1998.5 2500 24 V can you guys recommend a rear Air Bag kit for towing/hauling?

[Joey.G]

Hi, I am looking to add an air bag kit to the rear for when we are towing or hauling in the bed. What kits have you guys used and liked? I see the Firestone kit the instruction say to remover wheel well liner but it is not clear if I can put it back after the install which I like them in.



Any compressor recommendations if I decide to do the on board compressor.



Would a portable aux type compressor work if I don't want to wire it to the truck?



Pros/Cons? Thanks

 

[GAmes]

I like my Pacbrake system with a Pacbrake compressor. I opted for the inside gauges and controls. I ran a T fitting to the rear from each side and used Schrader valves as license plate nuts to use in case the compressor failed. I don't have fender liners so I can't speak to that.

 

[Iron Duke II]

Airlift is an option.
https://www.airliftcompany.com/vehicles/dodge/ram-2500-pickup/1998/4-wheel-drive/#l

 

[Road Dog]

I have PakBrake air bags on my3500 Dually since they're local. It's not Dodge specific; the universal brackets bolt to the frame and the bags mount on top of the spring hangers. I had to go to their shop to swap the new style universal brackets for some old style brackets in their spare parts bin and add a 1/4" spacer to get it aligned.

I ran the air lines to the fuel filler so they're easy to access with a camper on the truck.

 

[NIsaacs]

I have universal Firestone bags on my '91 D-250 and '74 F-350. I have vehicle specific Air lift on my '21 Ram 2500. They are plumbed separate with no on board air. On board air is nice but expensive and not necessary. Once you set them for an empty vehicle (10 lbs left and 5 lbs right) you are good to go. They will self adjust as you add weight.

Be advised, air bags don't play well with a leveled truck. If you use them to keep a leveled truck level, you will get instability and a harsh ride. Air bags are a supplemental suspension enhancement, not primary. The springs need to carry the majority of your weight.

 

[Joey.G]

Do you guys know if all of these kits all mount similar, all require drilling the frame?

 

[NIsaacs]

Do you guys know if all of these kits all mount similar, all require drilling the frame?

It appears so, both Air lift and Firestone show drilling required. Pac Brake don't show any for a 2nd gen truck, so It would probably require a universal mount and drilling.

 

[Cummins12V98]

I had the PacBrake system with in cab controls on my 11 DRW. I liked it a lot but to do it again I would opt for the 100% duty cycle air compressor!!!

 

[AH64ID]

I’ve always been a fan of Firestone kits. The instructions state the liner needs to be trimmed, which tells me it can be reinstalled.

I had the PacBrake system with in cab controls on my 11 DRW. I liked it a lot but to do it again I would opt for the 100% duty cycle air compressor!!!

What would the 100% duty cycle compressor improve?

 

[Cummins12V98]

I’ve always been a fan of Firestone kits. The instructions state the liner needs to be trimmed, which tells me it can be reinstalled.



What would the 100% duty cycle compressor improve?

It would last longer than the one that came with the kit. This was the response I got from PacBrake when I spoke to them about mine failing.

 

[AH64ID]

It would last longer than the one that came with the kit. This was the response I got from PacBrake when I spoke to them about mine failing.

Interesting, I’ve run both 100% and 33% duty cycle pumps from ViAir and noticed no difference is reliability. I’ve moved away from the 100% duty cycle pumps for my use as the 33% gets the job done much faster and I still don’t exceed the duty cycle even when airing all 4 tires up.

Their basic HP325 pump does appear to be pretty cheap, but appearances aren’t everything. I wonder if they make it themselves or have it made for them.

Even a 10% duty cycle pump should be beyond adequate for airbags and an exhaust brake, if it’s a quality pump.

 

[Cummins12V98]

I simply think PacBrake does not have as good a pump as ViAir. I had a nice air horn plus the in cab controls. Reality is the basic pump used so little should have been good enough.

 

[Joey.G]

If I was to add an Exhaust brake I need a compressor?

 

[petersonj]

If I was to add an Exhaust brake I need a compressor?

Depends on the manufacturer - some use an air operated cylinder, some use a vacuum operated cylinder. You can use the vacuum operated type if you want because your truck already has a vacuum pump.

I have a vacuum operated cylinder type from PacBrake. Years ago, I swapped it from my '99 truck to my current truck. The exhaust brake has well over 400,000 miles on it.

- John

 

[JMcCoy]

I've had the PacBrake for around 10 years, with zero issues. In the future, I would like to install ones with larger bellows for a smoother ride. I also want to install the lower cradles made by Daystar that allows the bellows to float if put on a lift. Otherwise they try to rip apart if the axle isn't strapped up.

PacBrake makes an awesome Bluetooth in-cab controller. I have the ARB twin air compressor. It sandwiches nicely up in the driver side bed cavity.

 

[Joey.G]

I didn't even think about that, If the truck is put on a lift do you need to strap the axle?

 

[Road Dog]

I've had my truck lifted for some drivetrain work without issue. The mechanic said the springs hold the axle in place and the airbags don't extend enough to matter. He was right.

 

[Gearclash]

I have a ’99 2500 standard wheelbase and never saw the need for more support in the back than what the factory springs offered. 5,000 lbs on the GN ball and it still sits about level. More than that and sometime you will find a weak point somewhere else . . .

 

[JMcCoy]

Mine have been on the lift without straps. They didn't rip, but it appeared to be very close. I wouldn't do it again. When I replace my leaf springs, I will absolutely put the cradles in. There's no negative to it.

 

[User113]

As to compressors, I really like my Pacbrake HP625H. Great compressor. However, I would steer clear of their uber-expensive unloader block assembly. It is pretty slick by design, but I needed to replace the actual unloader valve and was not able to get a replacement from PacBrake. I ended up replacing the whole unloader block assembly with individually sourced parts (pressure switch, check valve and unloader valve) and it's great. 100% duty cycle.