2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Air Bag question

[PhilJohnson]

If I install rear air bags to keep my truck from squatting when towing will it affect off-road handling. The directions say not to jack truck by the frame when bags are installed. I'm thinking they will limit axle travel and articulation. Anyone have experience with this?

 

[Grizzly]

We need information on you truck. Post your signature, that's the only we can help.

 

[PhilJohnson]

My truck is an 01 2500. Suspension is stock except for a 2'' leveling spacer on the front. My question is the airbags are 5'' tall and maybe 7'' with axle weight pulling on them and probably compress to say 2. 5''. Does that mean that with airbags installed my new total wheel travel will only be 4. 5"?

 

[2Gen3Gen]

Hmmmm, another Phil Johnson??? Where are you located at and what are you driving???????????????

 

[Grizzly]

Correct me if I am wrong, but I think that 01 2500 did not come with overloads. If that's the case, I'd install a set of 2 spring overloads.

 

[PhilJohnson]

My 01 has an overload spring on the bottom of the spring pack and one on top that hits against the upper stops when almost fully compressed. The reason I am installing air bags is, with the 2' leveling kit on the front the truck it squats too much with the weight of the trailer. Looks kind a funny and doesnt handle that well.

 

[CJ Lagos]

I think the problem is the two inch front spacers. Maybe you can upgrade to heavier stock coils to look better unloaded.

 

[Cummins Pilot]

I have the same truck as you Phil. I have put the air bags on.



Grizzly, the heavy duty 2500's have overloads.



Yes offroading handling will change as it always will with any modification. Lifting the frame and not the axel can cause the airbags to tear apart if pulled to far. You can however if you need to do that take the top nuts off the airbags to allow the suspension to fully cycle down. Another concern is that if you fully compress the airbags they can pinch and puncture. If your going to offroad I'd say to not put on airbags. If you want to primarily tow I'd go with airbags.



I have used and abused mine and have never had a problem. My truck is used offroad a fair amount but I'm not flexing my suspension to full articualtion.



Anymore questions PM me.

 

[TRAMPLINEMAN]

If you do go with air bags, I'd recommend putting limiter straps on. Like said above, you will probably lose travel, but with the limiters on mine, I can jack the truck up from any point and not tear the bags apart. Limiters are $40.

 

[PhilJohnson]

Guess like most things in life it's a compromise. I already bought the bags so I'll put them on and see what happens. Thanks for the help guys.

 

[Cummins Pilot]

If you do go with air bags, I'd recommend putting limiter straps on. Like said above, you will probably lose travel, but with the limiters on mine, I can jack the truck up from any point and not tear the bags apart. Limiters are $40.

Who makes them? Though I'm sure most any place can set me up with them.