AAL, SuperSprings, Or Air Bags?

slimcubby · #1 09-24-2009, 01:12 AM

Hi guys,

I am leveled out 2" AS in the front and hate when I work and have my chemicals in the bed I look PreRunner. I probably sag about 1-2 inches easy.

What would be the best setup for running a load (500-700lbs) during the week and nothing in the bed on the weekends. I would like to stay level with and without a load while maintaining a good ride.

Thanks!!

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renaud · #2 09-24-2009, 11:40 AM

If you do a search you will quickly find tons of threads with this exact question already answered.

It is a matter of preference and $$$. Airbags allow you to adjust the ride-height which sounds like what you are looking for but they are the most expensive. I went with an AAL and the ride barely changed from stock. I gained about 1.5" over stock in the rear, and to me the idea of never having to mess with it is nice. Install and forget about it.

It takes about 1200lbs in the bed to make it sit level, and with 2500lbs of pavers it squatted a little. In stock form 2500lbs put me near the bumpstops, but I now have several inches to spare.

slimcubby · #3 09-24-2009, 09:15 PM

Hmm I did a search and didn't find much.

Are you raked with your 2" AS and AAL setup when empty?

I can get the supersprings AAL and air bags right around the same price. I am sure if I went with just a standard AAL it would be a difference in price.

zeruin · #4 09-24-2009, 09:30 PM

I went ahead and picked up a ProComp AAL tonight from summitracing. I have the ProComp Stage1 lift and I've been sagging about 1 1/2 inches. Supposedly the AAL will give back the 1 1/2 inches I need to level me out, so we'll see what happens.

It was only $107 with shipping.. It supposed to be a 1-2 hour install if you have the tools, but I'm gonna take it in and have it installed for $125 at my mechanic just to save the hassle.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/EX...n/?prefilter=1

06 SANDSTONE · #5 09-24-2009, 10:22 PM

Ive got the firestone bags . no problems here.

slimcubby · #6 09-25-2009, 12:11 AM

Ok I am going Firestone Ride Rite bags for sure! Just not sure if I want to install the compressor and get a tank or just fill up at gas stations.

Would the airbags effect my alignment/camber? I am guessing not but just thought I would ask to be safe.

renaud · #7 09-25-2009, 08:52 AM

I was pretty dead level with just the 2" AS when empty. But as soon as I loaded up it sagged. With the AAL I have about a 1.5" rake empty which I think is perfect. Enough to look like a truck, but not as drastic as the stock rake. It takes about 1200lbs in there to get the rear down to the same height as the front now.

The price for an AAL vs Airbags should not be close to the same. Procomp AAL is around $100 where as a basic airbag setup without compressor is closer to $300.

slimcubby · #8 09-25-2009, 12:08 PM

Well I was actually debating the supersprings AAL which actually cost more than the airbags for me. The suoersprigs were somewhere around $290 and the bags are $240.

Do the bags hold the PSI well or do you need to periodically refill them?

bor543v · #9 10-04-2009, 06:21 PM

Air bags arent a good choice if you do off roading. It can decrease the articulation in the rear end and you could tear the bag if over extended. I called an Airlift tech and this is what he told me.

slimcubby · #10 10-05-2009, 01:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bor543v

Air bags arent a good choice if you do off roading. It can decrease the articulation in the rear end and you could tear the bag if over extended. I called an Airlift tech and this is what he told me.

Well what level of off roading are you talking about? Some light dirt/mud that isn't causing much flex? Or rock crawling, big dips etc that cause a ton of flex in the rear?

I off road very minimal so I would assume the little that I do wouldn't hurt anything right? I mean I don't do any crazy off road trails or anything.

bor543v · #11 10-05-2009, 03:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slimcubby

Well what level of off roading are you talking about? Some light dirt/mud that isn't causing much flex? Or rock crawling, big dips etc that cause a ton of flex in the rear?

I off road very minimal so I would assume the little that I do wouldn't hurt anything right? I mean I don't do any crazy off road trails or anything.

Absolutely, should be fine if you dont use your truck off road much, just something to consider. I'm going with an added leaf for this reason.

slimcubby · #12 10-05-2009, 07:13 PM

Well now I am a little worried. The bags can tear when at full flex off roading? What happens when you throw the truck up on a lift and the rear axle is just hanging full weight on the bags?

HYPO · #13 10-05-2009, 10:02 PM

The instructions on the Ride Rites say to air them down before placing the vehicle on a frame lift. No biggie.

HYPO

slimcubby · #14 10-05-2009, 10:47 PM

Hmm that could be a little pain with no on-board tank/fill. I wonder if I need to air down even when going into Discout Tire for a tire rotation as they lift the entire vehicle there.

bor543v · #15 10-06-2009, 12:06 AM

How many leaf springs you got in your truck? (full length ones, don't count the little one on the bottom)