Suspension upgrade??

Reddog1 wrote:

TxGearhead wrote:
I'm looking at Firestone Work Rite bags (not airbags). I think they would help with the sway. But...I'm already a bit nose high with the 5th. If the rear of the truck doesn't sag I will be even more nose high.

I question the Firestone Work Rite bags having any positive effect on sway. They would allow you to raise the rear after loading. As for the ride, you would have to play with air pressure in the bags when on your particular truck. Each truck suspension and load is different.

TxGearhead wrote:
Anyone have a guess how much the truck will sag with the Firestones? I haven't tried their consumer help yet. I suppose I could call eTrailer and get their opinion. .

The amount of sag will be exactly the same as it is now. The question is, will the air bags bring the height back to where you want it. In most cases they would. Being adjustable is one of the main advantages to air bags. Other suspension mods are typically fixed, and not easily adjusted if at all.

There are basically two types of air bags, with two different mounting options. On types, one type must have a minimum of either 5 or 10 psi, I don't remember which. Failure to maintain this may result in damaged air bags. The other type has built in bump stops. They have no minimum air requirement. Mounting options are on the side of the frame, or between the frame and axle. Outside the frame as more positive effect on reducing sway, but is marginal in my opinion. Each have their advantage.

Plumbing the air bags depends on your intended use. If you only want to raise or lower the rear of the truck for a trailer, then a single line between both bags does the job. If you also want the ability to use the bags for leveling side to side and raise the rear as you might want to do with a TC, then you would be best served with each bag separately.

The install, type and use of air bags is worthy of its own Thread. There are many considerations, options and preferences in using them, including the consequences of too much or too little air pressure.

TxGearhead wrote:
Otherwise it's more than double the price for a Bigwig sway bar. Or get airbags. Or get the Work rite bags and take them off for the 5th. Or maybe TorkLift Stable loads? Or my default decision...do nothing.

I am a little confused here, what is the difference between air bags and Work rite bags?

You are suggesting four products designed for different purposes to solve your area of concern. One or maybe all will be needed, but first you need to be clear as to what you dislike in terms of the handling of your truck with the TC and with the 5th wheel. An example is that I really doubt you have sway issues with your 5th wheel.

I think the advice you have been offered so far in this thread may be valid for a given situation, but it is a grab bag of solutions without know exactly what you are trying to correct for your preferences. I really doubt you need everything suggested.

During my years as Moderator, I find very few people really understand what the various suspension mods effect. Some may correct one thing, and cause other issues. Adding springs to a spring pack is one example, great for carrying a load, but probably a real rough ride. There are other examples.

Wayne