Timbrens ride quality?

Thanks everyone. Not sure how much longer I’ll be holding onto this truck, so not sure I want to invest in installing airbags.

Had Timbrens on my old truck and would use them again. Never knew they were back there.

However, I'm not saying Timbrens are "better" than air bags. Air bags have a lot of advantages as noted by others above. Timbrens are simply a cheaper and simpler solution to a problem. Very easy to install.

I too have air bags running at 35 psi... level - comfortable ride

Timbrens easy to install, no maintenance, cheaper and worked great for me on my past two trucks.

Not for everyone as you can see.

Went with Bils and bags.

4600 and Firestone

Retired JSO wrote:
My F250 rides harsh with them when not loaded.

And mine I dont even notice unless I hit a big dip in the road. Towing they definately improve things. 2012 2500HD with 2500lb pin weight.

Garry&Gayle wrote:
Took off the Timbrens, added air bags much better ride loaded or empty, already had Bilsteins on too.

I have seen this scenario played over and over again over the years.

With Timbrens, at some time the gap will go to zero. Maybe a partial load, maybe very bumpy road, maybe a combination, but it will happen. Then as the suspension transitions from stock to Timbren aided and back, the ride characteristics will change. And it might happen on just a single rear wheel at a time and multiple times in a trip. I did not like that unsettling feeling on dry roads and it seemed likely to be dangerous on wet or icy roads. They are basically a softer set of bump stops with less suspension travel. Ditched them in favor of air bags.

When my Timbrens were finally set up right I had the same ride as OEM when empty.
The first set Timbren sent me had a 1/4" gap and caused a rough ride. I did a 1-800 to Timbren folks and they sent me another set at no charge with 1" gap.

Mine have been great. I installed them without the spacers and have probably 3/4" to 1" of space and I don't notice any difference in ride unloaded. Loaded up the truck rides better, imo - biggest difference is bumps at speed. I really like the simplicity of them.