2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Whitch air lift system to buy......

[Davidcollins]

I would like to install air-bag type load levelers on the rear of my 2000 3500 4wd. When I use my slide in camper the truck drops about 5" and the steering seems a little light. The two questions I have are 1: Will they affect the ride height when empty and 2: what brand is the best. I have looked at Air Lift and Firestone Ride-Rite. Can anyone give an opinion?

 

[TWilkening]

At work, we install the Firestone systems. They are an easy install and seem to work real good. As far as affecting ride height, if you lower the pressure in the bags, the ride height should stay the same.

 

[KBalzuweit]

Sounds like you have a BIG slide in. I used airlift on my old truck, no problems. Go with the onboard compressor and in cab controls with gauge. Depending on road conditions you can adjust the pressure while driving.

 

[SSabick]

try this place www.trex-tech.com/trexairlift.html they sound sweet, but pricey.

 

[KBalzuweit]

Thats just a copy of the system kelderman has. He has been making air lift and air ride systems for years. http://www.keldermanmfg.com/ Check it out.

 

[JeffWhite]

I use the Air Lift Super Dutys and love them. Nothing bad to say about the

others, I just have no experience with them. I will say that Air Lift made a

friend of me when I moved my bags from my previous 3/4 ton Chebby -

I expected to hear that I would have to buy a whole kit just to get the

Dodge brackets, but they will sell direct any parts you want, with instructions...

and act happy to do it! Nice folks! I was also able to take out the 1"

spacers between the axle and bottom spring to lower the rear when

unloaded. I run about 60-70 lbs. of air with the camper, and ride is great.

 

[Dane]

I use the Air Lift Super Dutys also. I've lugged my cabover all over Baja backroads and never had a problem. They really make hauling a cabover much easier. Keep the bags on seperate filler hoses to reduce sway. I found 70lbs air to be the "sweet spot" for my needs.



At home, unloaded just back off the air to 5lbs.

 

[Regcabguy]

I've ran Firestones for years with no problem. Separate fillers are the way to go. I fill mine with a tire pump. They don't hold much volume and the pump is more than adequate. Hellwig sells a stouter(1 1/4") replacement swaybar available at JC Whitney that would help too. Currently they don't clear the Mag-Hytec on a 2nd Gen but I'm working with Tom Frederico on adapting one for us. www.fredericoracing.com

 

[TJany]

we have the firestones on my dads furd... with 300 gallons of fuel that thing squats real bad and drives miserable... with the airbags it helped a lot and we've never had a problem with them, makes driving it almost like its unloaded, it handles a lot better



Tim

 

[Davidcollins]

Thanks to all that answered. Sounds like either Air-Lift or Firestone are good units so I`ll go by price.