Looking for info on airbags or leaf spring helpers

[300000 and counting]

I tow just about every weekend and they are usually pretty decent sized loads, which I think suspension isn't heavy enough for. Usually when loaded I have about an inch of travel before the bump stops hit, I was thinking of replacing the factory helper with airbags which would have to be wirelessy controlled or replacing it with a leaf pack with maybe 3 springs instead of just one. I like the idea of the added leaf because nothing can go wrong and it's A LOT cheaper, but I hear the airbags give you a nice ride and I like the fact that it's an adjustable system. What are you guys thoughts? And if like to see some pictures of your setups.

A little back ground to, my truck is a f350 it has 5" PMF blocks with the bump tag, 3/4" u-bolts, and a B&W turnover hitch in the bed.

The leaf P&J would look like this

 

[2006.1f250]

I use these when I have the 4500lb camper in the truck. The truck only squatted an inch. I did add airbags to level it out when I have the trailer hooked up.

http://www.torklift.com/index.php/products/suspension/stableload

 

[300000 and counting]

Does it hurt the ride quality at all? Being that the helpers hit sooner. I think I would rather ad something extra.

Also for guys commenting I had timberline so that's is out.

 

[2006.1f250]

Does it hurt the ride quality at all? Being that the helpers hit sooner. I think I would rather ad something extra.

Also for guys commenting I had timberline so that's is out.

Yes it does. I pull them out when I'm unloaded. It doesn't take long to remove the uppers and disengage the lowers. Will be loading the camper up this weekend and just using the bags. I want to see how the truck does with only bag use.

 

[300000 and counting]

I tow and DD way to much to be pulling them out

 

[2006.1f250]

I tow and DD way to much to be pulling them out

Understandable, they're not for everyone. In your situation, I'd look into airbags.

 

[300000 and counting]

Anybody else have input

 

[FlatbedCowboy]

Air bags is the only way to go. I haven't got any yet but that's what im saving for. There are several manufacturers.

You can get just the bags and mounts and manually inflate and deflate them, then save up and get an onboard aircompressor. Then you can get a deal that splits the lines and you can inflate or deflate each side individually. For me I am thinking all I really need is the manual adjust ones, but the onboard air would be nice.

Im thinking about Firestone bags myself.

 

[300000 and counting]

I had the trailer on and off three times this weekend alone, I would have to have the on board air

 

[gnxtc2]

I have a B&W GN Turnover Ball with Firestone Airbags controlled with the Airlift Wireless Airbag controller.

The Wireless Controller is the way to go. Prior to getting the wireless controller, I manually filled the bags....PITA. Got the wireless controller, came with a small compressor which inflates/deflates the bags as needed. With the trailer hooked up, I program it to 85 lbs and empty to 5lbs. The airbags take the "snap" when you hit a bump/expansion joint.

I have 5" traction blocks. Rear springs are SD "C" codes which are from a dually.

Billy T.
[email protected]

 

[bigrpowr]

sold some firestone's today. let me know if i can help. have some on my green 6.4 and love them .

 

[tbsimmons]

I have air bags in the dually and they work great. I used the normal gauges mounted that I took apart and mounted into the dash to the left of the cluster. I would add an air chuck to air up tires and such, has come in handy. Works great.
Compressor, upgrade to a minimum 5 gal tank and you are good to go.

 

[tbsimmons]

You can see the gauge in this pic. The control is right below it.

 

[lincolnlocker]

this is what I use.. no ride difference unless on a rough gravel road. firestones version of the timbrens..

live life full throttle

 

[300000 and counting]

I called about air bags from my local truck parts place and the want $369 for Firestone bags and $369 for the airlift wireless system. I feel like there has to be a better way and not spend $740

 

[300000 and counting]

I have a B&W GN Turnover Ball with Firestone Airbags controlled with the Airlift Wireless Airbag controller.

The Wireless Controller is the way to go. Prior to getting the wireless controller, I manually filled the bags....PITA. Got the wireless controller, came with a small compressor which inflates/deflates the bags as needed. With the trailer hooked up, I program it to 85 lbs and empty to 5lbs. The airbags take the "snap" when you hit a bump/expansion joint.

I have 5" traction blocks. Rear springs are SD "C" codes which are from a dually.

Billy T.
[email protected]

Are there just two settings? Stock and loaded? Also are those just the universal bag or are the made for that truck?

 

[gnxtc2]

Are there just two settings?

There are two preset settings which the user programs. You can set the air pressure from 5lbs-100lbs. I use one pre-setting for empty (5lbs) and the other for loaded (85lbs). The 5lb setting is the minimum pressure recommended by Firestone.

Stock and loaded? Also are those just the universal bag or are the made for that truck?

Made for the truck.

Billy T.
[email protected]

 

[lincolnlocker]

I called about air bags from my local truck parts place and the want $369 for Firestone bags and $369 for the airlift wireless system. I feel like there has to be a better way and not spend $740

the actual kit for my setup is like 150 bucks.. i have 90ish into mine.

live life full throttle

 

[300000 and counting]

the actual kit for my setup is like 150 bucks.. i have 90ish into mine.

live life full throttle

I no they are cheaper but I really don't like them, they came on my old truck and it rose extremely ruff, when I took the out it helped the ride quality a lot.

 

[lincolnlocker]

I no they are cheaper but I really don't like them, they came on my old truck and it rose extremely ruff, when I took the out it helped the ride quality a lot.

these are softer then the timbrens and i have a inch of room before they hit.. but i hear man.. just a cheaper alternative to me..

live life full throttle