Question on replacing air springs & how easy.

[RJ03]

Hi Everyone, I've searched this site and read everything to do with replacing the air springs on my 2003 H2 83k miles. It's time, they need to be changed. My questions are, how hard is it to do? Do I need a Scanner tool? I'm relatively mechanically confident I can do this. My dealer wants $2,800, can't understand the price when the bags are $200 a piece. The dealer hourly rate is $125 so that would leave 19 hours to do the work. I've seen the Youtube video and it doesn't look like it takes 19 hours. Any assistance would greatly be appreciated. Thanks, RJ03

[NJ H2]

Originally Posted by RJ03

Hi Everyone, I've searched this site and read everything to do with replacing the air springs on my 2003 H2 83k miles. It's time, they need to be changed. My questions are, how hard is it to do? Do I need a Scanner tool? I'm relatively mechanically confident I can do this. My dealer wants $2,800, can't understand the price when the bags are $200 a piece. The dealer hourly rate is $125 so that would leave 19 hours to do the work. I've seen the Youtube video and it doesn't look like it takes 19 hours. Any assistance would greatly be appreciated. Thanks, RJ03

$2800 = Rip-off
It takes about 5 minutes a side to do.
I was getting some work done on my rig at a local shop and they didn't charge me anything to do install them

[IRA51]

I have installed many ,it is easy even for a novice. Won't take you more then a half hour for sure.

[RJ03]

Thank you for your feedback. I didn't think it was so difficult.

[Hellz]

i actually just did both my air bags day before yesterday.

it is fairly easy.. just dirty and frustrating at times..

this is how i did it...

raised the H2 on one side by the frame, just as if i was changing a tire. i raised it high enough that the rear tire was a few inchs off the ground. obviously use a good jack and stands.

used a razor knife to puncture the bag.
lifted the bottom of the bag off its base plate.
once completly deflated, i cut the bag in half with the top portion still conencted. made it easier for me to work with it.
reached up and pushed in the tension tab and twisted off the old bag. removed air line hose.
install new bag
started the vehicle and slowly lowered the H2 until the compressor kicked in.
stop lowering to make adjustments so the air bag seats correctly in the bottom base.
once fully seated, lower the H2 completely and verify the bag fully inflates ( just watch it)

repeat for other side.

where i got frustrated was twisting off the old bag on the passenger side. the driver side was fairly easy and straight forward.
for the passenger side, with all the dirt and grim over the years, and rust, it was a little tricky. i could push in the tab, but it would not twist off. i eventually used the claw end of a hammer and snapped a tab off of it, and it came right off afterwards.

really it was simple. overall time i think it took me about 45 mins start to finish.
you will really have to get under the H2 on the passenger side, so you have to have faith in your jack and stands. Otherwise you will have to do it laying on your back.
on the passenger side, i was under the H2 facing to the rear, sitting almost indian style...
i had to go out and buy a new jack due to my old one failing. i also had 2 stands on the side i was working on.

FYI Northern tool has 3.5 ton jack for $99 max lift height 20 inchs..

[RJ03]

Thanks Hellz, your instruction will be a great help. I didn't know if I should cut the bags, clearly that is the way to go. Thanks eveyone else who posted on this topic.

[RJ03]

By the way Helz, I have the same exact truck and am the original owner.