Air assist shock VS spring assist shock.

[Frenchy]

Im sure this topic has been beaten to death, and i searched the forum rigorously for about 10 minutes trying to find the appropriate thread and i could not locate it, so i apologize in advance. The short story of my situation is that i just baught my ranger for daily travel and towing the boat on weekends. Its an 18' Alumacraft, fully loaded with trailer it comes in around 1800lbs. i wasnt sure how well it would do with the boat till today when i was able to hook up and go for a test spin. Super impressed with how well it actually handled it! The only complaint i really have is that i wish it had some more "Firmness" to the rear end, less squate and a little more weight capability, ridgidity if you would. The rig doesnt feel squirlly around corners at all, but you definitely know that something is there. SO! With all that being said, ive been planning on purchasing either air assited shocks or the coil over shocks to help out with the towing duties. Anyone have first hand experience with these? Is one easier to deal with on a day to day basis? Or is there something else entirely that i dont know about? Thanks for any input!

 

[sgtsandman]

With a leaf spring suspension, it is better to either add helper springs or get heavier rated leaf springs. If you aren't super handy, helper springs would probably be the better choice. They typically bolt right on to your existing leaf springs. Air shocks, while they can work, are not the best solution for dealing with load carrying and using either air shocks or spring assist shocks used on shock mounts not designed for carrying a load is a horrible idea.

 

[bobbywalter]

air bags.



period.

 

[bobbywalter]

softer leafs


air bag...


win....win.

 

[Dirtman]

 

[Frenchy]

Never thought about the helper springs, what a brain fart, ill check some out. bobbywalter, I've thought about airbags haha, but i think ill keep it simple for a bit. if after this season of fishing i dont feel satisfied with whatever i pick, i might just try a set of bags though, I have heard good things bout'm.

 

[Dirtman]

But... did you think about....

 

[Frenchy]

I think about it all the time, where on earth can i get me some blue man-jams like that!? That shits' sexy. My manshakes would bring all the girls to the yard.

 

[bobbywalter]

View attachment 40903

yessss...yes. the air bags must be well matched....and synchronous as possible....

 

[Frenchy]

oh, that's where that was going. well i sure misinterpreted that situation....

 

[Frenchy]

sgtsandman i got a hellwig 983 kit on the way, should have it installed before next weekends trip to the lake. I'll keep everyone posted on the results.

 

[4x4prepper]

> With all that being said, ive been planning on purchasing either air assited shocks

I have air shocks on the B2, it makes the ride "squishy". I had air BAGS on my full sized 4x4 and the ride was great and firm. I tend more towards better and heavier springs if given a choice out of the three. Poly bushings can make a difference too.

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

sgtsandman i got a hellwig 983 kit on the way, should have it installed before next weekends trip to the lake. I'll keep everyone posted on the results.

And he never returned from the lake....

 

[Dirtman]

He's in the basement.

 

[gw33gp]

My opinion on air assisted shocks is, they may provide the lift you want but are not good quality shocks in general. Using the shock mounts is not good either as mentioned before.

I have use add-a-leaf springs and air bags. My first Ranger had both. I put the add-a-leaf springs on first because I had a heavy shell (Wildernest) on the bed and it sagged a lot. That worked well with the shell on but the ride was very stiff without it. Fortunately, it was on most of the time. I tow a race car and the add-a -leaf springs were not enough for that extra weight. That is when I added the air bags. They made the Ranger much more stable and I could level the Ranger even with 800 lbs of racing gear and shell on the bed while towing.

When I bought my current Ranger, The Wildernest shell got transferred to it and I also transferred the air bags to it. I didn't want to deal with the add-a-leaf springs. I didn't want the stiff ride with an empty bed and got tired of having to deal with the spring clamps that came with the add-a-leaf springs. They were not very strong and with all the off-road trips I take, the add-a-leaf springs kept shifting sideways.

Good luck with your choice. Everybody's needs are different. I just described my experience.