Replacing rear coil springs or rear air bags

[TXTONKA]

Hey guys I've read about a lot of guys adding rear air bags to help address the rear sagging when towing. Has anyone considered replacing the rear coil springs with either factory 2500's/2" spacer or aftermarket lifted coil springs?

It seems like the standard 2500 rear coils would have less negative effects on the suspension flex/travel than air bags.

 

[olyelr]

Hey guys I've read about a lot of guys adding rear air bags to help address the rear sagging when towing. Has anyone considered replacing the rear coil springs with either factory 2500's/2" spacer or aftermarket lifted coil springs?

It seems like the standard 2500 rear coils would have less negative effects on the suspension flex/travel than air bags.

Wrong. Putting in the standard 2500 coils will hinder articulation, as they are much stiffer. Bags do not hinder it at all, as long as you go with a bag like the airlift with internal bumpstop, which can be run at 0psi.

If you tow a lot and dont off road much, then the regular coils and a spacer would most likely be an improvement for your usage. This is what AEV recommends when using their kit. However, offroad articulation is definitely worse than the stock setup.

Most aftermarket lift coils will be much softer than a regular 2500 coil. However, most are probably close to what the power wagon is. From my understanding, carli’s coil may be a bit stiffer than the stock power wagon coil.

 

[Trailmaker]

I think bags are the way to go for towing or hauling. @olyelr did a nice write up on air bags. Remember that the payload police will get you if you over load past your sticker regardless of your mods. Definitely get E rated tires if you are going either route, the stock tire will wear out quick on a constant load. I have 15k with mixed driving and I might get 25k and I tow every 2 weeks and haul at least once per week.

 

[56PW17]

Wrong. Putting in the standard 2500 coils will hinder articulation, as they are much stiffer. Bags do not hinder it at all, as long as you go with a bag like the airlift with internal bumpstop, which can be run at 0psi.

If you tow a lot and dont off road much, then the regular coils and a spacer would most likely be an improvement for your usage. This is what AEV recommends when using their kit. However, offroad articulation is definitely worse than the stock setup.

Most aftermarket lift coils will be much softer than a regular 2500 coil. However, most are probably close to what the power wagon is. From my understanding, carli’s coil may be a bit stiffer than the stock power wagon coil.

I don’t disagree but I wonder how much difference in articulation there is and I wonder how the ride quality differs.

no one has had both setups on a power wagon and put it on a rack yet?

 

[olyelr]

I don’t disagree but I wonder how much difference in articulation there is and I wonder how the ride quality differs.

no one has had both setups on a power wagon and put it on a rack yet?

I have seen pics and information on a stock power wagon vs aev suspended power wagon vs thuren suspended power wagon at moab. AEV didnt amount to much. All it is is a stock ram 2500 suspension setup with spacers to make it higher. Great for towing and working... ****** for wheeling.

 

[TXTONKA]

Olyelr,

With your air bags how much does it limit the extended articulation? I know on my 2014 Ram I had before the Power Wagon, the air bags really affected the ride quality when empty and limited the axle drop.

I really like the thought of using the cradles for the air bags, though I've read that some individuals have had issues with the bags not seating properly.

 

[olyelr]

Olyelr,

With your air bags how much does it limit the extended articulation? I know on my 2014 Ram I had before the Power Wagon, the air bags really affected the ride quality when empty and limited the axle drop.

I really like the thought of using the cradles for the air bags, though I've read that some individuals have had issues with the bags not seating properly.

I have the daystar cradles. No limit at all with droop. Had them several years now. Never had a single issue.

Doesn’t **** with ride quality at all, either. They are completely empty unless I am towing.

 

[TXTONKA]

Sounds like the cradles will be the way to go.

It would be great if they made a 2500 rear set like the airlift front air bags or the rear 1500 bags that go inside the coils.

Thanks for the feed back..

 

[olyelr]

Sounds like the cradles will be the way to go.

It would be great if they made a 2500 rear set like the airlift front air bags or the rear 1500 bags that go inside the coils.

Thanks for the feed back..

Why? Is there something wrong with the airlift 5000’s with daystar cradles? They have been working great for me!!!

 

[56PW17]

Sounds like the cradles will be the way to go.

It would be great if they made a 2500 rear set like the airlift front air bags or the rear 1500 bags that go inside the coils.

Thanks for the feed back..

I think they do but they don’t have the capacity ratings the rivalry bag setup has.


What is the purposes you need the bags for? Do you tow more than 6-8k lbs? I would go with the airlift 5000s or 7500s I think they are called if so. and if you are a real off-roader type get the cradles. If not just get the bags.

 

[thkbaron]

The airlift setup is nice. I've ran it on all my 1500's. I yanked my 5000 setup out of my silverado before selling it and will need to toss it in my power wagon. I'm debating whether to do a compressor this time or not. I'll see. Seeing I have the rambox I'll have a nice dry salt free place to put it. For anyone running air lift stuff I'd recommend going with the stainless stuff. It seems their e coat over the brackets doesn't last at all. I'll need to look into the daystar cradle option.

 

[22hemi13]

I don’t disagree but I wonder how much difference in articulation there is and I wonder how the ride quality differs.

no one has had both setups on a power wagon and put it on a rack yet?

Night and day difference. I have thuren kit on my 2500 non pw. The factory 2500 springs won’t flex they’ll just stay put. If you want flex stick with pw rear coils or after market soft coils and bags. Factory 2500 coils will not do that. I promise lol

 

[22hemi13]

Not sure why I quoted you @56PW17 lol. Was for the guy asking if 2500 coils would flex

 

[olyelr]

Not sure why I quoted you @56PW17 lol. Was for the guy asking if 2500 coils would flex

Probably because he was the one questioning the comparison LOL

 

[56PW17]

Night and day difference. I have thuren kit on my 2500 non pw. The factory 2500 springs won’t flex they’ll just stay put. If you want flex stick with pw rear coils or after market soft coils and bags. Factory 2500 coils will not do that. I promise lol

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This is awesome

 

[22hemi13]

Probably because he was the one questioning the comparison LOL

Maybe lmao. I need more coffee Hope that cleared up some of the comparison lol

 

[olyelr]

Maybe lmao. I need more coffee Hope that cleared up some of the comparison lol

Yes, your truck is living proof a thuren setup works night and day better than a stock 2500 suspension setup (except maybe towing).

 

[22hemi13]

Yes, your truck is living proof a thuren setup works night and day better than a stock 2500 suspension setup (except maybe towing).

Definitely no good for towing hahaha. She sags some with all the camping gear and water. But there is soooo many options depending on what you do. Nobody can say there is only a few choices. Im considering bags but really worried about full compression.

 

[olyelr]

Definitely no good for towing hahaha. She sags some with all the camping gear and water. But there is soooo many options depending on what you do. Nobody can say there is only a few choices. Im considering bags but really worried about full compression.

Worried? Bout what?

 

[TXTONKA]

Based on Olyler's installation thread, the air bags with cradles you lose almost no rear compression. If I remember the write-up correctly there was only a inch difference between the factory bump stop and the compressed air bag.