Timbren vs. Air Rite on rear
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Joined: Apr 2006
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From: Alta Loma, CA
With as light a load as you run, I'd go with the Timbrens....
BUT, you mentioned you want to be off the factory overload, and if you don't get rid of the factory overload you WILL be on them regardless. Bags,Timbrens, whatever, the facory overload starts to ramp up the rear spring rate about an inch into the travel.
Whatever you do, you should look at getting some overload replacement mini-packs as these are KEY to balancing the feel of the suspension. If you don't loose the overload, the spring rate ramps up to a CRAZY rate almost instanly, and this rate is usually higher than the Timbren/bag with low pressure.
Also, it's not hard to make a quick disconnect setup for the timbrens, and you can also choose some more "squishy" bumpers if you like from them.
I really don't like airbags, as they will increase the spring rate no matter how much pressure you have in them since they have such a small static volume, and my trucks get set up to run good in the rough. If you mostly tow with the truck, bags are great. Also, most of the ones I've seen will limit droop as the installed height is fairly close to the max height.
For a good empty ride you need a nice linear rate, and most airbag setups ramp up too fast for my personal taste..
My truck will have quick disconnect light rate Timbrens very soon..
The ultimate setup is building a seperate bump/arm which an airbag is attached to, and have this bump/arm come down and rest on the axle when you pump it up. When deflated, a return spring will suck the bag up out of the way... Future project...
-Don
BUT, you mentioned you want to be off the factory overload, and if you don't get rid of the factory overload you WILL be on them regardless. Bags,Timbrens, whatever, the facory overload starts to ramp up the rear spring rate about an inch into the travel.
Whatever you do, you should look at getting some overload replacement mini-packs as these are KEY to balancing the feel of the suspension. If you don't loose the overload, the spring rate ramps up to a CRAZY rate almost instanly, and this rate is usually higher than the Timbren/bag with low pressure.
Also, it's not hard to make a quick disconnect setup for the timbrens, and you can also choose some more "squishy" bumpers if you like from them.
I really don't like airbags, as they will increase the spring rate no matter how much pressure you have in them since they have such a small static volume, and my trucks get set up to run good in the rough. If you mostly tow with the truck, bags are great. Also, most of the ones I've seen will limit droop as the installed height is fairly close to the max height.
For a good empty ride you need a nice linear rate, and most airbag setups ramp up too fast for my personal taste..
My truck will have quick disconnect light rate Timbrens very soon..
The ultimate setup is building a seperate bump/arm which an airbag is attached to, and have this bump/arm come down and rest on the axle when you pump it up. When deflated, a return spring will suck the bag up out of the way... Future project...
-Don
When you have those Timbren disconnects done let me know. I'm buying a 5th wheel toyhauler soon and figure I'll be needing a set.
Thanks!
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Joined: Oct 2006
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From: Sherwood, OR
Everyone has made some VERY excellent points. Thanks DTR this is why I posted here.
WOW, I kind of feel cool that the actual Don Thuren responded in my thread. Great points thanks Don! I am still a CTD newbie so I will research up more on the mini paks. Your point on the overload ramp rate makes sense.
The truck is our 3rd vehicle and use mostly for towing the Toy Hauler, quad in the bed and yard stuff. The only time I would really be off-road would be hunting season once a year related to the need for articulation. My neighbor has an 04 with the ride-rite airbags and skyjacker 4" lift and seems to like it.
2 friends at work here have 04.5 CTD's, 1 with air lifts and the other with the full ride-rite system with compressor and guages. Seems that if I run 10or less psi non loaded and then increase when towing the toy hauler it is a good combination.
At this point I think I am looking at the air lifts with a full set of Bilstein 5100's front and back.
WOW, I kind of feel cool that the actual Don Thuren responded in my thread. Great points thanks Don! I am still a CTD newbie so I will research up more on the mini paks. Your point on the overload ramp rate makes sense.
The truck is our 3rd vehicle and use mostly for towing the Toy Hauler, quad in the bed and yard stuff. The only time I would really be off-road would be hunting season once a year related to the need for articulation. My neighbor has an 04 with the ride-rite airbags and skyjacker 4" lift and seems to like it.
2 friends at work here have 04.5 CTD's, 1 with air lifts and the other with the full ride-rite system with compressor and guages. Seems that if I run 10or less psi non loaded and then increase when towing the toy hauler it is a good combination.
At this point I think I am looking at the air lifts with a full set of Bilstein 5100's front and back.
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Joined: Jan 2007
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From: Salem,nh/Port Tampa,Fl
The ultimate setup is building a seperate bump/arm which an airbag is attached to, and have this bump/arm come down and rest on the axle when you pump it up. When deflated, a return spring will suck the bag up out of the way... Future project...
