Air Bags or Lift?

[StephenThomas]

I'm exploring the possibility of lifting my truck a few inches (4" would be nice). I don't know much about air bag systems and was wondering if you guys could explain the advantages and disadvantages of using an air bag system versus a typical lift kit system (like Superlift). TIA

 

[SRadke]

Airbags will give you a smoother ride with more adjustability. I'm looking forward to an air ride system myself. Here are a couple websites to look at:



http://www.keldermanmfg.com/kelderman_air_ride.htm



http://www.trex-tech.com/



-Scott

 

[Jeff Clark]

If you have the money go with the airbags. The ride will be WAY better. The only downside I can think of is the possibility of something puncturing a bag. I don't think it's likey to happen. Big trucks run airbags and I havn't heard of one popping and leaving the truck on the side of the road (not saying it hasn't happened, I just don't know of it).

 

[Eric_77]

Air bags can and do pop. On a Semi they are the "spring" and when one goes flat there is no lift at all and truck is out of service until fixed on a Pick-up they are helpers as the stock spring is still in place; so if a pick-up air bag goes flat then reduce air pressure in all bags and truck will settle onto the stock springs and you can continue until you can get repair done.

 

[SRadke]

Well now wait a minute. Are we talking about full air ride here or air helper springs?



-Scott

 

[How'dHeDoThat]

HUH?????

Originally posted by Eric_77

Air bags can and do pop. On a Semi they are the "spring" and when one goes flat there is no lift at all and truck is out of service until fixed on a Pick-up they are helpers as the stock spring is still in place; so if a pick-up air bag goes flat then reduce air pressure in all bags and truck will settle onto the stock springs and you can continue until you can get repair done.

Full Air ride with 4 link is a bag only setup. "IF" a bag goes there is no stock suspension for it to ride on... .



Airbags getting a puncture... ... VERY RARE!!!!



Airbags on 18 wheelers are not leaking and popping right and left and in fact have grown in popularity. If you had a vehicle that costs thousands of dollars a day if it goes down in downtime alone would you run airbags if they were so prone to popping? no you wouldn't and neither would that industry.



James

 

[How'dHeDoThat]

Stephen,

On my 04 I will definately be going all out air-ride! I have a SKYJACKER kit on my 01 and the difference will be drinking my coffee as opposed to wearing it... .



Having Air-Ride AND a good ride is contingent on the setup...

Too little air and it has alot of sway in the curves... .

Too much air is too rough...



All a matter of getting the right setup and having it set right.

After that... It is simply the best ride/lift you can get!



James

 

[Jeff Kelderman]

as long as you don't have anything rubbing on the bag, they will not give you any problems.

 

[StephenThomas]

Isn't the full air bag system around $4500?? That's a lot of money... . is it worth THAT much??

 

[Mad Bomber]

That's alot of engine bombing money.

 

[PJ]

If you just want the rear done, Firestone Ride Rites are the ticket. They worked great on my 98 Quad cab and 11'3 Lance Cab over camper.

 

[How'dHeDoThat]

Not going to spend that much....

Originally posted by StephenThomas

Isn't the full air bag system around $4500?? That's a lot of money... . is it worth THAT much??

but if I did have to spend that much, YES, it would be worth it over the cost of a kidney killing lift that has very little flexibility.



Cost is relavent to me BUT I didn't by a S-10 either... there are certain things I want... like a CTD with air-ride.



Now if I had to decide between bombing engine bombing and lift... . I would bomb the heck outa it!



James

 

[Eric_77]

My point was not that air bags pop very often but with the helper type used on pick-ups it does not leave you without a suspension as it does in a semi or large RV. Most (all?) air bag problems I have seen have been related to debris or rubbing issues.



A full air bag suspension I would be hesitate to take serious off roading where damage is more likely whereas a spring suspension with air bag supplement I would not be as concerned with as you have redundency(sp?) in your support system, springs/air bags.

 

[Jeff Clark]

If I have my truck in a spot where the landscape may puncture a bag, I'm in a bad spot. That's what they make Jeeps for. I'm not taking my Ram through the Rubicon. I'm spending a ton of money on things like audio, paint, wheels and tires. Spending a little on a lift to smooth the ride isn't a big deal in the grand scheme of things and I don't expect the truck to be in a situation where the suspension is in jeopardy.