New shocks or both socks and bags?

[DaTraveler]

I was calling around to get quotes for installing new Bilsteins on my 2011 2500HD gasser and one of the mechanics brought up a different configuration. He suggested getting air bags for pulling my fiver with better/smoother riding shocks.

I know bags are used for sagging rear ends, however, I don't have that issue.

Would his suggestion benefit me, or is it just added expense? I would love a smoother ride when not towing, but I don't know enough to say yay or nay.

Any suggestions or thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Eric

[JKellerJr]

Bags would stiffen up the rear suspension similar to adding leafs like a 3500 as needed. I have bags on my 3500. I also don’t have a sag issue, my truck rides level without any air in the bags. but it does stiffen it up for less bouncing off the overloads on rough roads. I run the minimum air pressure (25psi) in the bags.

[papermakermd]

Hi1 following your post boogmeister1 as I would also like to smooth out the rough ride on my 2500HD when not towing. Hope someone has a good suggestion.

[JKellerJr]

Hi1 following your post boogmeister1 as I would also like to smooth out the rough ride on my 2500HD when not towing. Hope someone has a good suggestion.

Short of trying to engineer something that eliminates some of the leafs and depends on air bags for the load carrying I don't think there is much you can do for empty running. Ram has an optional system like that for their 3500. Their 2500's are full air from the factory. I don't think shocks do a heck of a lot for ride as the stiff springs are still there.

There are some aftermarket companies that sell suspension systems that could help but the cost may be prohibitive.

[JKellerJr]

I was calling around to get quotes for installing new Bilsteins on my 2011 2500HD gasser and one of the mechanics brought up a different configuration. He suggested getting air bags for pulling my fiver with better/smoother riding shocks.

I know bags are used for sagging rear ends, however, I don't have that issue.

Would his suggestion benefit me, or is it just added expense? I would love a smoother ride when not towing, but I don't know enough to say yay or nay.

Any suggestions or thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Eric

And I just realized you were also asking about empty ride. I originally read this on my phone and thought you were asking about the ride while towing. The bags help with the loaded ride but don't do anything while empty

[Copperhead]

I did Bilsteins on my 2015 Chevy 2500 gasser and installed 1500# Sumosprings in place of the bump stops. Sumo's are a urethane cellular foam deal. They offer similar performance as air bags but simple install and forget. You can even drill a 1" hole thru them and they work. I can throw well over a ton of material in the back of my 2500 and it just starts approaching a level stance, but with the Bilstein's and Sumo's, soooo smooth and sure footed.

When running empty, lower the tire air pressures. I got the load pressure chart from BFG for my KO2's and I typically run about 50-55 PSI all the way around when empty. I air up when I will load up. That and the Bilstein 4600's I put on made a whale of a difference in ride quality. The stock Ranchos that came on my 2500 just plain sucked rocks.

https://www.supersprings.com/products/sumosprings/

[Mister B]

Hi1 following your post boogmeister1 as I would also like to smooth out the rough ride on my 2500HD when not towing. Hope someone has a good suggestion.

Should have kept your ecoboost (F150) for a smother ride. That's why I'm not going to a 3/4 ton. Put shocks, bags, E tires and rear sway bar on. Power is never a problem

[Copperhead]

No doubt, ride quality is going to be better most times with a 1/2 ton. I just don't see the value. I have a wide use need for my 3/4 ton over and above towing needs and I can buy a 3/4 ton that has more capability than any 1/2 ton being made, at a much lower price. My 2015 2500HD 6.0 LT Z71 9500 GVWR/13,500 Tow/20,500 GCWR with snow plow prep, tow package including 5th/Gooseneck prep, and integrated brake controller, and a Line-X bed job thrown in had a out the door price of $38K brand new. Even the new more capable 2020 2500HD with the new 6.6L gas (401HP / 464 torque) are going for $40K out the door. No 1/2 ton comes close in capability. It is all about the market. The 1/2 tons are a massive cash cow for dealers.

[JColeman]

In our experience adding air bags to our F250 smoothed out the ride on our 5er. If you think about it, bags are a very basic air suspension as well as a leveling system.

[Copperhead]

They are indeed basic air suspension. My entire semi truck and trailer rides on air bags. Not a spring in sight.