NOW THAT WOULD BE A GOOD IDEA....
I knew Dave was gonna yell at me ... but I thought he wanted help with/for towing weight...NOT ROCK CLIMBING ... how much articulating are you getting ? my dually 'DON'T GIVE MUCH!'
NOW THAT WOULD BE A GOOD IDEA....
I knew Dave was gonna yell at me ... but I thought he wanted help with/for towing weight...NOT ROCK CLIMBING ... how much articulating are you getting ? my dually 'DON'T GIVE MUCH!'
Registered User
Joined: May 2006
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From: Pittsburgh, Pa. & Columbus, OH.
The ultimate setup is building a seperate bump/arm which an airbag is attached to, and have this bump/arm come down and rest on the axle when you pump it up. When deflated, a return spring will suck the bag up out of the way... Future project...
NOW THAT WOULD BE A GOOD IDEA....
I knew Dave was gonna yell at me ... but I thought he wanted help with/for towing weight...NOT ROCK CLIMBING ... how much articulating are you getting ? my dually 'DON'T GIVE MUCH!'
NOW THAT WOULD BE A GOOD IDEA....
I knew Dave was gonna yell at me ... but I thought he wanted help with/for towing weight...NOT ROCK CLIMBING ... how much articulating are you getting ? my dually 'DON'T GIVE MUCH!'
Not yelling...Just good-hearter ribbing!
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,714
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From: Pueblo West
When I put bags on my 97 I built a bottom plate with guide pins to give the bags the same travel as the shocks. I decided that was overkill when I put them on the 03 and simply left the bottom center bolt out - the bags can't go anywhere, anyway. That gives them unlimited extension and the empty ride is better with 10 psi in them so articulation isn't even an issue to me. It's mostly personal preference and I prefer to keep the same heigth with any load not almost the same! I might try a reservoir but not very big. I took the bottom OLs out of mine and the compression rate of the bags is pretty close to what I need anyway. I already got this dually riding as good as the 1/2T Dodge I used to have. A reservoir and a 3/4" spacer to replace the travel I lost from removing the OL should improve it even more. Craig
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From: Florida
First of all, didn't we just have this exact same discussion/thread a week or two ago? Do a search! 
Second, air bags definitely do limit articulation (for all the reasons already mentioned). They also make the unloaded ride noticeably harsher. When I get a chance I'll also be installing an air tank to increase the reservoir size. If that doesn't help the unloaded ride quality then the air bags are coming off.
Second, air bags definitely do limit articulation (for all the reasons already mentioned). They also make the unloaded ride noticeably harsher. When I get a chance I'll also be installing an air tank to increase the reservoir size. If that doesn't help the unloaded ride quality then the air bags are coming off.
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Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Delmas,SK. Canada
We tied the overloads to the main leaf stack, took off rear shackle mount & build a arm with an air bag to support rear of spring. Simular to the Kelderman system. Works great, smooth ride mt & truck stays level when full. Gonna put one on the 06 megacab soon.
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From: Alberta, Canada
Do you have any pictures of this?
Thread Starter
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From: Sherwood, OR
Made my decision and installed the air lift brand bags this last weekend based on all the feedback from DTR. Very nice kit, straightfwd install and to be honest with 10psi unloaded I think, and more importantly the wife thinks, it rides a little smoother out back. Seems to feel more floaty, softer on the pot holes. Will be towing the toy hauler next weekend (12K #'s) for Spring break to try them out loaded. Very happy at this point with the result.
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From: Claxton, GA
I just got my Timbrens delivered last night. Haven't put them on yet. I didn't want to fool with air lines. Truck rides level I just wanted a little better ride while loaded. Those overload springs are rough.
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From: Pueblo West
Your lower mounting plates are different than my 03. I cut my plates down thinner and got another 3/4" travel. I also cut off the ends of my bottom OLs and that also helped a lot. This is the best riding truck I've had. Craig
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From: Florida
I run the AirLift air springs and pull a Raptor toy hauler. The AirLift air springs perform exceptionally well while towing my fifth wheel and provide a good ride while driving empty. The system is simple, performs as promised, and really provides a rock solid, stable ride while towing a heavy fifth wheel toy hauler.
Best Regards, Sky-Dogg
Best Regards, Sky-Dogg
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From: Ozark, AL
Your gonna love them pulling 06megaram. I have them on mine also. I used to have them on my 01 1500, pulled them off as the 01 is for sale. You might want to consider investing in the on-board compressor and gauge kit though. Makes it really nice you you change loads or trailers you can adjust from the comfort of the cab. I have pictures of this system installed if you want them.