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Installed AirLift bags
- Thread author machtig
- Start date
So, there is rubber spring mount thing at the bottom that has to have a hole put in it that's big enough for the airline and retaining clip to fit through ( about 1/2" diameter )
Silver sharpie, using a Air-Lift spacer as a stencil, a sharp jack knife , and some patients, solves the problem
Silver sharpie, using a Air-Lift spacer as a stencil, a sharp jack knife , and some patients, solves the problem
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twincam23
Active member
When I casually go from a dead stop at a light, my rear feels like its dipping and I see my headlights beam go up about 5".
Are the rear springs too soft and can the Airlift help with this issue?
Any issues installing Airlift kit with the self-leveling rear shocks?
Thanks
Are the rear springs too soft and can the Airlift help with this issue?
Any issues installing Airlift kit with the self-leveling rear shocks?
Thanks
It's my understanding and impression that the Air-lift 1000 bags functionally increase the spring rate of the coil springs... so that should indeed prevent the rear from sinking as much while accelerating hard.
I'll speculate that no major problems would occur when the Air-lift 1000 would be installed with the self leveling system. That's because the Air-lift 1000 doesn't significantly change the height.
I'll speculate that no major problems would occur when the Air-lift 1000 would be installed with the self leveling system. That's because the Air-lift 1000 doesn't significantly change the height.
I think the coil springs that come with the self leveling shocks aren’t as stiff as the standard ones so that the self leveling shocks can work. Adding lifter bags would presumably stiffen the coil springs and it might lengthen the life of the shocks but that’s because you are partially preventing them from working. The bounce is what makes the leveling work. If the shocks can’t bounce they won’t activate which might mean a lean or sag.
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gavila438
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I'm a bit late here, but I was actually looking into swapping my AirLift 1000 with the 1000HD edition. Which ones did you buy? Can you potentially link your kit?
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gavila438
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I'm a bit late here, but I just saw that you were going to install the AirLift 1000HD on your Telluride. I was considering replacing my 1000 with the 1000HD edition. Can you tell me which kit you have, or the link for the specific link from the air lift site or amazon?
twincam23
Active member
Pretty bad squatting problem with just a few added weight (under 400lbs).
And I don't think my self-leveling shocks are working correctly because I was blinding oncoming traffic with my headlights on our way home at night.
They kept on flashing us.
Ordered a set of airlifts to see if it helps.
And I don't think my self-leveling shocks are working correctly because I was blinding oncoming traffic with my headlights on our way home at night.
They kept on flashing us.
Ordered a set of airlifts to see if it helps.
I'll assume you know this, but I'm going to say it anyway... you are aware that the self levling only works after you've driven a little ways, and that it settles back down if/when you come to a stop again... Since your saying people are flashing their lights at you and such, it seems pretty clear that the rear is not rasing up as much as it probably should though...
I'm no expert on the self leveling system in the Telluride, but I would assume adding Air Lift bags would or should just suppliment the self levling , so it should help.
Meanwhile, if the self levling shocks really clearly aren't working, a trip to a dealer for some warranty work might be a reasonable thing, in fact probably should at least try that route before installing the Air Lift. ( if you haven't already )
The self-leveling concept that the Mandos and Nivomats are built off of is pressure building up when several hundred pounds of weight are put over them causing their mechanical pump to rise while driving. That can happen from an uneven load left to right over the axle from passengers or cargo over the rear suspension. The same idea is used when these go on motorcycles and there is weight applied over the rear seat above the shocks or with a station wagon that has cargo and passengers in the rear. I have my suspicions about how the hitch weight by itself can apply enough downward load above the suspension to activate the shocks. That's why these are marketed as a ride comfort feature and very rarely a towing benefit. It is also inaccurate to call them auto-leveling like some of the websites and Hyundai marketing suggests. A true automatic leveling system adjusts the height when it detects its not level, not when the load conditions are just right driving down the road and the shocks react while driving.
They are probably working as designed, but the load conditions haven't been met for the mechanical pumping required to take place with 400 lbs hanging off the hitch. They just suck as a towing package benefit for all scenarios where you might put something on the hitch receiver.
Adding the Air Lift Helper Bags will actually negate part of the self-leveling function. The whole point of these ride comfort self-leveling shocks is to provide a softer suspension that responds to load. Adding the Air Lifter bags may get you back to closer to normal ride height with more ground clearance, but it does that by counteracting the self-leveling shock absorber and making the spring more stiff. Closer to that of the standard shock and spring. Not saying it's a bad idea, you may actually extend the life of the more expensive self-leveling shock, but unless you deflate the helper bag a lot when you don't need it, you basically won't be using the self-leveling shocks with softer springs for what they were designed to do.
