Airbags installed...what a difference!
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 6,180
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From: Georgia
Airbags installed...what a difference!
Today I finally installed the Firestone Ride-Rites that I had purchased 8 months ago. WOW! What a difference on my dually. At 12 PSI the ride has significantly improved...and that is unloaded. Not that it rode harsh or badly before, but now it rides like a dream. Hopeful to get the Viair system installed later this week and then can hardly wait to see how she tows with the 5er hooked up! I should have installed them when I bought them!
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2008
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From: Georgia
I didn't have any problems until I reconfigured my B&W hitch to the rear most setup. I have a long bed and the pin actually sits about 2" rearward of the axle center. I did this so I could open my tool box with my custom pinbox bike rack loaded with bikes. I (25 years in public safety) can't stand not being able to access my other fire extinguisher(and fuel additive).
This is what I am talking about.
If you notice, the receiver has a second level to it now than in the bottom pic. The bikes are higher now with no bed clearance issues, but tool box issues. The 5er pulls great with the current setup as long as I am on pavement. It is a different story however when I hit the expansion joints on the interstate. Much worse than before, thus the addition of airbags!
This is what I am talking about.
If you notice, the receiver has a second level to it now than in the bottom pic. The bikes are higher now with no bed clearance issues, but tool box issues. The 5er pulls great with the current setup as long as I am on pavement. It is a different story however when I hit the expansion joints on the interstate. Much worse than before, thus the addition of airbags!
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2008
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From: Georgia
Exactly! You know how these things bounce around. The bikes ride as smooth as the top of the Ford's bed rails. They won't move. Plus, depending if you get a hanging bike rack, the lower receiver has plenty of clearance for a short bed truck. You just have to ratchet strap the bikes back to the upright to keep them from swinging forward on a sudden stop and turn. The receiver I made costs under $50!!! The rack was $139.
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Joined: Mar 2005
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So back on topic, you're saying unloaded @ 12 psi the ride is much improved? I was researching removing springs from the leafs, or going with deavers, and then using bags for towing, but you're saying it helped quite a bit unloaded? I have a SRW fx4 CC, and would love to improve my ride!
What kit did you buy and from where?
THANKS! GREAT INFO!
What kit did you buy and from where?
THANKS! GREAT INFO!
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2008
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From: Georgia
Yes, it improved the ride drastically. Back when I ordered the kit, I ordered it from JEGS Performance Auto Parts - Holley - Billet Specialties - Edelbrock - MSD - Moroso - Mr Gasket. At the time they had the lowest price which I believe was $249 with free shipping IIRC. I have a B&W Turnover Ball and Companion hitch so I got the Firestone Ride-Rite 2450 kit for '08-'10 F350 4x4 trucks with an in-bed hitch. It was a no drill kit that went on in about 3 hours. Could've been faster but I had a couple of breaks in there. The minimum pressure you should keep in them is 5 PSI. So I just experimented and put in 10-12 PSI. And like I said, what a difference. With the dually, you would get some harsh bumps which are all gone now(unless you cross a speed bump quickly). My dad even commented on how well it rode, and we both thought it rode fantastic before! You do notice that it raises the rear slightly and has a 'firmer' ride without the harshness. I should've put them on the day they came in back in November. My Viair 10007 kit should be here tomorrow or so, can't wait to get that on now!
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2008
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From: Georgia
Update!
Towed the 5er to the dealership this morning to get some final warranty work done on it. I cannot believe the difference the airbags made. Even the interstate expansion joints did not bother the truck at all. Very pleased with the Ride-Rites.
Oh looky at what the shipping lady just brought me!
You would know I have to work the next several days.
Oh looky at what the shipping lady just brought me!
You would know I have to work the next several days.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2008
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From: Georgia
As I searched this forum, I had been looking for ways to stop the 'drive line shudder' that most of us feel as we accelerate with heavy loads in the bed. Well, aside from the truck riding a lot better, the shudder is gone. I have just over 2800 lbs in the bed while pulling my 5er. Did the truck really need airbags? In a word MAYBE. It sat level with the trailer hitched up, pulled fine and didn't bounce all that much and had the drive line shudder. Now I know what all you guys have been talking about in the threads. You don't necessarily NEED airbags, but boy are they nice when you opt for them. I thought, no way man, I have a dually. They have eliminated the shudder completely. I should have installed them a while ago. If you are considering airbags, they are worth it in my opinion.
