I know this has been done, or some of us have been saying, " I need to do this". Has anyone removed the overloads and added air bags to offset the loss?

I am looking for an overall better ride, loaded and unloaded without having to go full "Kelderman" type route. I am thinking that if I removed the overloads and replace it with an air bag setup, I should have smoother action.

I currently bump the overloads when not towing, and I am riding on them 100% when towing my 5er.

Same for me. Been wanting to do that for a year now. I even posted a thread about it. My opinion that's one way to do it. Next is to get some good shocks and see Norcalnick here on DP for those replacement shackles that are rubber mounted and will increase the ride by a huge degree. Been wanting to do the same and just don't have the fund$. Next is to build an on-board air system. I say DO IT! and PM me to give your opinion on the change.

I found Nor-Cal Nick. I already have Bilsteins, so I may try these shackles.


PS be careful googling "Rubber shackles", some sites arent work friendly. :)

Best thing I ever did to the truck was take those damn overloads of and put the airbags on. I did it about 2 years ago and it rides great. I posted a thread on Auguat 2,2007 about how I did it. You can check my old thread.

I took the bump plates off my overloads and I just got back from a 3,000 mile trip towing my fiver at 22,000 GCW. My truck still sits level when towing ang and rides much better towing. Unloaded is no change because the overloads weren't in play. I hope to get new shocks but my poor-boy fix really helped.

remover overloads and lowered 5 " in back ,been running with average 8500 lbs on rear axle

Removed them and 2 other leafs (don't tow much) added air lift bags and love it. However, I have discovered I have a broken main spring where the bushing goes in at the shackle so for the price of a new main leaf I have purchased used air bags from a local semi junk yard (my favorite place to look) and am in the process of fabricating a full air ride system and will be selling my air lift kit when I am done. If there is any interest I will do a full write up on the process (with pics and part #S).
Didn't mean to hyjack the thread (if anyone thinks I am)

Overloads don't play that much of a role without a load ! Try Sulastic Spring hangers and Bilstein 5100's---I did !! Give Nick a call at Nor-Cal !!!!

I appreciate the feedback. I am looking at removing the overloads, possibly dropping a leaf or two and using bags to get back in business.

My truck with it's standard load, bumps the overloads when I am not towing on occasion. With lighter trailer, it bumps often and with the big trailer, they are in contact all the time.

Jim S, did you mount your bags in place of the bumpers? Do you have a picture?

Thanks again guys.

I put bags on and then removed the spring bump stops from the frame. A lot easier than removing a leaf. Also put in 4" drop shackles. Rides a lot better than before. My 5er pin weight is 2840. I keep about 15psi in my Firestones when running empty and kick it up to about 60 when towing.

Running 3400 lbs pin weight from my old 5th wheel was no problem with the stock spring pack, bell tech shackle and no overloads. I never felt the need to add air bags either...

I have been looking it over and the current plan is to remove the lowest leaf in the stack, and the two overloads. I will then put air bags with a compressor on board and tank. This should get me a better unloaded and loaded ride.

I will probably remove the oil temp gauge from my pod, I dont need it anymore, and put an air pressure gauge in place. Could one of you with the Firestone dual needle gauge package tell me what size gauge comes with the package?

If I have to, I will fab up my own compressor/tank and dump system. I know a few people in the pneumatic controls industry, so I would prefer to bleed my bags with a solenoid, as opposed to in the cab.

Thanks again to all the people that have helped.

If you guys are pulling off you factory overload spring packs, I would love to have them. I am looking for the whole set up. I need the spring packs, and the frame brackets as well.

Thanks Tiny

If you guys are pulling off you factory overload spring packs, I would love to have them. I am looking for the whole set up. I need the spring packs, and the frame brackets as well.

Thanks Tiny

I was about to do that...but I need a set of 2500hd springs can you trade?....I need to go softer,but havent bought a set of springs yet.....Thanks Greg

I was about to do that...but I need a set of 2500hd springs can you trade?....I need to go softer,but havent bought a set of springs yet.....Thanks Greg


Nope, can't do it. I don't have 2500 springs, I have 3500 springs. I am looking for the "camper" overloads. They are a seperate spring pack that sits on top of the main stack.

Nope, can't do it. I don't have 2500 springs, I have 3500 springs. I am looking for the "camper" overloads. They are a seperate spring pack that sits on top of the main stack.

How soon do you need them?

I am probably 2 months away from doing the work.

How soon do you need them?

I am probably 2 months away from doing the work.


No rush at all, I just installed air bags. When you are ready hit me up.

If it does not work out on the first set, I have the contact plates and springs available. Shipping from Oregon to California might not be to bad either.

If it does not work out on the first set, I have the contact plates and springs available. Shipping from Oregon to California might not be to bad either.




You got that right! Let me do some checking to make sure it will fit, it should. How did they mount to the axle?

Guys I put on 3" drop shackles, took off the overloads, and had Timbren make a set of their "air springs" that don't come into contact until the truck drops 2 inches. I did have to shim the the axle turning the pinion up 4 degrees to cure a slight vibration at about 60 mph. This works good for me.

Here are a few pictures of mine (factory dually).


http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=89773&stc=1&d=1250393086
http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=89774&stc=1&d=1250393086
http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=89775&stc=1&d=1250393086
http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=89776&stc=1&d=1250393086http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=89777&stc=1&d=1250393086
http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=89778&stc=1&d=1250393450
http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=89779&stc=1&d=1250393450

On my 2500 ccsb I replaced the 2500 spring set with a 1500 spring set and added 2600 lb air ride bags and on board compressor. Requires only 5 lb empty and 30 lb with the fifth wheel for a much improved ride.