So I got my new firestone ride rite air bags installed with the firestone compressor. The problem is now the truck is pretty bouncy when empty no matter what pressure I run in the bags. I am starting to wonder if the shocks cant handle the extra bounce from having the air bags, Did anyone else notice this problem and if so what was the fix..

 

Do you have a manual gauge or the wireless one?

 

Can't say if it is a shock issue, but I have always had to air down when running empty or my truck felt bouncy on everything I have used air bags on.

Steve

 

I have a manual one that I built myself. I used a air compressor block with 6 ports. I have the gauge the line out to the bags and the pop off valve on that block. I also installed a fill line on the back bumper to fill the bags if I need to and also to hook a air hose to if I need air for anything else. I have a switch under the hood to inflate and I use the pop off to deflate all while watching the pressure gauge. It isn't as sweet as having the in cab system but it was a lot cheaper and works really well for me.

 

I never had a problem with my Air Lift 5000 bags, ran them at the lowest recommended 5 psi when empty and never above 45 psi when towing the 5th wheel. Shouldn't be "bouncy" at all. What kind of shocks do you have and how old are they?

 

I too wonder if the current shocks are the problem. No issues here after last two trucks with air bags. No bounce.

 

I didn't have any bounce running them on lowest pressure. It is hard to see how the bags can have any significant effect when at lowest pressure.

Steve

 

I have no bounce with my Firestone's unless I forget to drop the air pressure to 10 pounds or less unloaded. I do have good shocks as the less then great Ford's were 'all in' long ago and replaced a few weeks before the bags were installed.

 

I ran 5 lbs in my bags when empty.


This does sound like shocks might be an issue

 

I have the ford rancho FX4 shocks and they are about 4 years old..

 

I take the lower bolt off the shocks and see how they are.

 

Good thought, I will check them out.

 

My now gone '06 had the Ford FX4 Ranchos. At 38K miles decided they were shot. Took them off and stood them in a garage corner waiting their last trip --- to the dump. 3 of the four collapsed to the minimum height. On went a set of Bilsteins. The current truck has KYB and to my way of thinking, just as good at a bunch less dollars then the Bilsteins.

 

I run the air bags at 10psi when empty with no bounce. I'm wondering if the tires on your truck are at max psi and causing the bounce. Just a thought.

 

Empty I am running 40 psi in the rear tires, when I get time I am going to check the shocks..