TxGearhead wrote:
I have a suspension conundrum. I would like to minimize sway with the Bigfoot. .
While other suspension mods may help reduce sway, that is not their intended purpose. An Anti-Sway bar is called an Anti-Sway bar simply because that is what it is designed to do. That is all it is designed to do. My experience is the bigger the diameter the bar, the better. It has no effect on the ride of the vehicle other than reduces sway. Simply stated, you minimize sway with an Anti-Sway Bar.
TxGearhead wrote:
No big issue on 2 trips...Maryland to Houston and Houston to Broken Bow, OK. But getting into some high winds out west could get interesting.
The Sway Bar is the single most beneficial suspension mod to reduce this.
TxGearhead wrote:
I also have a 5th wheel. Both are loading the truck about the same..3200-3400#. Both sag the rear of the truck 3"..
My observation and experience through the years is the 3-inch sag is typical of the big three trucks, if they are not overloaded. As manufactured the rear of the truck is typically is 3 to 4 inches higher than the front of the truck. This allows the truck to sit level when loaded to the trucks maximum capacity.
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.
I understand your comment "... nose high with the 5th." to mean the nose of the 5th wheel sits high. This may or may not be an issue. If the 5th wheel is excessively high in the front, it puts more weight on the rear axle of the 5th wheel axle. This is a subject the would warrant its own thread, probably in the 5th wheel Forum. I can say, adding anything to your suspension, other than an Anti-Sway Bar, will not help thin problem, and could make it worse.
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
