What are your thoughts on air shocks?

[7aawilson]

I have a 2006 ranger (4.0 5 speed 4x4), and I've been running Monroe max air shocks on the back of it, which are getting worn and due for replacement. I've heard that air shocks can be long term bad for the shock mounts though so I'm debating if I keep the same ones when i replace the rears. The oem leaf springs are still holding strong at 107k miles, so I generally only run these shocks at 25psi on road unless I load up with something, then I'll bump them between 40-70psi. The frame is rust free so it's not like corrosion is going to destroy the mounts. But what are some of yalls experiences with air shocks and how they behave in the 3rd gen frame? Do the mounts generally hold up well long term? I love how it rides, but if it ain't great for the frame then I'll switch to something else. Currently running rancho rs5000x in the front.

 

[pjtoledo]

when new my 2005 2wd was my work truck, usually with 400 lbs in the bed.
I tried air shocks for a while, didn't really like them.
since the shocks are inboard of the springs I found they introduce a bit of tipsey side to side. at least when loaded.
are you running a common line? when if one side is forced up it pushes air pressure to the other side?
or separate lines where one doesn't affect the other?
I tried both, so-so results.
mount strength? that Ranger now has 383,800 miles on it. sometimes with brutal loads & other abuse.
the original factory mounts are still there.

 

[bobbywalter]

air shocks can be good. i used ....errr still use them and bags....coil bags and rear load bags.


absolutely can cause damage and cracks.


for load handling i tend to make the shocks on the same side of the axle unlike the oem stagger that is trash.

repair damage as it occurs or build in strength when making them symetrical.

generally i just beef up the packs and run bags in the rear.