Air shocks, helper bags or go all out?

[lukbrw]

Driving to and from a show last weekend, we really noticed that the 72 is in need of some suspension help. It's getting a little too "bouncy." The shocks seem a little soft. Truck was lowered by the previous owner by just cutting the springs.

Now the question is, what should we replace them with. We use the truck for just driving around town and to a few shows each year. My big issue is my dad will haul his 24ft FourWinns to and from the boat launch and that fully compressing the springs.

Should we get helper bags? Should we run the Gabriel air shocks? Or go for replacing the springs with bags? I don't want to spend a mint since we're only talking hauling two maybe three times a year.

Suggestions.....

[68 IRON]

I think air shocks...only because airbags (like in my one ton) would be over kill. Air shocks are cheaper, you plumb them the same as air bags (compressor valve in cab or seperate air service in the back). And they look stock...in my opinion.

[N2TRUX]

If it were me I would go with bags. I have had airshocks, helper bags, and an AOL (air over leaf) set up. My experience is a full set of rear bags allows you to adjust for towing, cruising, or whatever your needs are.

[TrkEnvy]

Not to piss in your cereal but I wouldnt be hauling anything with cut springs. Cutting or heating a spring changes the spring rate and could cause a dangerous situation hauling a load like a trailer. I would replace with a set of new lowering springs or stock if you dont need the drop and do some air shocks as suggested above.

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by TrkEnvy

Not to piss in your cereal but I wouldnt be hauling anything with cut springs. Cutting or heating a spring changes the spring rate and could cause a dangerous situation hauling a load like a trailer. I would replace with a set of new lowering springs or stock if you dont need the drop and do some air shocks as suggested above.

That is only half true. Heating springs to lower a truck is the wrong way to get the job done. Cutting one coil off of a stock spring is just fine as long as you don't use excessive heat to do it.

Airshocks have too small of a bag capacity to have a wide range of function. He is much better off with an air bag.

[late68]

I second that N2TRUX.

[lukbrw]

I think think the bags would be the best also....but what about costs? Can you guys direct me to the best place?