Author Topic: airbag suspension for towing  (Read 12309 times)

M

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airbag suspension for towing
« on: December 23, 2014, 03:34:08 PM »
I love my truck, it has PLENTY of power for what I need it to do, and it rides fantastic.

Only issue I have with it is that it always squats so bad. I had a heavy load over the weekend and I could tell that the bumpstops were hitting the axle when I cross over bumpy bridges.   Other than that, the truck was fantastic.

Since I plan on keeping my truck for a long time, I want to put on air bags in the rear axle.  Will this help with the leveling issue? does anyone have experience with air suspension?

Wingman

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Re: airbag suspension for towing
« Reply #1 on: December 23, 2014, 04:00:36 PM »
Weight distribution hitch?
Retired

M

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Re: airbag suspension for towing
« Reply #2 on: December 23, 2014, 04:52:48 PM »
It does not have one.

I've also put heavy pallets in the bed too, so I think airbags would be my best solution.


mr.mindless

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Re: airbag suspension for towing
« Reply #3 on: December 23, 2014, 04:57:49 PM »
Bags will prop it up.

for heavy tongue weight a WD hitch will actually improve handling as well though. It's closer to a solution than a bandaid - as long as you are not close to max on the trailer axle since it's going to put more weight back on them.
Quote from: etk300ex
oh lord!

JEEPWERX

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Re: airbag suspension for towing
« Reply #4 on: December 23, 2014, 08:28:58 PM »
WD Hitches work great. I've had great experiences with using them.
The new GM trucks seem to have 0 rake from the factory, how much does it squat with just weight in the bed and no trailer ?


M

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Re: airbag suspension for towing
« Reply #5 on: December 24, 2014, 12:20:45 AM »
Thanks, I'll look into a WD setup instead of airbags for better control.

Erik - My truck is leveled, but the squat is so much I can feel it hitting the bumpstops when I go over big bumps (such as expansion joints in older bridges).

With a moderately heavy load in the bed (300-400# or so), it looks like it squats a bit, but thats really mostly because the truck is leveled.

M4wdFab

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Re: airbag suspension for towing
« Reply #6 on: December 24, 2014, 12:28:03 AM »
too much bro not enough tow

M

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Re: airbag suspension for towing
« Reply #7 on: December 24, 2014, 12:29:44 AM »
it's just a 1/2 ton, not a towing machine like yours :)

JEEPWERX

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Re: airbag suspension for towing
« Reply #8 on: December 24, 2014, 09:20:16 AM »
Yea but with no rake in the suspension it's going to bottom out quick with little load in the bed.

400# is nothing, and in older trucks with more factory rake it wasn't as much of an issue even with similar suspension components.

I'd look into the prices of air bag systems also.
I'd say you could find some leveling kits for under 400 clams.

When you said you were loaded I was expecting much more weight.
I haul more than 400 lbs in nails every day.
just busting balls

  http://www.airliftcompany.com/shop/59565/
Nice simple kit with remote fill / deflate chuck.
Or upgrade later and add on board compressor.




KingtheZJ

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Re: airbag suspension for towing
« Reply #9 on: December 24, 2014, 10:03:39 AM »
A little discussion a while ago
http://bb.m4wdfabrications.com/index.php?topic=1308.msg33826#msg33826

I have the Firestone kit in my truck and like it.

JEEPWERX

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Re: airbag suspension for towing
« Reply #10 on: December 24, 2014, 05:55:02 PM »


Wow Gif That's pretty Gangster!
LOL
When did you build that? Pre J truck I assume?

orange anchor

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Re: airbag suspension for towing
« Reply #11 on: December 26, 2014, 07:18:24 AM »
I put air bags in the chevy with a weight distribution hitch towing 10K.  I would have run a road course with that setup. It sat perfect and never swayed.  To be honest most of the time I didn't even run the WDH arms.   The bags did keep the truck level at 35 psi.  and when I forgot after a trip to let air back, I didn't even really notice driving it.   

gif

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Re: airbag suspension for towing
« Reply #12 on: December 27, 2014, 12:25:00 PM »


Wow Gif That's pretty Gangster!
LOL
When did you build that? Pre J truck I assume?

ha,  yes pre J truck, post CJ build.

Mazda 2200 extended cab stuffed  chevy 350/700r4
channeled 4",  firestone 2500 air bags, front / back / side / side ...  P I M P !

in this pic you can see the start of the J truck in the garage.








JEEPWERX

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Re: airbag suspension for towing
« Reply #13 on: December 27, 2014, 01:46:20 PM »
Awesome
But what... no flat screen TV in the bed? LOL
Wish I could have seen that truck. 
Looks cool

gif

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Re: airbag suspension for towing
« Reply #14 on: December 27, 2014, 04:15:14 PM »
Awesome
But what... no flat screen TV in the bed? LOL
Wish I could have seen that truck. 
Looks cool

that was its second life

was a SPL sound off vehicle before that.