Air bag options??? - Competition Diesel.Com

mattdieselman · 08-07-2015, 10:37 AM

I have a 95 Dodge 3500 with no overloads and have been toying with air bagging the rear. I really love the ride of this truck and don't want to dick it up. I have been looking at PacBrake air bags, but they cannot be fully deflated. Minimum running pressure is 10 psi. Just curious if there is anyone that has PacBrake bags installed or any other manufacture. What are you like and dislikes. Thanks!

Signature600 · 08-07-2015, 10:40 AM

You should never deflate bags completely anyway.

You won't notice 10psi in the bags.
Chris

takedown95 · 08-07-2015, 02:05 PM

I installed pac-brakes in my 2008 2500 and so far they have been great. I also agree that you won't really notice 10psi. The only time I deflate mine is unhooking from the trailer for clearence and then air them right back up again.

cumins01 · 08-07-2015, 02:09 PM

I had a set on my old 02 2500 ECSB and the best thing I added for pulling my trailer and truck. They were also a set of pac brake's and ran 15 unloaded and 60 loaded. Rode like a car loaded and unloaded. Looking to add a set to my 12

mattdieselman · 08-07-2015, 02:43 PM

Do you guys run them with cab control setup? I'm looking to run the cab setup with independent controls for each bag.

Signature600 · 08-07-2015, 02:47 PM

I always did either the dual control setup in the cab, or if the truck would be loaded more than empty, I run a single or dual leveling valve off a semi to inflate them or deflate them as the load required all automatically.

The leveling valve setup is awesome if the load changes a lot. You don't have to mess with it at all.
Chris

mattdieselman · 08-07-2015, 03:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Signature600

I always did either the dual control setup in the cab, or if the truck would be loaded more than empty, I run a single or dual leveling valve off a semi to inflate them or deflate them as the load required all automatically.

The leveling valve setup is awesome if the load changes a lot. You don't have to mess with it at all.
Chris

Yeah, I was thinking about the leveling valves that I have seen back in the day when I was doing semi chassis work. That setup works super slick as long as they dont get hit or cakes with snow & ice! Thanks for the input though. Just looking to see what some guys have done.

Lucky Jeff · 08-07-2015, 03:28 PM

I ran firestone's. Hated how much just 10 lbs changed the ride. I plan on running them again. But I'll figure out a way to make them removable.

mattdieselman · 08-07-2015, 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lucky Jeff

I ran firestone's. Hated how much just 10 lbs changed the ride. I plan on running them again. But I'll figure out a way to make them removable.

How big was you leaf-pack in your truck?

*Chris Tobin* · 08-07-2015, 04:14 PM

The Air Lift 5000-series (I think) have internal jounce bumpers (bump stops) so you can run them fully deflated and they also have a cool wireless remote you can use with presets and manual control. We did the system on a work truck F-350 a while back and he liked it a lot... But the compressor is kinda weak with the little tiny one, but it did work fine, just small compared to others... I think the Pac-Brake compressor was nicer...

I haven't installed a Pac-Brake air system, but have done their exhaust brake and it was a nice install with good parts and instructions. So I would imagine their air bag system to be of similar quality...

Lucky Jeff · 08-07-2015, 04:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mattdieselman

How big was you leaf-pack in your truck?

Factory 2500, no overloads.

gorilla550 · 08-07-2015, 05:54 PM

I ran Firestone bags on Airlift mounts on my 93 d250 with separate valves to level the loads I used to haul. When I get that far I plan to run them front and rear on my current project truck.

ComnRailPwr · 08-07-2015, 08:32 PM

http://www.sdtrucksprings.com/index....vYiRoCngDw_wcB
That's what I just put on my 08. Should have done it long ago. Excellent product with excellent price.

Jeremyn21 · 09-17-2015, 11:05 AM

Air lift makes a real good set of bags and their wireless controller works great. At 10psi really wont affect the ride much.

red dodge2 · 09-17-2015, 11:34 AM

When im not towing anything i pull the cores outta mine so they stay deflated. Been doing its for a couple years now.

08-07-2015, 10:37 AM	#1
mattdieselman Name: mattdieselman Title: More Money Status: Not Here Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Oshkosh, WI Member`s Gallery Posts: 28	Air bag options??? I have a 95 Dodge 3500 with no overloads and have been toying with air bagging the rear. I really love the ride of this truck and don't want to dick it up. I have been looking at PacBrake air bags, but they cannot be fully deflated. Minimum running pressure is 10 psi. Just curious if there is anyone that has PacBrake bags installed or any other manufacture. What are you like and dislikes. Thanks! __________________ 1995 Dodge Ram 3500 4x4 300,000 miles Cab swapped to 1999 Quad Cab SRW Dana 70 conversion Healthy 12v Build by Snyder Motorsports 2013 VW Passat TDI 6-Speed Manual ...it's my daily transport. Hard to shake a stick at 45 MPG

08-07-2015, 10:40 AM	#2
Signature600 Name: Signature600 Title: THA MAN! Status: Not Here Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Jeffersonville, Ohio Member`s Gallery Posts: 11,974	You should never deflate bags completely anyway. You won't notice 10psi in the bags. Chris __________________ THANKS TO: Tim Barber @ TRE Diesel Jeff Mumau @ Mumau Diesel Service Rip @ Source Automotive Don Thuren @ ThurenFab Suspension Columbus Diesel Supply