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From: Frederick, MD
As I searched this forum, I had been looking for ways to stop the 'drive line shudder' that most of us feel as we accelerate with heavy loads in the bed. Well, aside from the truck riding a lot better, the shudder is gone. I have just over 2800 lbs in the bed while pulling my 5er. Did the truck really need airbags? In a word MAYBE. It sat level with the trailer hitched up, pulled fine and didn't bounce all that much and had the drive line shudder. Now I know what all you guys have been talking about in the threads. You don't necessarily NEED airbags, but boy are they nice when you opt for them. I thought, no way man, I have a dually. They have eliminated the shudder completely. I should have installed them a while ago. If you are considering airbags, they are worth it in my opinion.
SPONSOR
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 543
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From: Michigan
I'm glad to see others enjoying the addition of air bags. It is one of those items that many could advantage from but it's hard to sell someone on it until they almost need a bigger truck.
What kind of Viair system did you get? Is it specifically designed for air bags or will you still need to add in valves and gauges?
What kind of Viair system did you get? Is it specifically designed for air bags or will you still need to add in valves and gauges?
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Joined: Dec 2009
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From: Ohio
So back on topic, you're saying unloaded @ 12 psi the ride is much improved? I was researching removing springs from the leafs, or going with deavers, and then using bags for towing, but you're saying it helped quite a bit unloaded? I have a SRW fx4 CC, and would love to improve my ride!
What kit did you buy and from where?
THANKS! GREAT INFO!
What kit did you buy and from where?
THANKS! GREAT INFO!
I'm having a hard time wrapping my head around this one. I can't see how adding airbags could improve unloaded ride, at least in a suspension system that's functioning properly in the first place.
It seems to me the airbag system is essentially stiffening up the suspension and how that would translate into improved ride is eluding me. I know if I have anything much beyond the minimum 5psi in mine the ride turns into the axle being solidly welded to the frame. IOW, harsh to say the least. If I forget to let it reset after I unhook the fiver, that sucker can launch you into orbit if I hit a substantial bump.
Thread Starter
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 6,180
Likes: 83
From: Georgia
I'm glad to see others enjoying the addition of air bags. It is one of those items that many could advantage from but it's hard to sell someone on it until they almost need a bigger truck.
What kind of Viair system did you get? Is it specifically designed for air bags or will you still need to add in valves and gauges?
What kind of Viair system did you get? Is it specifically designed for air bags or will you still need to add in valves and gauges?
Thread Starter
|
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 6,180
Likes: 83
From: Georgia
I'm having a hard time wrapping my head around this one. I can't see how adding airbags could improve unloaded ride, at least in a suspension system that's functioning properly in the first place.
It seems to me the airbag system is essentially stiffening up the suspension and how that would translate into improved ride is eluding me. I know if I have anything much beyond the minimum 5psi in mine the ride turns into the axle being solidly welded to the frame. IOW, harsh to say the least. If I forget to let it reset after I unhook the fiver, that sucker can launch you into orbit if I hit a substantial bump.
It seems to me the airbag system is essentially stiffening up the suspension and how that would translate into improved ride is eluding me. I know if I have anything much beyond the minimum 5psi in mine the ride turns into the axle being solidly welded to the frame. IOW, harsh to say the least. If I forget to let it reset after I unhook the fiver, that sucker can launch you into orbit if I hit a substantial bump.
SPONSOR
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 543
Likes: 0
From: Michigan
Some people really notice the 5psi minimum, while others like to have slightly more such as golfmedik. I think it comes down to the vehicle and really what the driver enjoys. Some want a very cushy "Cadillac" ride while others like the feeling of stability. From seeing many people post about it it's still hard to explain, really just boils down to preference.