I know everybody seems to like the Firestone “Ride-Rite” air bags. I’m wondering if anybody has been dissatisfied with the suspension travel limitations when unloaded or off road. According to Firestone the bag is only rated for +/- 2.5” of travel. Sure doesn’t seem like much once you get the truck on some off-camber stuff.

 

I had Air Lift bags on mine and took them off and sent them back because of that limited travel.

 

Get a set of Timbrens. Work great, cost less, $144 at some dealers.

 

I don't see where people think there is limited travel. They take up the same amount of room as the bump stops that you take off. The only time I notice them is when I have them inflated or have them inflated at different air pressures, then the truck will lean to the low side
The Ride-Rites cost me $214 and I don't get that limited travel that you get with the Timbrens. They are longer than the bump stops you remove

 

The air bags do take up way more space then the bump stops, been their and done it.
If I remember right the air bag with the brackets was a min up 3-4" thick. That is more then the bump stop, plus the bump stop will compress.

Also even if the air bag is only 3" thick you can run it that low, you have to jack it up another 2" to give the bag travel when going over bumps. So now you are at 5" thick. On mine the overloads springs would hardly engauge before the air bags bottomed out.

And when I went off camber in a field with a heavy load the air bag on one side would bottom out from taking all the load. An air bag that bottoms out is going to have a real short life.

 

I had Air-Lift bags on my '97 2wd 2500 that I used to have, and it made it a rough riding son-of-a-gun when it was empty. Whew, it was like a chiropractic office on wheels!

 

I had the airbags mounted to haul a pickup camper. Took 'em off when they wouldn't let the truck settle onto the overload springs. Also crushed all the mounting bolts from bottoming out with their limited travel.
The truck handles a LOT better sitting on the overloads, than perched up on the air bags. IMHO

 

Hey SuperGewl I agree with you on the Timbrens. I am looking at putting in Airbags on mine it is a 2003 2500 so it does not have the overload springs.( yeah I know I should've ordered the SRW 3500 but I hate those lights on top of the cab).
I have seen the Firestone bags and a supply store in my area is supposed to get some Airlift bags in that will fit the new frame on the 03's
Jim O