounds the truck pretty much sits at the stock height.

 

I have the air lift 5000 kit and got the cradles installed today. I’ll give some feedback after I slap some miles on the truck

 

WOW! Brilliant way to route the valves through the license plate bracket -thanks for sharing! Hope you got the mount figured out.