Why Is Drilling Required for the Air Lift 7500 Airbags On a 2018 GMC Sierra 3500 With 5th Wheel

Updated 08/25/2019 | Published 08/24/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Air Lift LoadLifter 7500 XL Air Helper Springs - Rear Axle

(240)

$578.64

Firestone Ride-Rite Red Label Extreme Duty Air Helper Springs - Rear Axle

(829)

$562.64

Question:

Why do you have to drill in brackets under the frame rather than use the u bolts

asked by: Jesse

Expert Reply:

There are two ways to install the Air Lift LoadLifter 7500 XL Air Helper Springs part # AL57538 on your 2018 GMC Sierra 3500, using the included u-bolts or drilling the brackets directly to the underside of the frame. The u-bolts would be used for when there are no in-bed hitch brackets that attach to the side of the frame but if you do have these then the u-bolts won't work because of where the in-bed hitch brackets mount therefore you will have to drill into the underside of the frame rail.

If you have in-bed hitch brackets and don't want to drill into your frame then I do still have an option for you in the Firestone Ride-Rite Red Label Extreme Duty Air Helper Springs part # F2709 which will work with in-bed hitch brackets and you won't have to drill into your frame. The Firestone airbags are actually superior to the Air Lift airbags in that they use a crimp rolled construction (see photo) which is more durable than the band clamp that Air Lift uses.

expert reply by: Conner L