Firestone AirBag Helper Springs

[utgreenhead]

Is anyone running these? I have an '03 Dodge Ram 1500 and the leaf springs are just about gone. None are broken that I can tell, but when I have my XP in the back, it looks like a low-rider.

I'm in no way a suspension expert, but I know that in most cases you get what you pay for. I was thinking of going with a set of Eaton leafs but they are like $800 vs the Firestones airbags for $255. I know they are not apples vs apples, but the drastic price difference scares me.

Any advise would be much appreciated.

UTG

[twotxns]

I ran them on my Ford Superduty and they are great. You don't get the hard ride all of the time like when you add helper springs. The airbags can be adjusted as needed to any load that you put on the truck - in the bed or on the hitch.

[cwlongshot]

First off, CHANGE THE LEAF SPRINGS!!
I have a friend that has two sets of these air bags and loves them! He uses one set on the front of his Jeep Comanche for better support of the plow he added. The other set is on the back of his Jeep Cherokee. Both are excellent for what they are designed for... to better support heavy loads. NOT as a replacement for factory suspension.

800 is WAY steep for springs!! Even changing out all related items, AND instillation costs, you shouldn't spent 800$!!

Skyjacker DR56S Softride Leaf Spring
http://www.google.com/search?sourcei...w=1440&bih=785

I have put in a couple sets of springs and its not a overly difficult job. I highly recommend NEW U Bolts if you do this!

CW

[Tosa800]

Yea, whoever told you a set of leaf springs would cost $800 for just a set of springs was ripping you off big time.

I got a set of 3400# leafs installed on the front of my F250 for ~$600. That includes the cost of all the bolts that snapped because they were rusted solid after 16 years of plowing.

Find a reputable shop in your area that specializes in suspension work.

If the leaf springs can no longer support a load in your truck it's entirely possible for one to fail on you at which point you'll get to watch your rear axle go rolling past you on the highway. Air Bags won't help you if the springs fail.

That being said, I've never seen anything but good reviews about Firestone Ride Rite Air Bags. They seem to be the preferred brand.

[tt425]

Firestone air bags work great. I have sold a few sets and my boss had some on a farm truck 2008 GMC 1500Z71 with heavy tool boxes and air compressor. Another option is load carrier ("coil over") rear shocks. They are shocks with coil springs on them. Monroe and Gabriel make them. They are sold in pairs. Another option is add on helper springs. They sell for about $50.00 a pair.

[cwlongshot]

Originally Posted by tt425

Firestone air bags work great. I have sold a few sets and my boss had some on a farm truck 2008 GMC 1500Z71 with heavy tool boxes and air compressor. Another option is load carrier ("coil over") rear shocks. They are shocks with coil springs on them. Monroe and Gabriel make them. They are sold in pairs. Another option is add on helper springs. They sell for about $50.00 a pair.

Just to clarify, these are all excellent ideas (Sans the helper springs)to better stabilize and carry heavy weights. The are NOT intended as a replacement for bad suspension components.

Add a leafs will give you a few months before they too sag. Bolt under, helper springs form the local parts retailer are near useless. (Helwig makes a good one, but these run what new leafs woulfd cost you.) Trust me, I have been there and done that!

It's a case of pay some now or more later.

CW

[tekrsq]

I agree with everything above. Having said that, I've had Firestone bags on 5 trucks over the past 15 yrs, including my current Ranger. I love them and will never have another truck without them.

[jrp]

I have them on the Ford Super Duty 3/4 ton that I use to pull my toy hauler fifth wheel. They're great for adjusting the rear to level out the truck and the RV when hitched.
I wouldnt depend on them to replace worn out leaf springs.