[kendogg]

Hi everybody, first post.  I've posted in the Newell Owners FB group, but wanted to come here as well.  



I'm looking for new air springs.  I haven't had a bag failure yet, but I'm trying to be proactive.  I haven't checked the p/n for the rears yet, or to see if they're even the same, but the fronts are a Firestone 9447/Goodyear 1R11-066.  I'm having a VERY hard time finding replacements, and apparently others have as well. Does anybody happen to know if there is an alternative, maybe with a different air fitting or something that can work?  Looking for solutions now before it's too late.  Thanks!

[kendogg]

In case anybody is wondering for future reference - went with 1R12-324. Same bottom piston. Same bolt pattern on the top plate, just need to change the air line to a 1/4" line. 1" larger diameter bellows, and there seems to be plenty of room for it.

[Jack Houpe]

I've not had to deal with changing one out as mine have been replaced some time down the road, looks like you have done your home work and found one that will work. I have read somewhere on the forum on how to get them out pretty quick I believe they use a sawzall an cut the top fitting off. Please post pictures when you do the job.

[Richard]

Ken,

Let me save you a bit of trouble when you put the new ones in. Right now, you will find that Newell uses a square ping tank welded as part of the frame to provide more air volume for the spring. They use a 3/4 diameter hose to connect the bag to the tank. The idea was to lower the spring rate of the air bag by increasing the air cushion.

Since you will now have a 1/4 air fitting, there is NO purpose at all for trying to connect the bag to the tank. Simply find the air line into the tank, and connect that air line to the air bag. This will be much simpler than trying to cobble up a bunch of fittings to go from the 3/4 37 degree JIC fitting down to 1/4 NPT.

[encantotom]

richard and i did that to mine when he was here last year. my ping tank had a leak and there was no way to get at it or to fix it.

no issues. as far as i know, the newer newells do not have ping tanks. anyone know that for sure?

tom

[johnkosir]

712 does not have ping tanks

[HoosierDaddy]

I just purchased the Automann ab1dk20d-9565 bag which they claim is interchangeable with the Goodyear 1r12-324. I don’t see an internal bump stop which is included in the Firestone w01-358-9447 which was the original bag in my coach. The studs on the Automann are .75 inch closer together as well. I’m going to try to make them work.

[HoosierDaddy]

       

[Dystrakti0n]

@kendogg Did you notice any big differences in ride quality going to the 1R12-324? I need to replace front and drive on my 91, and I cannot find anyone that has 1R11-066 or W01-358-9447.

I found a cross reference for the firestone to Ridewell 1003589447C which crossed with a Meritor FS9447, but at 317.59 / ea that gets a bit expensive. Although better for the 500+ I've found for anyone claiming to have the 1R11-006.