Air Bags Vs. Leaf Spring

smokeater785 · February 5, 2009

Hello all,

I was reading the recent thread regarding adding a leaf spring to a 2500hd to essentially make it a 3500 srw. I'm thinking of doing it myself because i want the extra load capacity and the extra height would be nice as well.

I'm just wondering if anyone could tell me what the pros and cons of air bags vs. an extral leaf srping would be. I would like to get a few inches lift out of it but i don't want to do a lift kit, i'm interested more in the extra weight capacity. Thanks.

98silvz71 · February 5, 2009

Well I don't have hard facts for you just my personal experience. I drove an 02 Crew Dmax with all stock suspension except some airbags and it was the smoothest ride that I had had from a truck. My half tons didn't ride that nice. I am looking into getting the airbags once I can afford them for the better ride quality and for leveling out loads. Hope this helps ya out.

markw8 · February 6, 2009

I use Airlift air bags to maintain normal ride height when carrying my 3500# truck camper. They work very well.

Mark.

REV353 · February 6, 2009

I have used both, I like the bags better, better ride and more options and adjustment.

norsemanberg · February 6, 2009

Get the air bags! They work great and don't hurt the ride quality.

norsemanberg · February 6, 2009

Here is another thread about the same thing

http://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/index.php?...713&hl=bags

bill190 · February 7, 2009

Air bags can leak. Springs do not leak!

Kodiak450 · February 8, 2009

You're better off with an additional spring, air bags can leak like Bill mentioned.

As far as ride quality, after adding a leaf to my truck, the ride quality was improved and felt more stable too. I had a 1/2" heavy duty spring added which would be the equalivant to two of GM's springs. When I had a palet of salt in my truck, my truck still sat higher then it did stock with all that weight. The palet was over a ton in weight. I gained 3" as well.

And this is what it looks like after I unloaded the palet..

hass1500 · February 8, 2009

Hen Avenger: Where did you get the additional spring? I don't know much about suspensions, so did you just add the additional spring to the existing ones, or did you have to replace the whole spring configuration?

Also, what size BF Goodrich tires are you running? I love the look on the stock rims and wanted to add similar to mine.

Thanks

Kodiak450 · February 8, 2009

Hen Avenger: Where did you get the additional spring? I don't know much about suspensions, so did you just add the additional spring to the existing ones, or did you have to replace the whole spring configuration?

Also, what size BF Goodrich tires are you running? I love the look on the stock rims and wanted to add similar to mine.

Thanks

I had the spring added at a spring and suspension shop. They took off existing springs, and cut a heavy duty spring to size, and added it to my existing set. Cost $400 cash only! I'm running 265's on the stock rims, I've seen 285's on same rims on a GMC, but thats maxing it out for the stock rims. I like the 265's much better then stock, for one they won't peel out as easy on hard exceleration and are a heavier tire then the stocks. It will affect mileage some, seeing it is a heavier tire. Those wheels are the premium wheels for that generation of truck, I like them alot.

Like I mentioned, the additional spring worked wonders for me, the truck handles alot better on bumpy roads, and can accomodate an extra 2000lbs. With the additional spring added, my truck sits slightly higher then a F350 and 3500. My next project is to get heavy duty torsion bars installed, so it will eliminate plow bottoming out while driving over uneven roads. I think I pretty much have mine cranked all the way up, but am not 100% sure.

markw8 · February 9, 2009

9yrs 2 pairs of bags, never had a leak.

Mark.

smokeater785 · February 9, 2009

Thanks guys for the input, i'm still pondering but I think i'm leaning towards the extra leaf spring because it's simple and there's less things that could go wrong, plus the extra height would be nice.

Thanks for the link Norsemanberg, and thanks for the pics Hen Avenger, they're a great help.

Kodiak450 · February 9, 2009

Thanks guys for the input, i'm still pondering but I think i'm leaning towards the extra leaf spring because it's simple and there's less things that could go wrong, plus the extra height would be nice.

Thanks for the link Norsemanberg, and thanks for the pics Hen Avenger, they're a great help.

I personally would seek out a spring and suspension shop near you. They will have the HD springs they can customize to your existing spring set up and they are strong. Stay away from the gimmicks online, and make sure the spring is 1/2" in thickness, this way your suspension will be better then a 3500's. I didn't have a micro, so i used a tape measure and when I measured the OEM springs they were 1/4". You really notice the difference right away and handleing over bumpy roads will basically eliminate back end kick feeling. And if you tow (depending on how much weight you pull) you will notice the truck will not drop as much or in some cases drop at all (depending on how much you are pulling). Only con is having to reach in bed is harder because I gained 3", but that is something I can adjust too.

smokeater785 · February 10, 2009

Sounds good, I have a spring shop nearby so I think i'll look into it. Thanks for the advice.

N2BRK · February 10, 2009

I haven't put them on the 2500hd yet, but I ran Supersprings on my Dakota for many years. They are fantastic both loaded and empty. You can put them on yourself in no time too!