Air Suspension on 3500

[NIsaacs]

I agree with the bottom overload comments. Stay off that stiff, short, straight and thick unforgiving sucker at all costs. Once the main spring pack makes full contact with it, all downward movement stops and progressive spring rate goes out the window. It is only good for a top heavy load that might tip sideways too much without it, but otherwise stay off it. My '01 was even worse due to the thick hard rubber puck that was on the tips, I removed them and added a 1" block to the bottom of my 2 upper overloads, they are progressive.

Nick

 

[kthaxton]

The scenario of staying off the overloads makes sense....However, here is a scenario that I envisioned (and disagreed with) that was being claimed when it was initially stated that adding bags would be "less harsh". First, to say "less" harsh, implies a level of harshness already exists.
If one has an empty, leaf sprung DRW 3500 and drives it down a rough road. It's going to be pretty harsh. Now add bags and some air pressure (of your choice) to that same, empty 3500 and drive down that same rough road....it is not going to be less harsh, it will be more harsh.

 

[AH64ID]

The scenario of staying off the overloads makes sense....However, here is a scenario that I envisioned (and disagreed with) that was being claimed when it was initially stated that adding bags would be "less harsh". First, to say "less" harsh, implies a level of harshness already exists.
If one has an empty, leaf sprung DRW 3500 and drives it down a rough road. It's going to be pretty harsh. Now add bags and some air pressure (of your choice) to that same, empty 3500 and drive down that same rough road....it is not going to be less harsh, it will be more harsh.

We were generally speaking about loaded driving, not empty; however, driving empty with 5 psi in the bags won't have an effect on the ride, at least not in my experience. I was unable to feel any difference in the ride without airbags to adding them with minimum pressure. If you decide to drive around with 10+ psi in the bags and an empty truck it's going to be very harsh, and I see lots of people doing this as it's very easy to spot.

 

[Cummins12V98]

First pic 4,500# pin weight stock 11 HO Dually. Second pic same pin but PacBrake bags set to 30# WITH load on. HUGE difference in ride same roads!!!

 

[AH64ID]

View attachment 101123

My dad got to my house last night in his '17 SRW with air assist and it is a little different than this photo.

His '17 only has one 1/2 leaf. The leaf directly under the main pack is a full leaf now, but just like the 2 half leaves it doesn't touch the main leaves until it's squatted around an inch. It was dark last night, but I'll try to get a pic. Otherwise it looks the same.

 

[Cummins12V98]

Pics would be nice!

 

[SnoKing]

Difference between a SRW and DRW?????

 

[Cummins12V98]

I am fairly certain my Son's 3500 SRW is the same as my Dually both are 15's.

 

[AH64ID]

Difference between a SRW and DRW?????

pics to follow shortly, but this looks more robust than the ‘15 suspension.

 

[AH64ID]

Here are some pics

‘17 SRW

 

[SnoKing]

Wow, factory system is looking more like an aftermarket system, with fancy in cab buttons to push. SnoKing

 

[AH64ID]

Wow, factory system is looking more like an aftermarket system, with fancy in cab buttons to push. SnoKing

Aside from the one leaf being full vs a 1/2 leaf I can't see much difference between my dads '17 and Cummins12V98's '15.


I'll "guess" the '15 will ride slightly nicer empty and the '17 will ride slightly nicer loaded, and the '17 should have more stability with a high CG like a slide-in camper.

 

[SnoKing]

I think it could be more correct stated that Ron's 2015 has two full leafs and the 2017 has three full leafs and with the third one being a full thick overload type. SnoKing

 

[AH64ID]

I think it could be more correct stated that Ron's 2015 has two full leafs and the 2017 has three full leafs and with the third one being a full thick overload type. SnoKing

Yes. It’s only going to be used as an overload when in the Alt trailer height, aside from bumps. It looks like it’s just barely engaged in Alt ride height.

Going 80 down the interstate right now in alt ride height. It’s very comfortable.

 

[SnoKing]

We drove 80 for hour after hour in Wyoming and Eastern Utah when we brought the 2015 home from John Elway's dealership in Greeley, Co. Even with the rear leaf springs it road great at high speed. Had them set rear tires at 40 pounds inflation. SnoKing

 

[TCDiesel]

Install July 2013 12PSI I finally added 4 PSI Last NOV. I agree the OE setup is overrated and over priced. I think I paid $269.00 Ride-rite and it took Me 2 Hrs to Install. Ram ditch the Original 2012-13 advertise design.

 

[Cummins12V98]

Took some more pics to compare. Only difference I see is the second spring up instead of stopping at the axle runs back the length of the upper two thin springs.

 

[Cummins12V98]

Not sure why the second spring up is extended on the newer version. I am sure there is a reason or they would not spend the extra $$$. Now mine with the OLD system has had ZERO issues with ride or load carrying. I load to "FULL" RAWR or slightly over every time I tow our 5er. Ride height is maintained with or without a load in ALT ride ht. as shown here with 9,750# on rear tires.

 

[Cummins12V98]

"I agree the OE setup is overrated and over priced"

I would COMPLETELY disagree! I have owned both, on my 11 HO Dually I added the PacBrake kit with on board air and in cab side to side gauges NOT just bags with PITA air ports at the license plate. I spent nearly what it cost me for the factory system for the Pac system .. I have had ZERO issues in 3 years with the factory system that is self adjusting based on load. My Pac system constantly had air leaks with weather changes and an air compressor failed.

So let's have some context to saying the OE is "over priced".