Air Bags

SkyBound · 12-16-2014, 09:02 AM

In the new year I'm thinking of adding some rear suspension help. Not sure that I'm going to need it, but have a feeling that I might. I'm interested in either RoadMaster Active Suspension or a set of quality air bags such as Firestone RideRite.

IF I went the air bag route, I need to know if the stock kit will work with my truck. I swapped out the factory 1in rear block between the leafs and axle for a 2in block... Will the bags still fit in there OK or do I have to do something more to account for the extra inch of lift? Firestone won't return my calls...

Camper_bob · 12-16-2014, 09:20 AM

I installed RAS last year on my truck, and I really like it. I chose it over air bags because it is truly a passive system; it's there when I need it under load, and since it is a progressive system, the empty handling is significantly improved. No air bags to inflate/deflate as the circumstances change, no air lines to run for installation, just excellent bolt-on performance, easy!

SkyBound · 12-16-2014, 09:26 AM

Did it affect the unloaded ride height of the rear end? I've got my truck leveled out just perfectly and love the way it sits with 1in of rake... I don't want to have the back end jacked up again like it was stock.

Camper_bob · 12-16-2014, 10:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SkyBound

Did it affect the unloaded ride height of the rear end? I've got my truck leveled out just perfectly and love the way it sits with 1in of rake... I don't want to have the back end jacked up again like it was stock.

Mine LOOKS a little higher in the rear. I have a buddy who has the same truck and his is bone stock, but I've never actually measured if there is a difference. If it does sit higher unloaded, it's not much. I don't concern myself with it being level when unloaded, mine drops a bit when I load it down, and it rides nice and level.

Seann45 · 12-16-2014, 10:46 AM

Give Nancy at Helwig Spring a call.. She has personally installed every item they sell on a vehicle so that she will know what she is talking about when answering questions. I would include her direct line 800 number but her card is 2000 miles away right now. If you talk to her tell her Seann from Saskatoon Canada says HI. I got my airbags from her...

Camper_bob · 12-16-2014, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Seann45

Give Nancy at Helwig Spring a call.. She has personally installed every item they sell on a vehicle so that she will know what she is talking about when answering questions. I would include her direct line 800 number but her card is 2000 miles away right now. If you talk to her tell her Seann from Saskatoon Canada says HI. I got my airbags from her...

Helwig has some springs that act very much like the RAS. Very much like an "add-a-leaf" system (Helwig Pro Series IIRC, http://www.hellwigproducts.com/produ...ol/pro-series/).

Helwig almost got my money; that is to say I had it narrowed down to the RAS and Helwig Pro Series system, and basically ended up flipping a coin. RAS was SLIGHTLY more desirable because it has SOME adjustment to it. Though I tried the "lesser" setting and it didn't do me much good, I ended up going up to the maximum support adjustment.

33 RLDS · 12-16-2014, 12:36 PM

I have the Firestone bags on my 2500 Avalanche. Didn't need them for the weight, I had them on my 1500 Avalanche and noticed they help keep the rig stable. You would think air bags would make it more bouncy but I find just the opposite to be true.

SkyBound · 12-16-2014, 01:19 PM

I'm leaning towards the bags for the ability to customize ride height and stiffness and not affect the rear end ride height. That being said, any more ideas on the issue of the larger rear lift block?

Camper_bob · 12-16-2014, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SkyBound

I'm leaning towards the bags for the ability to customize ride height and stiffness and not affect the rear end ride height. That being said, any more ideas on the issue of the larger rear lift block?

Like Timbrens?

http://timbren.com/

SkyBound · 12-16-2014, 02:54 PM

The issue with Timbrens on my truck is that they will require an extra inch of squat before they become effective. On a stock 4X4 let's say there is 1in gap between the Timbrens and axle... Truck squats 1in, Timbrens are in contact. My truck is an extra inch higher in the back, so there is now a 2in gap between axle and Timbren... Truck must squat 2in before Timbrens are in contact. This is why I'm thinking bags are best.

spoon059 · 12-16-2014, 03:22 PM

What vehicle is it for and what problem are you trying to solve?

SkyBound · 12-16-2014, 03:27 PM

2013 F150 4X4 with larger rear lift block in rear

Want to install air bags, don't know if extra inch of lift will allow bags to be installed normally or if some custom install is needed.

Ustabslim · 12-16-2014, 05:43 PM

You won't need the extra lift block with air bags. They will replace the block. On my last truck I aired up to around 20 pounds when towing and down to 10 when empty. Just add or release to level truck. I don't need with the tongue pull. I needed with the fiver.

Jim · 02-07-2015, 07:39 AM

I have a 2007 Ford Expedition Limited and am considering adding air bags to assist in my rear suspension while towing. I have no issues when not towing but my issue when hooked up to my TT is the rear suspension is just too soft and my truck does not ride level as it should. I am just beginning my research but the main vendors out there seem to be Firestone, Air Lift, and Hellwig. I also see there seem to be two main types..manually adjusting the air pressure via external valves or an onboard system operated from inside the truck. Recommendation from my RV dealer was to opt for Air Bags over other options. Mainly for the ride I would get when not towing. Looking for anyone's experience and what manufacturer you recommend.

Ustabslim · 02-07-2015, 07:51 AM

First the manual are better for me..I'v tried both. I have no problems with the Firestones and in looking i really think the others are just rebranded Firestones.

Twistzz · 02-07-2015, 11:13 AM

Put some spacers in the Timbrens and your good to go. I like mine allot with no maintenance or leak issues.

muelldawg · 02-07-2015, 01:52 PM

Manual fill air bags have worked well for us and are quite a bit less expensive than the other choice. We have a very small $25 air compressor we carry.

**norty1** · 02-07-2015, 06:44 PM

I had airbags on my last truck and Timbrens on this one.
prefer the Timbrens, they are there and don't need me to adjust, check pressure or worry if they are flat and pinched. I priced the airbags with a compressor built in and did not want to spent the extra $$$.

Completely happy with Timbrens.

Ustabslim · 02-07-2015, 07:19 PM

I have had overload springs and air bags. I loved the air bags and if installed properly leak no worse than a tire. I'm able to firm up for loads and soften up when unloaded and it serves as a leveling devise as well.

Jim · 02-08-2015, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by norty1

I had airbags on my last truck and Timbrens on this one.
prefer the Timbrens, they are there and don't need me to adjust, check pressure or worry if they are flat and pinched. I priced the airbags with a compressor built in and did not want to spent the extra $$$.

Completely happy with Timbrens.

Right now I am looking at all options but glad to have some feedback on the Timbrens... Thanks,

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