2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Airlift rough ride question, 95 2500 2wd

[JMarsh]

I just purchased a 95 2wd 2500 reg cab, and noticed it had airlift bags on the rear. Been driving a 90 W250 and wanted the 2nd gen for a smother ride for my commute. The problem is the truck bounces worse than my 1st gen. The airlift bags seem to have minimal air in them (5~8 psi). I have the rear tires set to 45 psi, (cooper 245x75 load rating E), and the fronts at 50 psi. The bounce seems to come from the rear, and is a lot worse than the 90. It appears to have the stock replacement shocks (not sure of the brand) and stock springs on it. The rear just seems extremely stiff. Do the airlift bags with minimal air increase the bounce on these trucks. I am thinking about removing them, as I don't plan to haul or tow large abounts weight (I am keeping the 90 for that), but wanted some opinions as to what also may help. I know better shocks will help, and I do plan to do that. I do like the 2nd gen and I am very happy with my new purchase, and this truck is extremely clean for a 95 and a lot quieter than the 90.

 

[moparguy]

J, I don't have any experiance with airbags, but I do know the best thing I've done for our two 3500s is add 500lbs of steel to the back of the bed, that and Rancho 9000s make for a pretty nice ride.



A 12"x12"X1" plate is about 40lbs. You can usually visit a salvage yard and pick up used steel for about half the price of new.



Good luck RJR

 

[Beast2B]

Rather than remove the airbags, why not eliminate the overload springs (or one/some of the thicker shorter leaves towards the bottom of the pack) to soften the ride. You can then use the airbags and better shocks to adjust the ride and capacity if needed.

 

[JMarsh]

It appears that the overload springs were already removed when the airbags were installed. After many searches, I think my first move is going to be install a good set of shocks (bilstein or rancho). The more I drive it I think the shocks are worn out. I don't know how old they are as they were on the truck when I bought it, but they do not look freshly replaced and the truck has 129000 miles on it. Who knows, they may be original.