08-07-2015, 02:43 PM	#5
mattdieselman Name: mattdieselman Title: More Money Status: Not Here Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Oshkosh, WI Member`s Gallery Posts: 28	Do you guys run them with cab control setup? I'm looking to run the cab setup with independent controls for each bag. __________________ 1995 Dodge Ram 3500 4x4 300,000 miles Cab swapped to 1999 Quad Cab SRW Dana 70 conversion Healthy 12v Build by Snyder Motorsports 2013 VW Passat TDI 6-Speed Manual ...it's my daily transport. Hard to shake a stick at 45 MPG

08-07-2015, 02:47 PM	#6
Signature600 Name: Signature600 Title: THA MAN! Status: Not Here Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Jeffersonville, Ohio Member`s Gallery Posts: 11,974	I always did either the dual control setup in the cab, or if the truck would be loaded more than empty, I run a single or dual leveling valve off a semi to inflate them or deflate them as the load required all automatically. The leveling valve setup is awesome if the load changes a lot. You don't have to mess with it at all. Chris __________________ THANKS TO: Tim Barber @ TRE Diesel Jeff Mumau @ Mumau Diesel Service Rip @ Source Automotive Don Thuren @ ThurenFab Suspension Columbus Diesel Supply

08-07-2015, 03:28 PM	#8
Lucky Jeff Name: Lucky Jeff Title: Stock Sucks Status: Not Here Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Bonney Lake, WA Member`s Gallery Posts: 5,784	I ran firestone's. Hated how much just 10 lbs changed the ride. I plan on running them again. But I'll figure out a way to make them removable. __________________ Well, damn 98 Cummins - dead 77 Highboy - dead 02 Grand Cherokee - ummmmm? http://www.facebook.com/JBrentson

08-07-2015, 02:05 PM	#3
takedown95 Name: takedown95 Title: Too Much Time Status: Not Here Join Date: Aug 2011 Member`s Gallery Posts: 2,841	I installed pac-brakes in my 2008 2500 and so far they have been great. I also agree that you won't really notice 10psi. The only time I deflate mine is unhooking from the trailer for clearence and then air them right back up again.

08-07-2015, 02:09 PM	#4
cumins01 Name: cumins01 Title: Too Much Time Status: Not Here Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: somerville,oh Member`s Gallery Posts: 1,176	I had a set on my old 02 2500 ECSB and the best thing I added for pulling my trailer and truck. They were also a set of pac brake's and ran 15 unloaded and 60 loaded. Rode like a car loaded and unloaded. Looking to add a set to my 12

08-07-2015, 04:14 PM	#10
Chris Tobin Name: Chris Tobin Title: Too Much Time Status: Not Here Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Dayton, TN Member`s Gallery Posts: 2,662	The Air Lift 5000-series (I think) have internal jounce bumpers (bump stops) so you can run them fully deflated and they also have a cool wireless remote you can use with presets and manual control. We did the system on a work truck F-350 a while back and he liked it a lot... But the compressor is kinda weak with the little tiny one, but it did work fine, just small compared to others... I think the Pac-Brake compressor was nicer... I haven't installed a Pac-Brake air system, but have done their exhaust brake and it was a nice install with good parts and instructions. So I would imagine their air bag system to be of similar quality... __________________ Chris Tobin Editor--Ultimate Diesel Builder's Guide Freelance Editor and Photographer Working with DIESEL WORLD, DIRT SPORTS, MUSCLE CAR POWER & STREET TRUCKS magazines tobinemail@aol.com I might be able to help get you in a mag. Custom poster size photos available. PM or email for info. Last edited by Chris Tobin; 08-07-2015 at 04:16 PM.

08-07-2015, 05:54 PM	#12
gorilla550 Name: gorilla550 Title: Diesel Enthusiast Status: Not Here Join Date: Nov 2013 Member`s Gallery Posts: 198	I ran Firestone bags on Airlift mounts on my 93 d250 with separate valves to level the loads I used to haul. When I get that far I plan to run them front and rear on my current project truck. __________________ 1999 Ford F550,72" ICT sleeper, 93 12v Cummins A518 trans. 2000 Freightliner FLD 120

08-07-2015, 08:32 PM	#13
ComnRailPwr Name: ComnRailPwr Title: Too Much Time Status: Not Here Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Stoutsville , OH Member`s Gallery Posts: 3,293	http://www.sdtrucksprings.com/index....vYiRoCngDw_wcB That's what I just put on my 08. Should have done it long ago. Excellent product with excellent price.

09-17-2015, 11:05 AM	#14
Jeremyn21 Name: Jeremyn21 Title: Green Behind the Ears Status: Not Here Join Date: Aug 2015 Member`s Gallery Posts: 34	Air lift makes a real good set of bags and their wireless controller works great. At 10psi really wont affect the ride much.

09-17-2015, 11:34 AM	#15
red dodge2 Name: red dodge2 Title: Too Much Time Status: Not Here Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Ireland, Indiana Member`s Gallery Posts: 3,803	When im not towing anything i pull the cores outta mine so they stay deflated. Been doing its for a couple years now. __________________ Sunday driver: 01 6psd laramie Tow rig: 2022 ram 3500 Laramie puller: 97 3.6 pro stock diesel truck "CUMMIN ATCHA" thanks to: Puredieselpower, Haisley Machine, Miley machine & fabrication, Northeast Diesel