Helper Bags/Springs

[JohnnySpeed]

Anyone have experience or suggestions for bags to use as helper springs on an 81 one ton. I want to remove some leaves to improve ride but want bags to gain back any load carrying capacity.

[JohnnySpeed]

Any input would be great, or maybe give me some brands I should steer clear of.

I am comfortable fabbing brackets if needed. I was thinking about putting in an on board air system as well. I want to do this when I have the bed off. Right now the bed rubs the tires with 2500 lbs on the bed. So I am going to attempt to remedy this between the bags and the new bed.

[blown240]

I have always had a good experience with firestone and Slam Specialties bags. If you just want a load helper you can do a simple air setup with a compressor and a single electric valve. It won't fill fast, but basically with 1 three posisition switch you can control it.

I believe the large Firestone bags are good for 2600 lbs.

The switch in the center will be off, up will turn on the compressor, and down will open the valve to release the air.

[Tom]

I've had a slamAir system on my 98 for 8yrs now. Without it I could hit the axle to the bumpstops in the c-notch. With them, even with 1000lbs in the bed, I never touch bumpstops.

[special-K]

I use Air Lift auxiliary bags. I have used them inside 3/4t coils on a '70 with a steel Reading work cap, on a '92 K3500 that weighed over 8k all the time, and a custom installation like you want to do on a '95 K3500. I removed springs and added bags so I could drop the tail end down for easier unloading off my pipe rack, then raise it up level for driving. I helped my local Harley Dealer do the same set-up on their 2wd F250 they haul bikes in with

[JohnnySpeed]

Thanks guys. That's gives me a place to start. I will start shopping for bags. Still waiting on parts to get back from powder coat for the front end so I can get it back together. I will drive it for a couple weeks before I start on the bed and the rear suspension.

Is there a resource for which leafs to pull out and how many for the desired effect? Not that I know what the desired effect is but y'all get the picture.

[special-K]

if you're not concerned with going lower I wouldn't remove any. The bags add capacity to keep it from drooping. I removed all but the main and 1st leaf. I made traction bars (just a single dom tube) from axle to spring bracket to control axle wrap. The truck was heavy, so it drooped pretty good when I aired it out

[Mike C]

Velvet Ride Shackles help immensely with the unloaded ride and have zero effect on load carrying capacity. And nothing to maintain.
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