Just ordered a set of Air Lift Super Duty air bags for the rear of the truck.
Wondering if anyone has had any experience with them.
Interesting, though. Went to the Air Lift site, $314.00
Went to Summit Racing site, $201.69, same kit, same part#.
Go figure.
Install seems pretty straight forward, shouldn't be a problem.
Specs say they will handle up to 5000#.
We'll see about that.
Anyone have them, how do you like them?
Rich

 

Not a problem at all, you use remove the overload pack, and drill a few holes and inflate, piece of cake. Air lift only offer it's products as a favor to the consumer, they are in the business of manufacturing, packaging, and selling large quantities to wholesale business. They do not want of expect many people to purchase their product from them, they are not set-up to handle large retail orders, they simply offer the service to those who for one reason or another, would rather buy from them. The price is high to deter most from buying from them. And for those that do, they have to help defer those cost. Also when you remove the overload spring pacts, you will need shorter u-bolts or spacers.

 

Mine has the air bags on it with the overloads. So far the only time I needed them was when I had an older 10' camper on the back and went to Branson, Mo. and back. I had to let all the air out to soften the ride with my fiver. I tried them with 15 psi with my fiver and it rode way too rough. I had to carry 35 psi in them with the camper on though. There is not a load that the truck can handle that you can't get the truck to sit level.
Tom

 

I love my air bags. I use about 10 lbs in each bag when i am empty cause my flatbed is all steel and pretty heavy itself. I hauled about 5 yards of asphault grindings the other day in my dump trailer and with the air bags the truck didn't even squat. I have the on board compressor so that helps a bunch too. Air it up and let it out when you want.

 

MnTom,
What brand and size air bags are you running?

 

I just went out and looked. I think they say "air spring" but I couldn't tell for sure. They mount between the helper springs and a bracket that is bolted to the frame. They are also about 5" in diameter. They were on the truck when I bought it.
Tom

 

y-knot...I have been running these air lift air bags for about 4 years. Not a single problem with them. No need to remove the overloads. They fit right on.

I just finished helping a friend install a set on his truck, a 2001 3500, fit nicely on it, too!

 

It pretty much depends on which ones you have. I have put small bags on, and left the overload on, not a problem. But if you are running 5,000lb bags, the overloads must come off. There is no other way to get the necessary clearance required. And even with the overloads removed, you just get enough to make the minimum. Besides, the whole reason for installing the bags is to carry the load. So by tossing the overload packs, you not only get room to install the bags, you end up with a wonderful ride. No more springs slapping the stops on bumps and holes. That was the reason behind my install, to improve the ride quality, hell the truck never sat on the overloads with any load. But it sure as hell slapped the stops on every bump in the road. With the bags, you can add just enough air to take the weight of the rear end, and the on highway ride is smooth as silk.

 

Sounds like I'm gonna like them.
The main reason i'm installing them is to keep the overloads from slapping
the stops.
And you can never have enough carrying capacity.

Rich

 

Had air bags on my 1/2 ton. I'm gonna haul the 27'TT at least once to see if I need them, run about 900# of tounge weight and maybe 500 in the bed(generator,firewood,water)

We'll see, if I even wince, the air bags will be on the day after I get back. They were GREAT on my 1/2 ton.

You know what, looks like I'm gonna have to edit my "what are you getting with your tax refund" post. Maybe I won't wait, dang this dreaded web site. mods, mods and more mods, will it ever end?

 

Maybe I won't wait, dang this dreaded web site. mods, mods and more mods, will it ever end?
In a word, NO!!!

 

y-knot...I am saying that I have installed several sets of these 5,000 lb airbags on our dodges, mine has been on for over 4 years, without removing the overloads. Yes, they fit nicely, without removing the overloads.

These are Air Lift, 5,000lb airbags. Not some smaller size or brand.

 

I was wondering about the overloads.
Read the instructions online, says to use the shorter u-bolts and keep the overloads.
Another thing though, They also say to remove the wheel well liners and put in these spacers.
Does this mean now my liners will not fit tight to the wheel opening?
This is a work truck first and a toy second.
I am on a lot of job sites that have some serious mud sometimes.
It makes it easier to clean when you just hit it with the power washer to get the heavy stuff off.
I guess my question is with the spacers for the liners, am I going to have a space between the liner and the wheel well lip.
Or are the spacers for the three center rivets to anchor to.

 

I have a set of the AirLift superdutys on my '97 with the LoadController II. Total cost was about 300.00

I like em, and I would not have the bags without the compressor. It makes it very convienent.

 

I have the 5,000lb air bags, did not need to remove overloads with this kit. Only had to trim the wheel linners up a little, part way up on the frame rail. No spacers involved in the install. I lowered my rear end of my truck 2" awhile back to level it by milling down the 4 5/8" blocks with shorter u-bolts. When empty I have 5lbs air in bags,rides alot better. When towing my 5vr I put 35 to 45lbs depending how much I load in the 5vr, fresh water, gear etc. The truck ride is so much smoother now.