2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission air bags on 96 2500?

[lmccart]

has anyone replaced the non contact overload springs with air bags ? I use my 96 2500 long bed club cab to pull 28' fifth wheel.

 

[Monstermaker]

I did. I just run the main leafs and a set of airbags. I carry a 4000+ pound camper and tow a 10,000 pound trailer (at same time) with no issues.*
I like airbags because I don't like being stuck with a stiffly-sprung truck when I'm not hauling heavy stuff.*

 

[lmccart]

Thanks Monstermaker.
Did you remove the overload springs? All of the pictures I can find on installing Air Bags show the lower bracket for the bag mounted on top of the overload spring. I am trying to get rid of the constant banging of the end of the overload spring when running empty over our potholed roads in California , I think the airbags would provide a better ride when pulling our fifth wheel. The older we get, the more my wife complains about the rough ride.
Any comments or suggestions are welcome.
Thanks
lmccart

 

[Monstermaker]

Yeah I removed the overloads and the brackets and everything to do with them. Part of that was because I have a Kelderman air ride kit on it, which replaces the rear spring shackles with a big hinged thing that has airbags... that doesn't do anything for load capacity it just takes the harsh out of the ride.*
But I've also got the traditional overload air bags that mount on top of the springs right over the axle.*
I'm like you, I don't like the stock overloads hitting their stops when I'm driving the truck empty, which is most of the time (it does double duty as my car).*
A whole lot of people swear by "Timbrens" which are just rubber bump stops that engage the overload springs sooner. I think those are great if you are loaded all the time but it's my opinion that air is the best way to have a soft empty ride and still be able to stiffen it up when you want to.*