I think a concrete bedliner would be the way to go - that'd really smooth out your ride.

 

Overloads: squat to contact, rough ride, noisy, headlights high
Timbrens: squat to contact, headlights high

Airbags: level empty, level partially loaded, level fully loaded; smooth ride; quiet; headlights always perfect

 

Also, with airbags, it's easier to adjust your driveline angle with the pressure so you don't have any U-joint shudder on take-off...

 

Firestone's are the way to go.

 

I have Timbrens on all four corners and couldn't be happier. The fronts give additional sway stability. Corners more level. Simple, nothing to adjust break or worry about ever. Hauled .99 tons of lanscape gravel last week, no prob. Lady at the scale couldn't beleive it, said the the truck looked fine, unlike most she sees going through there with a lighter load.

 

I like Timbrens......can't say anything one way or the other about the ride rites.

I've got my Timbrens installed with a 5/8" gap to the axle, under a load the truck comes down the 5/8", the Timbrens make contact, and then about another 3/8". Truck drops a total of 1" with the 1900 lb. pin weight of our FW. They give a solid stable ride when the trailer's in tow. Only time I "feel" them unloaded is on speed bumps in parking lots.

They're simple to install, nothing to break or leak, and are inexpensive.

 

I have overloads on my '98 Ram, airbags on my '05... they both do the job, but I really prefer how the airbags go about it, not to mention the options they give me.

 

I think this debate is more or less user preferance.

Timbrens will work better for some people than airbags.

Airbags will work better for some people than timbrens.

If you like constant adjustability, no ride change when unloaded, go airbags.

If you like easy installation, set it and forget it, and almost bulletproof design then go with timbrens.

 

I dont see how the Timbrens would change unloaded ride either. 10psi would seem like more resistance than a 3/8" gap. Im trying to decide between the 2 options myself. I figure for almost a 1/3 the price, I might give Timbren a try first.

 

Timbrens would only change the ride quality, when crossing bump of any kind. When the suspension is being worked more or less.

 

tacook....google Timbrens, their website has an animation of how they work.

The only time there is a ride quality change is if you don't allow enough of a gap from the Timbren to the axle when you install them. If the gap is too small you'll get a "jolt" when you hit bumps on the road. If they're set up right you won't know they are there when your unloaded. When you order them you are supplied with the appropriate spacers for your vehicle to set them up properly.

Under a load the Timbren makes contact with the axle and they'll give great ride quality.

 

Oh I know how they work........ I was just commenting that some people say they dont like the ride quality of the Timbren unloaded. I would think running around with the minimum 10psi in the bag would change the ride quality, maybe not. I'm going to try the Timbren first. If I dont like them, airbags it is! Heck Its worth a try considering the price difference.

 

I'm doing the Airbags right off the bat.

 

At 10psi, the Firestone airbags only support 500#, which raised the frame 1/4" over the rear axle on my truck. I couldn't feel a difference in ride quality until I aired them up to over 60psi (3K# level), then the truck rode a bit bouncy.
All this is with almost 10K# GVW.

 

I had Timbrens on my Titan and loved them. Never knew they were there while unloaded except over the largest bumps (and I liked to drive fast in the desert) and they help me control my 8000 lb travel trailer while towing. I wouldn't hesitate to use them again.