Rear Air bags - '95 Vectra 34' Ford

JamesT · 09-04-2012, 10:33 AM

I had a little incident on Friday trying to get out of town. My compressor for the (rear) air bags went out, I was about 30 miles out of town. I drove home replaced the compressor and noticed that the air bag had rubbed on something (on the way home) creating a hole in it.
I have called the dealer and they want $364/ea for the JET Co air bag replacements (50774).
I called Air Lift Co and they want $151/ea for the replacements (50201).

My questions are; has anyone replaced the JET Co with the Air Lift? Are they a direct replacement (no modifications needed)? Is the pressure through the regulator valves going to be okay?

I want to replace both of the air bags at the same time and $364/ea is too much to spend.

TIA

Tom N · 09-04-2012, 11:38 AM

You may be able to get a Goodyear bag cheaper.

I used to own a 1994 Vectra with JetAir rear suspension. A very nice coach.

-Tom

JamesT · 09-04-2012, 11:54 AM

Goodyear bags would be great, does anyone have a cross over referrence?
I am not going to do the install and do not want to give my mechanic a "head ache" ;-)

Thanks,

Tom N · 09-04-2012, 01:00 PM

JamesT what is your zip code??

-Tom

JamesT · 09-04-2012, 01:03 PM

85225

NeilV · 09-04-2012, 01:26 PM

The Jet Air bags are much larger. Call them directly and many times the owner will answer the phone and help you personally. They are great folks to deal with.

There is a manual fill valve so you can fill the bags with any available compressor with a tire chuck if the built-in compressor fails.

Tom N · 09-04-2012, 02:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NeilV

The Jet Air bags are much larger.

Much large than what, the Goodyear bags??

Goodyear made the original bags for JetAir.

-Tom

Tom N · 09-04-2012, 02:25 PM

There are no Goodyear suppliers listed under your zip code.

Aftermarket Parts Locator Results

Take your bag to a large over the road truck parts supplier in your area. If you do not know one check NAPA Truck Parts or call a local large truck repair shop and ask to speak to their parts department.

I left a brand new Goodyear bag go with my 1994 Vectra when I traded it in in 2004. The spare bag I had came with my Vectra when I purchased it from C Classic Chrysler in Clearfield, PA. My Vectra was the personal coach of the owner of C Classic.

C. Classic Dodge Chrysler Jeep | New Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram dealership in Clearfield, PA 16830

If all fails call C Classic Dodge Chrysler Jeep at (877) 215-1906 and ask to speak to the owner, Robert Brown. Ask him what supplier he used to purchase the Goodyear bags he bought for his old 1994 Vectra.

-Tom

JamesT · 09-04-2012, 03:45 PM

Thanks, you don't happen to have a receipt with the part number on it, do you?

JamesT · 09-04-2012, 04:11 PM

I just went out and took this picture of the good one. It says Firestone on it. Now I just need a part number.

JamesT · 09-04-2012, 05:05 PM

The part number I can find online for Firestone (2068) look like they are using the air bag as a "helper" to a leaf, not the way this is set up (the back part of the spring).

hshiner · 09-04-2012, 08:14 PM

I also am in need of a rear air bag on my coach, I have a 95 vectra on a GM. Chaise. I had this bag brake last year and again this year. I bought the bag last year from the Jet Co. I to am looking for a replacement from some other supplier as they want $243.plus shipping. The Firestone # WO1-517-9260.
I will follow up on what has been posed today. Any other info is welcome.
Thanks

JamesT · 09-04-2012, 08:22 PM

I don't believe the Chevy's are the same as the Ford but, if you have the Firestone part number (which I don't have) you can go to different vendors and get an equivalent bag or shop around Firestone distributors for the best price on a Firestone bag.
Good luck.

hshiner · 09-04-2012, 08:38 PM

Not that easy Firestone is having a problem with the number, as well as 3 different supplies. Firestone gave me a cross reference number, but the mounting holes do not match. If all else fails I will have to go back to the Jet Co . As I need the coach on the road for mid October.

hshiner · 09-04-2012, 08:43 PM

JamesT
Did you take the bag of the coach the number should be on the top as well embossed in the rubber near the Firestone name.

NeilV · 09-04-2012, 08:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom N

Much large than what, the Goodyear bags??

Goodyear made the original bags for JetAir.

-Tom

Than most of the AirLift auxiliary bags you see for sale.

Jetair will sell direct and may surprise you with exact fit kits for a reasonable price. They will also have the expertise provide the info required to recalibrate the system to automatically level the coach.

Tom N · 09-04-2012, 08:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JamesT

Thanks, you don't happen to have a receipt with the part number on it, do you?

No. I didn't buy the bag. It was in a basement compartment when I picked up the motorhome. The owner blew a bag and purchased 2 new ones. His bag blew from rubbing on the suspension. The rubber bushings in the rear control bars were worn causing miss-alignment of the rear suspension.

If it's any help JetAir's number for the bag is 50752.

-Tom

JamesT · 09-05-2012, 09:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hshiner

JamesT
Did you take the bag of the coach the number should be on the top as well embossed in the rubber near the Firestone name.

I haven't taken it off. I was going to have a mechanic replace them. I talked with the mechanic yesterday and he said the number was probably on the top. He has a small shop and I didn't want to have my motorhome blocking his bays for a long time while bags got ordered, so I have been trying to do some "leg work" for him.
I thought it would be easy to find the Firestone number

JamesT · 09-05-2012, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom N

No. I didn't buy the bag. It was in a basement compartment when I picked up the motorhome. The owner blew a bag and purchased 2 new ones. His bag blew from rubbing on the suspension. The rubber bushings in the rear control bars were worn causing miss-alignment of the rear suspension.

If it's any help JetAir's number for the bag is 50752.

-Tom

That does help; Jet Co quoted me 50752 for $243.18/ea, they didn't say what the part number was for. In any case that is better than the dealer.

{Edit} I just got off the phone with Jet Co: the Chevy number is 50752 & the Ford number is 60752. In both cases they are $243.18/ea.
When they come in I will note the Firestone number.

JamesT · 09-11-2012, 03:46 PM

I got the air bags from Jet Co today, the Firestone part number on them is: W01-517-9259

Now if you cross referrence that with the Firestone manual, page 9, at:
http://vicbushfield.com/pdf/RV%20Mas...g%202009_E.pdf
You get a Firestone number of: W01-358-9259

I am betting there is a typo in the left column and the W01-517-9260 was changed to W01-358-9260, which is the Chevy air bag.
The only difference is .1 of a pound (why?).

Which the first google search turned up for $176/ea
These went from $364/ea (dealer) to $243/ea (JetCo) to $176/ea (Firestone dealer).

I hope someone learns from my experience.

hshiner - you owe me at least a six pack for this.