air shocks versus air bags? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

aggiedave98 · 03-14-2004, 11:49 PM

I'm going to be towing a 30-foot pretty heavy trailer (3 of them but only for a couple of miles once per week).

I was going to get air bags, but then was wondering if something like the Gabriel hi jackers air shocks are any good. Would that work? If I'm putting in a 2" block would those shocks fit?

70 Jimmy · 03-17-2004, 01:08 PM

While there are more qualified people here to answer your questions, none seem available so, I'll give you my quick answer.

Air Shocks vs. Bags is alot like Apples vs. Oranges, both generally offer what you need ( heavy duty towing/nutrition). However, specifially, springs (air or otherwise) do not serve the same purpose as shocks. Springs are designed give you your load capacity and shocks are designed to dampen the spring compression and decompression. That said, airshocks do more than regular shocks and help out the springs. Airbags either replace the springs, or help them with little or no effect on the shock performance.

Bottom line:

Airshocks are working outside a "shockabsorbers" intention. Also, they ride rough without a load.

Airbags are within there design intention and can actually improve your ride depending on application.

I would go with the airbags as a helper spring. That way you can adjust your ride anyway you like, with or without a load. I realize that air shocks are easily adjustable but I believe that they are limited compared to airbags.

Hope this helps.

Bowtie67 · 03-17-2004, 07:13 PM

Air bags are more apt to be used in this situation, Air Shocks would be more beneficial for a light load increase, also note that Air shocks are not the best thing as far as stability goes. JMO

**N2TRUX** · 03-18-2004, 12:17 AM

These guys are correct. If you want to maintain a decent ride, and be able to haul your load use air bags. When not in use, they only require a small amount of pressure in them to prevent chafing. When you need them, they can be fine tuned to the load you have on.

I had them on two trucks and loved them. Spend the extra money and get a small compressor too...

aggiedave98 · 03-18-2004, 01:42 AM

thanks for the responses... that makes lot of sense... the bags it is!!

03-14-2004, 11:49 PM	#1
aggiedave98 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Sugar Land, TX Posts: 1,007	air shocks versus air bags? I'm going to be towing a 30-foot pretty heavy trailer (3 of them but only for a couple of miles once per week). I was going to get air bags, but then was wondering if something like the Gabriel hi jackers air shocks are any good. Would that work? If I'm putting in a 2" block would those shocks fit?

03-17-2004, 01:08 PM	#2
70 Jimmy aka Crusher, Crushergmc Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Oregon Posts: 1,834	While there are more qualified people here to answer your questions, none seem available so, I'll give you my quick answer. Air Shocks vs. Bags is alot like Apples vs. Oranges, both generally offer what you need ( heavy duty towing/nutrition). However, specifially, springs (air or otherwise) do not serve the same purpose as shocks. Springs are designed give you your load capacity and shocks are designed to dampen the spring compression and decompression. That said, airshocks do more than regular shocks and help out the springs. Airbags either replace the springs, or help them with little or no effect on the shock performance. Bottom line: Airshocks are working outside a "shockabsorbers" intention. Also, they ride rough without a load. Airbags are within there design intention and can actually improve your ride depending on application. I would go with the airbags as a helper spring. That way you can adjust your ride anyway you like, with or without a load. I realize that air shocks are easily adjustable but I believe that they are limited compared to airbags. Hope this helps. __________________ "KEEP IT DOWN!" 70 Jimmy 454 2wd 56 GMC Big Window "It's funny till someone gets hurt, then it's freakin' hilarious"

03-18-2004, 12:17 AM	#4
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,023	These guys are correct. If you want to maintain a decent ride, and be able to haul your load use air bags. When not in use, they only require a small amount of pressure in them to prevent chafing. When you need them, they can be fine tuned to the load you have on. I had them on two trucks and loved them. Spend the extra money and get a small compressor too... __________________ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra"

03-17-2004, 07:13 PM	#3
Bowtie67 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: NH Posts: 2,266	Air bags are more apt to be used in this situation, Air Shocks would be more beneficial for a light load increase, also note that Air shocks are not the best thing as far as stability goes. JMO

03-18-2004, 01:42 AM	#5
aggiedave98 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Sugar Land, TX Posts: 1,007	thanks for the responses... that makes lot of sense... the bags it is!!



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