Air Bag Questions??

[Jamie Attridge]

I used air to lower my ram you can see it here



public. aci. on. ca/~com222/forum/myram1.jpg

 

[Sparky10]

I am still confused along with DernMooseAK. I just can't see how removing the overloads can make an "EMPTY" truck ride any better.



When it is empty the overloads do not touch and do nothing for the ride. Now if the arguement is that when you hit a bump the springs can contact and make a rough bounce then maybe you were going to fast for the conditions and after all, this is a truck you are driving, not a Cadilac!!



I just want to add them to my truck so when I have the 5th wheel camper loaded on it will ride more level and not bottom out as easy.



Just my humble opinion. Any answers?

Scott

 

[y-knot]

Here is my take on the whole overload deal. On my truck the overload leaf springs rested with an empty truck(my truck "empty" weighs 8200lbs) about 3/4" below the overload stop. When driving down the street, the suspension would only have to travel 3/4", before the overloads kicked in. What you have is a serious change in spring rate, The main spring pack has one rate, and the overload pack has another. So when you encounter a bump, the main springs start to deflect, and the suspension travels, now after it has traveled 3/4", the overload springs Are at there stops. If the suspension continues to travel, the spring rate now has to be, the main spring + the overload springs. The overload springs have a much stiffer rate then the main, this rapid change in spring rate results in the severe rough ride. This usually translates to a very sever kick, or slapping feel in the rear, which is anything but pleasant.

When I removed the overload spring pack, I allowed the main springs to travel without the hindrance of the overloads. Now when I go over that same bump, MY main springs deflect and the suspension is allowed to travel, without interference. This freedom of movement, and linear deflection rate result in a smoother ride. The air bags when the truck is empty, don't carry any real load, but then help absorb vibrations, and shock. This also contributes to the smoother ride.

 

[y-knot]

Air LIft's Super Duty 5000lb Bags mounted to a 3500

 

[Clinton]

Okay guys, I'm joining in a bit late, but I've been out of town. My truck already had the Firestones when I bought it. Mine are mounted on a perch on the inside of the lift block. I use them fairly often and they seem to work like they should. I use them to level-up the truck when I'm heavy in the rear. I still have the overloads and I can't tell much difference in the ride when the bags are inflated versus when their not inflated. Can anybody see any big problems with the way mine are mounted on those perches? Do you think I should be looking into moving them on top of the spring pack and getting rid of the overloads? What about independent control of the bags? Anybody have their's set up where you can inflated each side independently? Thanks.

 

[CRegal]

Just got my 57215 airlift bags

& I was wondering, do I need to get shorter u-bolts? THe kit comes with shorter u-bolts, but I dont see how they will be able to go over the lift blocks. I didnt have a chance to read the install intructions, but unless you remove the lift blocks, I dont see how the kit u-bolts will work.



I am just making sure I have all the pieces I need before I tear apart the truck to install this kit. Planning on doing it Saturday.



Thanks,



Cole