Anyone running airbags?

[Barry]

Hey guys, any of you running an airbag lift system? My new little 3/4 ton might need some help.

 

[goodguys75]

yes, there great... and i have a 1 ton

 

[AH64ID]

This is my 2nd rig to have them and I wouldn't be without. They improve load handling and keep the level stance which is great for steering, headlights, and looks.

On your 2009 the only difference between a 2500 and 3500SRW is the rear overloads, and on my truck the overloads don't really even come into play until there is 3K lbs in the bed so they are pretty much useless, whereas the bags work great!

I am able to keep them at about 7 psi empty and when I load up the quad and hook up the TT the weight sags the rear suspension enough they get up to about 25 psi and keeps me dead level. I personally prefer to sag about 1-1. 5" to put some more weight on the springs than the airbags, I have found that provides the best ride and handling.

 

[Barry]

Let me see if I can get this thru my Social Security mind. You leave them at 7 PSI but when you put a load on them and they compress, they go to 25 PSI?

 

[Barry]

And if I back under a big LQ horse trailer going to one of my dealers, and my drive axle goes to 7500 lbs. , would I need more air pressure?

 

[AH64ID]

Let me see if I can get this thru my Social Security mind. You leave them at 7 PSI but when you put a load on them and they compress, they go to 25 PSI?

Yes, becuase as you compress the suspension the airbags compress, decreasing the volume and thus raising the pressure in them.

This is also how they help with sway. As the truck rolls in a corner the inside airbag compresses and increases pressure and the outside bag expands and looses pressure. You have added spring capacity to the inside and removed it from the outside and you stay more level than without bags.

And if I back under a big LQ horse trailer going to one of my dealers, and my drive axle goes to 7500 lbs. , would I need more air pressure?

Run as much pressure as you need to get the truck sitting where you want it. I have found that 1. 5" low from empty is the best ride height for handling, cornering, etc.

Don't have the bags at over 50 psi with the truck empty and then hook up the trailer, you could easily exceed the 100 psi max with any decent load. The first time you use the bags measure a fixed point on the truck from the ground, the trailer hitch is what I use. Adjust the bags to 5 psi, and hook up the trailer. Then add air evenly to each side until the truck is 1-1. 5" lower than the empty measurement (or where you want it). Now when you unhook the truck measure the air in the bags, and you have your empty setting for that much tongue weight.

7500lbs axle weight is above stock tire/axle rating, so you may need to look into tougher wheels/tires (if you haven't already)

 

[Barry]

Thanx, that is what I needed to know! BTW, run Rickson's all the way around with load G Michelins... ... ... ... OEMs are for going to the grocery store.



One more thing, what airbag system are you using?



Did you install it yourself?



If so, how long did it take?



Thanx for all your help!



Had 3 helicopters back in the 80s. Most fun I ever had with my clothes on!

 

[AH64ID]

I have the Firestone Ride Rites. I installed them myself and I don't remember it taking more than a couple of hours/beers. It's a pretty easy install, no drilling is required.

http://www.firestoneip.com/site-resources/ride-rite/installation/2299.pdf

Yeah helicopters are a blast!

 

[mhsmith57]

Gentlemen, besides installing the new Firestone Ride Rites in my '05 2500 3/4 QC shtbd, G56, do you recommend new shocks? and if so, what type? thxs

Mark

 

[AH64ID]

I will be adding Bilstein's 5100's in the next year. So far my OEM's are still working fine.

 

[NIsaacs]

I have the Firestone's on the Ford and the '91. I haven't needed them yet on the '01, it has the two leaf overloads and seems to work well up to about 3,000 lbs. Like AH says, only use what air you need to stay level and use very little empty, 5-10 lbs. You wouldn't think so but anymore and you get a harsh ride. Also like AH said, carry a tape and measure every chance you get and you will soon learn how much weight you have by the different measurements. I use the fender wells and top of the tires. They are worth every penny.



Nick

 

[RBellah]

I am getting ready to order some myself. Looks like this place has the best deal and free shipping. Firestone Air Bags, Ride-Rite Air Bag Kits for Truck, Air Spring Suspension

 

[bheiting]

I have the PacBrakes. No problems. Easy to install. Genos sells 'em - they can't be all bad.

 

[GAmes]

I just installed a set of Pacbrake bags on mine. It sure wasn't a 3 hr job, more like 3 days. Pre-existing holes in the frame would have been nice, but both Firestone and Pac require drilling on a 2nd gen. Besides the drilling, my brackets for the 5th wheel hitch were in the way and had to be modified which meant removing bolts that have been exposed to the weather for 14 years.



I haven't towed with them yet, but empty the ride has improved considerably. The reason could be that the rear springs had sagged enough that the Timbens that were on it were always in contact with the stops:-laf



I have heard good things about the remote control for adjusting pressure, but I saved a little money by buying the manual control and gauge that go in the cab. I tapped into the air tank I already had for my air horns, so didn't have to buy a compressor. I also added manual fill ports in case my compressor fails.

 

[MLee]

I did the Pacbrake from Genoe's also. As stated frame not drilled but took a while, not three days. But my research, as I always do, the pac was built a little heavier than the others. Thats why I did the pacbrake brand.

 

[Gonzo 1066]

I have installed the PacBrake bags on 6-7 Dodges. I did mine first and was able to convince others to do the same. Great setup, heavy duty and (on my installs) VERY easy install. I tow a large LQ GN horse style trailer and the bags work great. The truck rides level and handles better.

 

[Barry]

Thanx Gonzo,



I never know what I am going to back under. It might be a big 4Star one day and a little Sundowner the next. The idea of the air bag system has really peaked my interest. I



I know I cannot get under a big Bloomer until I do something. When I buy a bunch of units, I generally call in other trucks and I pull the small ones. But every now and then I have to pull an 8416 with a glideout. Dixie Horse & Mule Co. Horse Trailers for Sale



One more question, how long does it take to read the instructions and then install the bags?

 

[Simplysmn]

If there anything like the Firestone ride rite bag's takes about 2 hour's very simple to install

 

[Gonzo 1066]

My install of the PacBrake bags is in the 1 1/2 to 2 hour range. It really does take longer to read the instructions than to install the bags. IF you do the air compressor and in cab control you will take considerably more time. In the order of 5-6 hours.

 

[Okie-Go]

Is there a slim possibility one of the air bags could blow out like a tire? Would be terrible pulling a big trailer and one fails. It looks like I am coon hunting going down the road at times. Not over-loaded but the head lights shine way out there.

Okie