I don't like the way the suspension handles a 10,000 lb.+ load with a trailer. The rear end really bounces on my 2500HD but I enjoy the ride empty. I'm worried adding leafs will stiffen the ride so would air bags be my best bet?

thanks,
Justin

you could try those helper leafs that only engage with an additional load. Air bags would ride nice and hold the additonal weight but there expensive.

I would go with the airbags. You can get variable leafs but it still stiffens your suspension

I'd get the air bags. I have the Firestone Ride-rites on mine. They don't seem to affect the empty ride with the pressure at 5 psi, and the truck rides like a cadillac with the gooseneck hitched up and the bags aired up to 60 psi.

The rear bouncing is lack of shock dampening. Get better shocks.

I think you also get bouncing when you bottom the springs. For this, air bags will help.

I always add a leaf or two to help with the load and help with axel wrap. Then install bags for the adjustability. I bet the bags would do you good, and I second replacing your shocks.



beerman

I am looking at Firestone air bags as well. Is the standard duty compressor up to the task of handling 12 trips a year? I figure the heavy duty compressor is more for someone that uses the bags on a daily basis.

Also, where have you guys been putting the gauge / switch? Seems like a good place would be just left of the ash tray in the open hole.

I have the Firstone bags, std compressor, and Bilstein's and they work great when I'm pulling a 10,000 lb 5er. I've had them on my '03 for 2 yrs with no problems. The only thing I don't especially like is the guage mount location (on drivers side console just below dash). The hole nathananders referenced is where my brake controller is mounted. Yes the std compressor will handle 12 trips a year.

I just put Firestone bags on my 02. I have only pulled my 5er 5 or 6 miles but it feels nice plus it sits level now. No more bottoming out on the bump stops when I hit bumps. I didnt get a compressor and still havent decided where I am going to put my valves. 5 psi rides stock.

I recall a post or two (where? when?) where folks that have removed one of the leaf springs (the shortest one, I think) and then added air bags. They claim the ride is superb! I'm right at the 9200 GVW and bilsteins improved my ride immensely. I'm thinking about the remove-leaf-air-bag routine for an even better ride???

Also, where have you guys been putting the gauge / switch? Seems like a good place would be just left of the ash tray in the open hole.

I mounted the gauges and the pneumatic switches for my Firestone bags in the overhead console using a "Trippen mount". Works great and keeps everything tucked out of the way.

I will check out the trippen mount. I ordered my bags and compressor today.

Just curious if the instructions suggest a good place to put the compressor. Is it a good location? If not, where is the best location?

I recall a post or two (where? when?) where folks that have removed one of the leaf springs (the shortest one, I think) and then added air bags. They claim the ride is superb! I'm right at the 9200 GVW and bilsteins improved my ride immensely. I'm thinking about the remove-leaf-air-bag routine for an even better ride???

:exactly: That's my setup and I couldn't be happier. :muahaha: The only disapointing thing about them is that when you air down the bed droops a bit.:( I actually run a lil' more PSI than necessary to give it the higher stance that I prefer and sacrifice a tiny bit of ride quality. It rides better than stock for certain though.

Just curious if the instructions suggest a good place to put the compressor. Is it a good location? If not, where is the best location?

I have my VIAIR 350 compressor mounted on the shelf behind the rear seat on my extended cab. Its a pretty tight fit but I like to keep the compressor inside away from the elements.

i use the firestone airbags as well. i didn't, however, remove the bottom leaf. i also added the bilsteins. it did help tremndously when pulling my 10K + lbs travel trailer around. Plus I have about 2500 lbs of copper and stuff in the bed of the truck all the time.

A compressor is not actually needed. You can air it up and down whenever you want, if you have a portable compressor that plugs in your cig lighter. If you are towing 24/7, I would recommend a compressor setup.

I keep mine set around 45psi due to the 2500 lbs of copper and other materials in the bed of my truck. I keep all the pressure off my leafs. I don't want any premature wear on them.

Good luck with your decision and enjoy your ride.

Airlift bags, Bilsteins and portable compressor. Filling the bags isn't a problem it's remembering to fill the tires (before I hook-up the trailer) that's the problem.

Airlift bags, Bilsteins and portable compressor. Filling the bags isn't a problem it's remembering to fill the tires (before I hook-up the trailer) that's the problem.

:confused: :eek: ):h

At my work we have a bunch of HDs and most of them have the Helper Springs on the cause the dumb people that drive them always destroyed the air bags but for the normal person I am sure thay are fine. All I wil say is depending on what set up of springs you get they are still a lot of $$$$$. We get the ones from GM that look like normal helpers in the fact tha thay have their own stops once they go down so far but the HDs have so much travel in the spings to give them the DARN good ride that when ever I drive them it don't seem to matter how small of a bump you hit the helpers bottem out and your back starts to hurt pretty fast. Now if you have a heavy load on them they don't ride to bad but not neer as good as the air bags and you really can't stand to drive them unloaded with the springs. Just what I have seen and felt, my .02

You certainly have to know your equipments limitations.

The only way I would ever consider changeing the rear suspension is the air ride on the rear and never helper bags. If you will load the truck and never remove the weight it will be ok. Kelderman makes a few different types for the rear but they are not inexpensive. Why spend what the price is on the truck, then skimp on the after market addons and end up with a cheap truck. Spend the money, do it right and be happy with the truck and have a quality set up.

Just my thoughts.

..Preston..