air bags

[Cummins12V98]

My 11 without bags in first pic with 4,500# pin. No bags needed!!!

Second pic with bags, not needed but sure made the loaded ride BETTER!!!

 

[Cummins12V98]

Bilstein Shocks will also sweeten the deal.

 

[tlevan03]

"And, they sure won't make it ride better, better shocks might."

I can tell you for a FACT air bags greatly reduce the jolting and jarring on some of these highways. I drove the same roads without and then with. I only ran 30psi LOADED just enough to not increase ride height.

OP do like I did on my 11 HO DRW and you will love the better ride on the lousy roads.

OH and no you don't "NEED" air bags!

thank you, you seem to be getting the point I’m after. It’s not about the weight it’s about the ride and fatigue. I know I don’t need them but it’s nice to have. I’m just looking for a kit that applies to my truck with the OEM air suspension brackets.

 

[AH64ID]

Got a photo of these brackets? I’m out looking at my auto-level truck and don’t see anything that would interfere or be different than the spring suspension frame. The bump stop would likely be bolted to where my air spring is, and the ride height sensor bracket bolts on.

I agree, air bags will greatly improve the ride and handling as long as you don’t overinflated them. You want to allow the springs to sag 1-1.5” and then use the airbags to maintain that height.

 

[tlevan03]

Got a photo of these brackets? I’m out looking at my auto-level truck and don’t see anything that would interfere or be different than the spring suspension frame. The bump stop would likely be bolted to where my air spring is, and the ride height sensor bracket bolts on.

I agree, air bags will greatly improve the ride and handling as long as you don’t overinflated them. You want to allow the springs to sag 1-1.5” and then use the airbags to maintain that height.

sure do. After crawling under there I see they are bolted, from my initial look they looked riveted. Almost looks the same as the 3rd gens where the bump stop was.

 

[AH64ID]

Those are not auto-level brackets. Your frame is the standard spring suspension setup.

Did you remove the bump stop?

 

[tlevan03]

Those are not auto-level brackets. Your frame is the standard spring suspension setup.

Did you remove the bump stop?

View attachment 127956

I didn’t, I bought it used a while back. Now it’s making sense. This is easy now. Thanks!

 

[AH64ID]

Maybe the trucks don’t have them. Guess I haven’t looked under too many normal spring trucks.

 

[NonFord]

I HIGHLY advise simply hooking up and see how the truck sets and rides. ONLY reason to add bags on your truck with your load is to improve ride quality.

My 11 DRW sat level with 4,500# pin. Only reason I added bags was for ride improvement. Your suspension should be even stronger.

Along with not having your headlights shine up in the tree......

 

[AH64ID]

Your suspension should be even stronger.

Surprisingly the DRW standard spring suspension is unchanged since 2003. Major upgrades to the frame and front suspension, but the spring packs on a 2021 DRW are the same as a 2003 DRW. There may be some superseded part numbers but ratings/size/configuration isn't.

Along with not having your headlights shine up in the tree......

And if they are plumbed independently they provide a bit of roll control too.

 

[Cummins12V98]

Got a photo of these brackets? I’m out looking at my auto-level truck and don’t see anything that would interfere or be different than the spring suspension frame. The bump stop would likely be bolted to where my air spring is, and the ride height sensor bracket bolts on.

I agree, air bags will greatly improve the ride and handling as long as you don’t overinflated them. You want to allow the springs to sag 1-1.5” and then use the airbags to maintain that height.

ZACTLY

Most people air bags to unloaded ride height and wonder why the ride is so rough.

 

[AH64ID]

This is easy now. Thanks!

Saw another standard spring 3500 today. His airbags mounted to the bottom of the same bracket.

 

[bcbender]

Any bags to stay away from? I had Airlift 5000 on my 04, but was looking at the 7500s.. I see Pac brake has a new one out, Just thinking that with my 16k 5er and adding the 60gal aux tank, the air bags would give me a better (certainly more level) ride.

 

[tlevan03]

Any bags to stay away from? I had Airlift 5000 on my 04, but was looking at the 7500s.. I see Pac brake has a new one out, Just thinking that with my 16k 5er and adding the 60gal aux tank, the air bags would give me a better (certainly more level) ride.

I had firestones on my 3rd gen and I just put another set on my 4th gen. The bags seem to be pretty thick and install easily. Last weekend was the first time i towed with them and I had ~15 psi in them and it made a world of difference

 

[AH64ID]

Any bags to stay away from? I had Airlift 5000 on my 04, but was looking at the 7500s.. I see Pac brake has a new one out, Just thinking that with my 16k 5er and adding the 60gal aux tank, the air bags would give me a better (certainly more level) ride.

Between mine and my dads trucks we have had 4 pairs of Firestones over the last 20+ years. The oldest set was installed in 97 and that rig was in-service until 2019 with well over 300K miles and only had one leak that was the Schrader valve. Of all the sets that was the only leak.

Needless to say I am a fan of Firestone kits.