OEM Air Bags

[Cliffman]

2020 Laramie Longhorn. What do the Air Bags Actually Do? Do they help with the unloaded ride comfort or do they just keep the truck level when loaded?

 

[Hoefler]

They actually carry the load. The springs keep the rear axle in alignment and keep the axle from wrapping under torque

 

[Cummins12V98]

Much better loaded and unloaded ride.

 

[AH64ID]

They improve the ride and handling empty and loaded, it’s a fantastic system.

Do you have a 2500 or 3500?

 

[Cliffman]

They improve the ride and handling empty and loaded, it’s a fantastic system.

Do you have a 2500 or 3500?

3500 Thanks!

 

[AH64ID]

3500 Thanks!

It has main leaf springs, overload springs, and the airbags.

In normal ride height the truck rides on the main leaves and the airbags get inflated/deflated to maintain that ride height. Statically the airbags carry all the payload weight.

In alternate ride height the truck lowers approx 1” at the axle, and rests on the overload springs. The airbags then get inflated/deflated to maintain that lower ride height. Statically the airbags carry all the payload weight. The overloads provide a lot more cornering stability and roll control, which is why I recommend always using ALT when towing or hauling anything heavy. It does take 500-750 lbs of payload to engage alternate ride height on the 3500’s. There is a minimum pressure the bags can be inflated to so when you have insufficient payload the truck (such as unhooking a trailer) will go back into normal mode when you cycle the ignition.

I have found normal to have the best ride at lighter loads and alternate to ride and handle better with 1500lbs or more of payload.

 

[Hoefler]

No overloads with factory air, only 2 main leafs

 

[NIsaacs]

No overloads with factory air, only 2 main leafs

I think John is talking about the bottom overloads.

#ad

 

[AH64ID]

No overloads with factory air, only 2 main leafs

Yes there are, just different overloads than the non air trucks. They are on bottom, and massive. 2 overload leafs forward of the axle and 1 overload leaf aft of the axle. There is a total of 4 springs per side.

 

[Turbo Terry]

Also I think air bags are thought to lift the rear end up and transfer weight forward and make the vehicle steer and stop better at the front. Also headlights not shining up. But most of that is somewhat untrue. It makes the truck level but really it can’t transfer much weight forward I don’t think

 

[AH64ID]

It doesn't transfer any weight forward, but it does help with headlight aim.

 

[Turbo Terry]

I ran my firestones at max 100 psi mostly to keep the air bags from squashing over and to keep them round. 3 k camper and 200 lbs tongue weight trailer seemed to do well I was level as well