Coil spring air bags for hauling loads?

[bonehead]

Has anyone used rear coil spring air bags to prevent bottoming out when hauling loads with there pickups? I occasionally use my 1/2 ton for trips to the depot and sometimes it bottoms out with a load, especially since I have 3" drop coils on the back. Does anyone have any experience with using an "in coil" airbag of some type to air up when hauling? Any input would be great.

Summit sells a brand called Firestone coil-rite air bags.

[markeb01]

I’ve never owned any, but many from my parent’s generation used them back in the 1950’s and 1960’s. The only brand I ever heard of was “Air Lift”. They’ve been around as long as I have and are still in business:

http://www.airliftcompany.com/produc.../air-lift1000/

[aerotruk63]

I had some in my 63 when I first got it. You drive around with about 5psi to keep the bags firm and in place. You add air to them and load the truck and they'll keep it up there. You have to take the air out in order to drive around empty. A bit cumbersome if you go all manual, you actually have to bed over to add or subtract air. The semi I drive daily is air suspension on the rear with a self leveling valve. The compressor is engine driven for the brakes and suspension. Some trucks come equipped with front axle air suspension. The cab of the truck is also on air as is the drivers seat.

There's also Timbren that were an original GM supplier of a rubber spring for helping out while loaded. They still make the rubber spring.

1965 GMC


1960 GMC

[Clyde65]

I replaced my coils for air bags because I tow a camper and a trailer but I've not used the helper bags.
Posted via Mobile Device

[bonehead]

Saw these on the net, they go inside the spring. These are the Firestone coil-rite air helper spring. They look like they might work if they will fit my spring. I will measure my springs and call Summit on Monday.

I will keep anyone else interested posted.

[chevyrestoguy]

I am very interested in this as well. Can't wait to see what you come up with.

[1966burb]

Anyone here had experience using the TIMBREN system?

[Desert.Chevy]

Originally Posted by Clyde65

I replaced my coils for air bags because I tow a camper and a trailer but I've not used the helper bags.
Posted via Mobile Device

I have thought of the same thing. My truck is my DD, so I have been trying to learn if this would be good for me. I would like to be able to carry a small trailer for camping stuff or moving. Could you post a picture of your setup? Thanks.

[LVPhotos]

Old thread! Here is the bags from Ride Tech. Came as kit, has cups that take the two top bolts and convert to single one. Screws in stock hole, Lower uses bolt. I have had Schrader valves on there no problems. No need for on board compressor. Check air like tires.

[Clyde65]

Originally Posted by Desert.Chevy

I have thought of the same thing. My truck is my DD, so I have been trying to learn if this would be good for me. I would like to be able to carry a small trailer for camping stuff or moving. Could you post a picture of your setup? Thanks.

My photo will look exactly like LVPhoto's, except mine has stock trailing arms.

I have the cups and lines to the rear, schrader valve there.

I think this cost me around $75 for the valves and lines, oh and the cups. I got the bags off CL thrown in with some other parts so it worked out real well for me.

I have the Dominator bags, I think they are rated for 2500, I run about 45 PSI in my bags just driving, but with the travel trailer I believe I had about 75 lbs in there then. drove like a dream without any steering issues at all.