Suspension Air bags

I went for the Firestone R4Tech kit. It totally replaces the rear suspension, and almost all the load (truck and trailer) is supported by the airbags. If I had it to do again, I would AVOID the R4tech kit. There are serious issues (clearance of the airbag to kit components) that had to be reworked by me and the installers to make it work. The next time I will put airbags, a viair compressor & small tank with pressure switch, and a auto leveling valve attached to the center of the axle feeding both airbags. The advantage of the r4tech is side to side leveling (for slide in campers) not needed with a trailer - as they all attach on the centerline of the truck. If you are going to make something yourself, get the largest diameter airbag that will fit. The larger it is, the lower pressure required to support the weight - lower pressure better ride.

WeBeFulltimers wrote:
My firestones worked well, but only lasted 2 years. Replaced with Timbrens at the advice of an owner of a snow plow business. He was right...love my Timbrens!

Why did you pay to replace them?- they have a lifetime warranty. Just about every air suspension semi tractor you see uses the very same Firestone bags. I suspect you may have had AirLift- not Firestone.

My firestones worked well, but only lasted 2 years. Replaced with Timbrens at the advice of an owner of a snow plow business. He was right...love my Timbrens!

Love my Firestone Ride Rites ditto

i like them on my 2500hd silverado, fiver does drop the rear a couple inches without them, so i use them to level it out, even the heavy duty 3500 pickups sag with a big fiver on them so dont let anybody tell you they are not needed!

Love my Firestone Ride Rites...

I added bags abour 5/6 yrs ago. more stable, better ride. Onboard comp and controls on the dash. Makes hooking & dropping my 5er easy. Wouldn't want to be without them. I installed them myself. No problems yet. You won'r regret it.

Are you talking of replacing the present suspension with a air ride system or just load leveling bags?

recomend anything with a saggy rear install airbags or some type of extra load support. tv's you see going down the road that look like they are popping a wheelie are the reason for them. cant go wrong with a set.

I installed a set about 6 years ago. Had one bag go bad; replacement bag about $100. They keep the truck level, and the headlights where they should be. Seem to help some with ride.

Doug