Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) air bags

[DTangstrom]

Was wondering if anybody is unhappy with firestone air bags in the rear. Do they change the empty ride quality, and what happens to the proptional valve for the rear brakes. If you level off a loaded truck don't you loose the heavier braking force from the rear drums. Also how much of the wheel well liner needs to cut.

 

[ScottLewis]

Air bags on my 98 12v make the ride quite stiff empty unless I drop the pressure to the minimum. With 2K on the 5th wheel hitch, 80# pressure levels the rig nicely and ride doesn't seem any different than when it was sitting on the overloads. I left them in place be the way and the bags plus the regular springs carry nearly all the load. O'load leaves catch weight only on major dips or curves. Bags have been on over a year now and reqired no cutting or drilling. Since probably 90% of normal braking comes from the front brakes, I doubt there's much affect on braking.



Dan

 

[NoSeeUm]

They don't really change the empty ride much, but you must maintain 10 psi in even when running empty. So they do effect the ride some, I just don't really remember what the ride was like before I put mine on. Rear tire pressure has a much larger effect.



Of course, my next bomb will be stainless steel side walls for my kidneys. Who am I to say.