If you really want to do it right, rip out the Mando Self-Leveling and put better shock absorbers and get an air bag system. If you want to adjust it yourself, add an air compressor with a switch to add or remove air pressure. You may want to also swap for better springs. If you want to make it truly automatic, add a level and leveling arm to measure then add and remove air as needed by itself. Then you will be able to level your ride no matter what conditions. The Air Lift Helper Bags are an inexpensive option that might help but it's not a system.
The other point to note whether you are using the Air Lift helper bags, the Self-Leveling Shock Absorbers, or an Air Bag system, leveling your ride doesn't not level your load. The pressure is still on the rear axle. Just because your headlights are pointing straighter you might be helping your braking some and making things easier aerodynamically, but you aren't solving a load leveling problem by shifting (distributing) weight to the front axle or to a trailer. So you still could be hiding an unsafe condition. Basically, load leveling across the rear axle (assuming it works) may help by fixing squat and some sway issues. But it doesn't perform the benefit of moving more weight off of the rear axle to help your front brakes do more work like load/cargo management or a weight distribution system might.
They are probably working as designed, but the load conditions haven't been met for the mechanical pumping required to take place with 400 lbs hanging off the hitch. They just suck as a towing package benefit for all scenarios where you might put something on the hitch receiver.
Adding the Air Lift Helper Bags will actually negate part of the self-leveling function. The whole point of these ride comfort self-leveling shocks is to provide a softer suspension that responds to load. Adding the Air Lifter bags may get you back to closer to normal ride height with more ground clearance, but it does that by counteracting the self-leveling shock absorber and making the spring more stiff. Closer to that of the standard shock and spring. Not saying it's a bad idea, you may actually extend the life of the more expensive self-leveling shock, but unless you deflate the helper bag a lot when you don't need it, you basically won't be using the self-leveling shocks with softer springs for what they were designed to do.
If you really want to do it right, rip out the Mando Self-Leveling and put better shock absorbers and get an air bag system. If you want to adjust it yourself, add an air compressor with a switch to add or remove air pressure. You may want to also swap for better springs. If you want to make it truly automatic, add a level and leveling arm to measure then add and remove air as needed by itself. Then you will be able to level your ride no matter what conditions. The Air Lift Helper Bags are an inexpensive option that might help but it's not a system.
The other point to note whether you are using the Air Lift helper bags, the Self-Leveling Shock Absorbers, or an Air Bag system, leveling your ride doesn't not level your load. The pressure is still on the rear axle. Just because your headlights are pointing straighter you might be helping your braking some and making things easier aerodynamically, but you aren't solving a load leveling problem by shifting (distributing) weight to the front axle or to a trailer. So you still could be hiding an unsafe condition. Basically, load leveling across the rear axle (assuming it works) may help by fixing squat and some sway issues. But it doesn't perform the benefit of moving more weight off of the rear axle to help your front brakes do more work like load/cargo management or a weight distribution system might.
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I am a new member. I joined in hopes of finding a resolution to my sagging issue. And, I thoroughly enjoyed reading the posts in this thread. However, I am still a bit confused as to the best option to resolve the exact issue twincam23 has regarding the sagging. I have a mobility chair carrier/lift and chair. When both are on the back of my 2021 LX the sag looks exactly like twincam23's. I don;t have the Kia self leveling system, TRUXX lift kit or Nivod shocks. When the lift and chair are not on the back of the LX it looks, rides and drives wonderfully. I want to be able to leave the lift on the LX and load and unload the chair as needed. I am a 69 year old fat man. I have some mechanical experience but not sure I should attempt resolving this issue. Here are a few questions I have:
1. Will making any of the changes to my LX void any part or all of the warranty?
2. Which method would be the best for my situation to resolve the sagging?
3. Who should I look to install it? A truck accessory store or any certified mechanic?
4. Does anyone have anything else to offer?
Thank you in advance for any assistance!
1. Will making any of the changes to my LX void any part or all of the warranty?
2. Which method would be the best for my situation to resolve the sagging?
3. Who should I look to install it? A truck accessory store or any certified mechanic?
4. Does anyone have anything else to offer?
Thank you in advance for any assistance!
So you might actually be a good fit to try the AirLift Helper Bags. Since you have the LX you have the more firm springs and standard shocks. The AirLift Bags supposedly help firm up the suspension for up to 1,000 lbs depending on how much air you add. I'm guessing your tongue weight will not exceed 500 lbs but you want to make sure that the hitch weight from the chair and carrier stay under that. I have a hitch mount cargo basket that adds to rear sag on my S that I have considered trying the AirLift Helper Bags, but I probably don't have it attached as much as you have your carrier.
