Air Springs?

[bartkowski]

Anyone have any opinions on air springs to help with a load? Not looking for height just to keep the truck level to help with aerodynamics, I work construction and have a constant 500lbs and it just sags ass all the time, best mpg 16, thought that these might help. any comment, opinions?

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

while leveling the truck does technically help with aerodynamics, i wouldnt look for a noticeable change in your mileage. a better option would be to take whatever is in the bed making the spring sag out.

however, i am a big believer in the benefits air springs can provide. from improved tire wear to proper headlight alignment, keeping your truck level while towing/hauling is important.

another option for beefing up your rear suspension is add-a-leafs, or custom made spring packs.

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

I would suggest the air bags as well, it will also help to keep the steering geometry in line and keep the steering from getting that "light" feeling.

 

[bartkowski]

Thanks for the comments guys. I really wish I could take some of the load out of the back but I pretty much need everything in their, ladder rack w/2 ladders, misc. installation supplies and tools. I'll be picking up a set next week. Anybody know if it is difficult to install, should I be prepared with any specific tools or supplies? Air-Lift is the brand I was looking at because of the Limitted Lifetime warranty.

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

installation is as easy as bolting mounting plates to the axle and frame. basic hand tools should suffice. a drill will probably be required for mounting the bracket that will hold your inflation valves at the rear bumper.

 

[bartkowski]

cool, thank guys!!!

 

[JFA_Spyderman]

Yo,
If the truck is always full, it seems to me that better leaf springs would be less work. No air compressor needed, routing of lines, welding mounts for the bags, etc... Maybe take out your rear blocks put explorer springs in there, and maybe an add-a-leaf.

 

[bobbywalter]

sploder springs wont do shit in this case if you took out the blocks.

i would combine your pack with a b2 pack. it works really well. that or run a splder spring with an aal or some of your leafs. but the airbags are cheaper and easier with the allowance of the stock rate for the occasions when you unload it.





my truck has weighed 8k before with a load of s.s.....and i run 6+ in general before i got a powerstroke. my bed is so beat i try to keep things to a minimum till i get a flat bed on it. then i will go with bags myself.


just make sure you change you diff fluid once a year running loaded like that. i know i tore up alot of 8.8s running loaded all the time, so i finally got fed up and fixed that with a full floater

 

[bartkowski]

thanks for the responses guys, wouldn't of thought of changing the differential fluid that often. I think i will stick to the airsprings due to the cheapness and easiest way out!

 

[bobbywalter]

well, remember. the bearing on the shaft and the shaft do double duty on the regular axles.