Air Bags ? Areu able to run them empty ? - Diesel Forum

jimmyjames4900 · 06-26-2007, 03:14 PM

I have been reading alot of post on everyone with air bags and have found the major con of running air bags is the stiffness in the ride.

Is it possible to run around unloaded with air bags and have no air in them and still achieve the somewhat stock ride?

STurbo90 · 06-26-2007, 03:16 PM

I believe that minimum of 5 psi is required at all times so the bag doesn't fold over and rub a hole in its side.

The_Dude · 06-26-2007, 03:19 PM

My airbags rubbed a hole even with 5 lbs. The installer said a bolt rubbed the hole and replaced free of charge after grinding down the bolt. He told me to run at least 20 lbs. What I've noticed is, that even when empty, the airbags (Firestone ride rites) have a spacer in them which takes away all of the lower travel of the stock suspension, so you really can't ever get a stock ride.

jimmyjames4900 · 06-26-2007, 03:42 PM

Thanks, that is what I was expecting.

And I guess that the Firestone air bags are probably the best, seems like everyone is running them.

Either way sounds like I am going to have to get a set and try them out.

Djc94 · 06-26-2007, 05:45 PM

I've been running the Firestones for over a year without any problems. I keep a minimum of 10 psi in them and it rides alright. Remember, this is 3/4 ton truck and was never meant to ride like a luxury car.

haul_n_horses2 · 06-26-2007, 06:01 PM

[ QUOTE ]
My airbags rubbed a hole even with 5 lbs. The installer said a bolt rubbed the hole and replaced free of charge after grinding down the bolt. He told me to run at least 20 lbs. What I've noticed is, that even when empty, the airbags (Firestone ride rites) have a spacer in them which takes away all of the lower travel of the stock suspension, so you really can't ever get a stock ride.

[/ QUOTE ]Air down your tires. My dually could be holding the axle weight at 35 psi but I won't air down that low. I run 40 psi rear and it is smoother than a luxury car. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif[/img]

jimmyjames4900 · 06-26-2007, 08:07 PM

yea I would expect this truck to ride like a car,

just trying to figure out how rough it will be.

Had a jeep and installed a PROCOMP lift on there, and the sh&* was so still the shocks never ever once compressed. the springs would not let them.

So I will do all my research before I ever do anything with suspension again.

thanks for all the info

by the way will never buy anything with procomp name on it again...they lied to me

Btravelen · 06-28-2007, 12:08 AM

[ QUOTE ]
....And I guess that the Firestone air bags are probably the best, seems like everyone is running them....

[/ QUOTE ]

Don't believe it. Lots of folks use Air Lifts, also. I've had mine on two vehicles since '01 w/o a problem.

Firestone brought you the biggest tire recall in years. (ever?) [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

Take Care

sandfun · 06-28-2007, 01:52 PM

i know a guy who ...when running empty he removes the valve cores....so when the suspension is moveing his bags act like a shock absorber....suck and blow

johnfjensen · 07-02-2007, 10:51 PM

I run with no air in mine all the time with no problems.

I don't air them up until I attach my boat or travel trailer or load the bed heavy.

bayou49 · 07-13-2007, 01:04 AM

Mine has a sensor that kick's the compressor on if you deflate more than 5 psi.And my truck is a 01 3/4 ton supercab with a 7.3 and rides like a brick unless I have 300# or more in the truck. I put reflex shock's on a 17K,didn't help,then air bags which didn't help either even a 5psi. And I have Goodyear wrangler tires which didn't help the ride either. Like the truck, hate the ride.

haul_n_horses2 · 07-13-2007, 07:17 AM

Hey Bro', What are the inflation pressures in your tires?

96STROKE · 07-15-2007, 10:49 AM

I agree that tire pressure affects ride more than anything. You must inflate tires AS well as the air bags to the load you are carrying, and you will be more than happy with the ride of a superduty truck. (no it will never ride like a car, but it was never supposed to either)

I air down the rear tires to 40psi when empty and depending on load, upto 70-80. Air bags 5-10 empty and 15-50 depending on load. This is what works for me and I think it rides great.