1. If done reasonably by a professional, any aftermarket upgrade will not void your warranty especially if you stay within spec. If your chair and carrier weighs more than 500 lbs then you will be possibly voiding your warranty if you end up experiencing rear suspension problems. Buyers are protected by the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act which means that the auto dealer and manufacturer have to prove why your modification voids the terms of their warranty. If it's not easy for them to prove and they are smart and you don't upset them, they likely aren't going to upset a customer that could add a negative review or bad word of mouth. Basically as long as you stay under 500 lbs at the tongue weight and stay under the rear axle max weight rating (which should be on the door jam of the driver's door) you should not exceed any maximums. Being an LX you probably have the 18" wheels which also works in your favor and less vehicle weight than the higher trims so you should still have plenty of cargo and passenger weight before your come even close to the maximums on the rear suspension.
2. I would try the AirLift Helper Bags and play with the PSI to add and remove air and see what happens. That seems the least expensive quick fix that is something you can remove if it doesn't work. Next I would suggest waiting for better quality aftermarket shocks. I'm guessing since we are a few years removed from the first Tellurides hitting the roads, some options should start showing up very soon. Another option is go to a local metal shop and see if they can build you an aluminum or steel hitch extension that is angled just right to counteract the sag just so it's more level and have them mount it securely to the carrier neck that attaches to the hitch receiver. That last option probably won't lift but it will make it more level off the back, and if you add cargo or passengers in the back you might be back to having a sag issue if you tried the modified carrier neck route. Which brings you back to the helper bags or better shocks when they come out.
3. If all you are doing is swapping out the standard OEM shock with a better new one and no mods, PepBoys or any similar auto shop does that. A few quality aftermarket shock options have built in air filling options that makes them like adjustable air system (Bilstein, Monroe, Gabriel, Rancho, and KYB) but none of them advertise Kia Telluride OEM replacement yet. A local mom and pop auto shop might do the AirLift Helper Bags. Firestone sells a similar air bag helper bag system and a Firestone Autocare local to you might be willing to install it.
4. For the next step, in a full air lift suspension upgrade, I would start with calling a van mobility shop near you and if they don't have any suggestions on suspension upgrades, then start looking for a local truck accessories shop that does off-road upgrades. This would probably be an easy fix for them. If they are reputable they will keep you within the warranty which I'm guessing falls under the basic 5yr/60,000mi warranty, not the 10yr/100,000mi powertrain for original owner. A good truck mod shop will gladly show you how to provide the right information to show Kia if you were ever questioned on warranty coverage. They can even probably load your carrier and chair and measure the hitch weight and document it so you have proof that you are under 500 lbs after their work is complete.
Good luck!
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I thought I had replied to your fantastic post but looking at it now it doesn't appear so. Thank you so much for your quick response and addressing all of my concerns. I have watched a few install videos and have determined it is something I can do. I have ordered the bags and will install them when they arrive. If anyone has any additional tips, tricks or suggestions I welcome them and would be appreciative.
I thought someone mentioned greasing up the bags with soap water and folding them into a “hotdog bun shape” made it easier to fit them into the springs. Good luck!
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twincam23
Active member
and here I am trying everything to get rid of my squat problem. I didnt know this was a thing, sheesh... 
www.yahoo.com
Too risky? NC closer to ban on popular ‘Carolina Squat’ car lifts, modifications
“Some people just do it for shows and everything, but people just want to be mad about it because they don’t like it,” says one custom car enthusiast.
Well, I just got done with my bag installs. Not a lot of fun but thanks to all the tips and tricks it wasn't bad. I did lube up the bags but wasn't able to fold them into the hot dog shape. I guess I lubed them up pretty good as they slipped in fairly easy with a little friendly persuasion. I would never have attempted this without all the posts and positive input for the members. For that I thank you all so much. It feels good to accomplish something and feels even better the older you get. I am currently waiting the for the pressure test to complete. Keep your fingers crossed for me. thanks again. I am going to have to get to the other threads. Thanks again!
Alonzo_Tigerhart
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I am looking to do bags too. I sag when I'm fully loaded up
What airbags are you guys installing, link?
Pics of the install and where you are keeping the compressor?
What airbags are you guys installing, link?
Pics of the install and where you are keeping the compressor?
Are you sure you have the right hitch drop? That trailer does not look level, and is probably contributing to the squat. I would really consider a bigger drop on your hitch. At least find a website or something to determine whether it's appropriate.
