Leveling kit and aftermarket rear bags

[Shiner]

Apologies, in advance, if this has been discussed before.
My specific question is this: If I level my 2500, and add rear loadlifter bags, will I be able to keep truck level when loaded, without ride going to crap? Maybe I am overthinking, I don't know. I am going to use spacers on front. Thank you guys, in advance.

 

[Deleted member 995608]

I don't think its going to make that much of a difference. Just remember that any type of suspension or steering mod has the potential to change something.....if any.

 

[EDankievitch]

I know my truck is old school compared to your truck but I have a leveling kit and a set of firestone air bags in the rear. I have yet to need to air up the bags My truck has handled any load I've asked it to haul with out much sag of the rear end. Only reason I have the bags is I had needed them on my 05 the springs in that truck were much softer than the 12 or the 13 they are now in. I'd try it first and see how it does.

 

[AEdelheit]

Yes you can keep it level unless the truck is wayyy overloaded, I would suggest keeping 3/4"-1" of rake thought so the rear has a little room to come down before it is lower then the front. Your truck has about 2.75" rake from the factory, if you make it dead level front to rear it will look taller in the front even though it is not.

 

[Shiner]

Yes you can keep it level unless the truck is wayyy overloaded, I would suggest keeping 3/4"-1" of rake thought so the rear has a little room to come down before it is lower then the front. Your truck has about 2.75" rake from the factory, if you make it dead level front to rear it will look taller in the front even though it is not.

That is what I was thinking. I am looking to go to a 5'er instead of the MH. Probably should have went with dually, but like the "smaller" 2500 for most situations. Wife doesn't mind this truck but refuses to drive the 01. Decisions, decisions......

 

[NIsaacs]

I would leave the front stock, hauling an RV. You need the weight on the springs for stability. If you carry most of the weight on the air bag it will become unstable. Air bags are great to level a heavy load, if, your truck has the original rake.

 

[AEdelheit]

I would leave the front stock, hauling an RV. You need the weight on the springs for stability. If you carry most of the weight on the air bag it will become unstable. Air bags are great to level a heavy load, if, your truck has the original rake.

Actually on the coil sprung 2500s its the opposite, the coils are very far inboard creating poor side to side stability, the air bags mount in place of the bump stops which are further outboard from the coils so they are typically more stable. Ideally the bags would be plumed individually so air does not transfer from one side to the other.

 

[Shiner]

I would leave the front stock, hauling an RV. You need the weight on the springs for stability. If you carry most of the weight on the air bag it will become unstable. Air bags are great to level a heavy load, if, your truck has the original rake.

I have made up my mind, no leveling, gonna just get bags. My son was really the one nagging about the rake/ I don't mind the rake as I don't do the giant tire/lift thing well. I put steps on the truck to get in it easier. Sucks to be getting older. If I were to do a lift in the future, it would be a Kelderman full air set-up. Nice to dream. I thinks I need to win the lottery.

 

[Bowtiepower00]

I went through this with my 2500. Added Thuren 2" coils and overland shocks that put the truck dead level. I looked at the bags but didn't like the design- there's not as much room on the coil rear compared to the typical leaf spring design. I ended up with timbrens and have been happy with my choice. Truck sits a little low in the back with my TH hooked up but it's not bad, maybe an inch low.

 

[Bowtiepower00]

I will add this, the thuren springs are one of the best upgrades I've done to the truck, stock it would bang the bumpstops over speed bumps, etc. Now it rides great. I will be doing the rear suspension after Christmas, along with the boogies, etc.