Anyone running rear air bags?
 

Friends,

My Cummins usually has a load in the back but I still wouldn't mind a softer rear ride over city roads. Has anyone installed rear airbags and removed a leaf or two? I have a 2wd and it rides real nice in the front. I think if I pulled a leaf or two from the rear pack but added air bags I would have a nice soft ride and I could pump up the air bags when I load it down. Any thoughts on how much better the ride can get and how it will handle weight? I have a stock motor and I don't want to modify it so with stock power will I get axle wrap if I remove a leaf or two and add the air bags?

air bags
 

i have a 91 with airbags and i love them.

Any details?

You will get axle wrap if you take leaves out.

I'm running airbags but it makes the ride worse. :w2:

im running the kelderman airride where the rear shackles and spring hangers are replaced by a airbag. nice and cushy .:tu:

I wish I could afford that!


So even if I remove a single thicker leaf I am going to get axle wrap? I hate axle wrap.

My dad did the exact thing you mentioned on his chevy pickup and while it made it ride a lot softer, he experienced axle wrap. However, the axle wrap subsided considerably once he corrected the axle vs. driveline angles. Also worth mentioning is he just left 3 leaves per side. My recommendation would be to just try it out and let us know how it works. If you do get axle wrap, you might have to correct your axle to driveline angles with some wedges. Also, there are ways to get rid of axle wrap such as installing traction / ladder bars.

i use the airbags on my 91 dodge cummins to help it hold the loads i haul i leave about 5 pounds when i'm unloaded and it rides like it did when i had just leaf springs.

My truck has 7 springs on all 4 corners, it rides like a hay wagon. :s:


I just put Riderights on it last week to handle my camper but i shure
would like to take out a spring or two to make it ride a little better
unloaded.


Attachment 40919


Darwin

the day i get a nice dually ill link the rear and bag it....not for the lowrider look but for this exact issue of stiff riding leafs, the negative part is the wrap....links will fix that
you could easily add a traction bar after pulling leafs
i will also add that a longer shackle may help soften the rear by letting the leaf stretch out more

That is a heck of a truck Dar :tu:

- Ryan

I have double convoluted airbags on my '01, and they are great. I still have all my leafs as well. Only takes 35psi to level the truck after the holiday trailer is hooked up. Doesn't ride any worse either, better if anything.