I installed a Revtek leveling kit on the front this weekend and I now want to raise the back. I like what 4x4not did with the rear blocks on his truck and was thinking about doing this to mine, but could I use air bags in the rear to get some lift while unloaded and still keep my smooth ride? If the bags could raise it a little unloaded, I'd rather have them so I could keep my stance while loaded too. Can you guys recommend a good air bag set-up for me? Can I get away with just the bags and no on-board compressor? What brand? Where should I get them from? I'm usually unloaded, but occasionally pull a 16' trailer with 4' sides full of mulch. Sorry for all the questions. I've been doing some searching on air bags...

Thanks,
Nick

 

I have the AIR LIFT kit w/o the compressor, I love it, but you can forget about your comfy ride if you have over 10 psi in. I can raise the rear as much as I want w/ more air, 3-4 inches. W/ no air they ride just fine, but you don't get the lift you want plus they say not to run them w/ less than 5psi.

 

So with 10psi do they raise the truck any when unloaded? Also, which AIR LIFT did you get? AirLift 1000, RideControl, or SuperDuty? Where did you get them?

Thanks,
Nick

 

I got the Superduty on EBAY, new in box. Yes, I use the airbags for ride height as well, due to level kit. I just don't want to mislead you and say they ride all nice and plush, when you hit a speed bump your passengers in the back will know it even w/ only 10psi! 10 psi will raise the back maybe 1-1.5 inches. 5psi only raises .5 inch, and rides ok, not as bad as 10psi, once you get to 15-20psi, w/ empty truck the ride sucks, 15-100psi it doesn't matter, it sucks.

 

Hey tcr thanks for the help! Does anyone know if the RideControl has a better ride then the SuperDuty at 10psi while unloaded?

Thanks,
Nick

 

It is my opinion that your trying to use airbags for something they were not meant for. They are used to help compensate for a load not your ride height. I think your gonna be hard pressed to find something that will not increase the rears firmness and harshness unless its a physically larger new spring or block. Basically the bags are adding more springrate when inflated to carry the load which is why its harsh empty.
Goodluck though. If you proceed let us know how you like the setup you get.

 

i also run the air bags in the rear, but just for load, to keep the truck leveled.
i run about 4 psi in the rear, and i don't really notice any harshness, but any more then that and the back gets stiffer. it will raise the truck about 3-4 inches total, unloaded, and does a great job at keeping the rear leveled.
i use the Firestone bags meant for 5000lbs.
it a great way to keep the truck leveled, when loaded, but if you want the rear higher the the front, unloaded, the best and cheapest way is to get some blocks either made, or buy them.

 

pullin hard,
So when you're at 4psi, does it raise it any?

My only thing with air bags is that they're $2** and blocks with u-bolts are $1**. So if I can get anymore height while unloaded, and can level it when loaded, I'd rather get the bags. Right now I have 10" of clearance between the tire and fender up front, and 9.75" inches in back. I know it's a "leveling" kit, but I'm going to have to raise the back some... I'm not after the "California" lift (nose high) . I appreciate your comments guys!

Thanks,
Nick

 

At 4psi, you might not notice much. The Firestone and AIr lift kits are almost identical. I went w/ bags because of all the toys I haul and tow around and I can't stand the asstoolow look. The install is super easy too. If you never ever haul or tow anything, just get blocks. The first time you want to load up a fourwheeler or something you'll wish you had them, as your bright lighting everybody at night w/ any weight in the back. Good luck!

 

Good point tcr! My four wheeler is at least 700 pounds, then all of my gear, plus I "get" to haul stuff from Lowes... Also I could air down to make it eaiser to get stuff into my bed, then air up to level it. Thanks again for all the comments thus far.

Nick