I have the Carli Starter kit on my truck with the 5100 Bilsteins. I also has Ride Rite air bags. My truck rides horribly!!!! No matter how much air I take out of the bags, when it is unloaded the ride is beyond harsh. I feel like it is primarily the ride in the rear....it just wants to bounce all over the place with any little bump....and it feels stiffer than a board. When I am loaded down it does feel much better but for the other 90% of the time, I hate the ride. Is there anything to do??? I need the air bags for towing on the weekends, but during the week my teeth rattle. Does it matter which way you mount the shocks on the rear? I ahve the shaft up and the body of the shock down. I hear the Bilsteins with the reservoirs work much better.

 

I had exactly the same experience with PacBrakes bags, great bags, but the empty ride was horrible. Just as you described. I bit the bullet and bought Carli's long travel air bags, expensive, but the ride is great empty and I still have bags when I need them.

Jacob

 

Same here. The Firestone's were like rocks. He's running around though unladen with hardly any air in them,so I don't know what's causing the rough ride. Call Carli on monday for consultation. They want you to be satisfied. The minipaks soften the ride some,but nothing like their full-leafpack.

 

If you set your suspension up with auto leavers that are used on commercial trucks this will eliminate your problem.

 

how much air you got in your tires? I run my rears at 30 psi when empty makes a huge differance.

 

I run 40psi in the tires......which seems low already.

What are auto leavers?

 

I've got the Ride Rites on my '08 and it rides like a dream. What pressure are your bags at unloaded? I try to keep mine at 20 psi and I've had no issues with them.


Kris

 

Call the source. I'd think full leafpacks and Carli LT bags will render a magic carpet ride. The Carli LT's are mounted inboard and allow 8-10" travel.

 

5-10psi.....

 

Drive a test loop with a cup of coffee then take the air bags out and do it again.

If it's an air bag problem you'll know it. If the ride doesn't improve then it's the suspension.

 

I called Carli and they said it is the bags for sure. They recommended their long travel bags, or they also said the 2.0 Performaace shocks would improve the ride.

 

Does your truck also have a long bed?

 

Nope, short bed.

 

I'm having the same predicament. My truck is a short bed and I have the firestone air bags which I keep at 10 psi unloaded. Mine rides like a tank and I have tried different variations in tire pressure and bag pressure, but nothing seems to help.

 

Mine is the long bed, so maybe that's where the difference is at. Could be weight, could be the springs, could be the shorter frame.



Kris