1K leaf pack + Air bags query

Howdy all,

I've purchased the 1k All Pro leaf pack, and also have Firestone airbags and a cradle setup on the shelf. I have about 800 lbs on the back end (aluminum topper, decked draw setup, aftermarket swing out rear bumper, tools, mummified remains...ya know the deal. I estimate the additional load @ 800lbs.

I have not installed it all yet, but plan to this weekend. (also using DRT Hangers). I wanted to check on some videos I've been watching. Many state that you should remove 1 leaf off the packs if you want to use airbags. What do y'all think? Since this is a bigger task, I don't want to make a mistake and have to tear it all apart again.

Thanks in advance.

 

@Crikeymike sells them here.

Mike, do you have any tips? You ever hear of folks removing a leaf and/or installing with airbags?

That's a lot of spring which should have appropriate sized bump stops, u bolts and extended brake lines. One concern might be if the airbags ever deflate, there's no overload or bump stop to ride on. I guess you'd ride on the airbag, but with expedition 2.0 springs, there's so much leaf pack that you might be okay.

Also, @anthemAnathema looks into the leaf removal over here. Good luck

 

Ahhh, ya know, I did not think of the extended brake lines!!! That will have to
Get done. I may try to keep my life less complicated and hold off on the bags for now….let me think on this

 

Here is where I am at on the All Pro 1k leafs. They were too stiff, even with 800 lbs. step 1, remove two leafs, grease everything to try and avoid squeaks

 

Step 2: Ensure you use your impact to install your kingpin, and strip it out, causing cursing, and damaging neighbors opinion of you. This is a critical step with ensuring you doubt yourself every step of the build

 

Crazy. I'm thinking you could have gotten away with the 500-600 pounders. GL with the center pin. It's always good practice to replace them anyway

 

I don't think the OP will need the airbags with those springs. I would install the springs as they come and see how they handle the weight before considering to add the airbags.

Running springs that are rated correctly for the amount of weight you have shouldn't need airbags.

You're right, airbags remove the bump stops. They have to be kept at a minimum PSI (5psi I think it is), so they do act as a bump stop, but depending what tire size you're running, you may need actual bump stops or extensions to keep the tires out of the fenders.

 

Getting there. Took my time on everything. Should have it all back together mid week.

 

Put it all together last night. Driveshaft prior was 7.3 (with some vibration) now it’s 8.7 with the three degree shims. I went ahead and put in the carrier bearing drop to test out, and I can relay it’s smooth as silk at 80mph. I picked up 1.5 in the rear over the add a leaf and overload spring on the stockish setup yielded 2.5. I’m at 4” now, about a 1” rake. When install the swing out bumper and spare tire it should be even

 

those 5160s are gona limit travel to point you wont need extended brake lines. with that much weight some better shocks with adjustable or custom valving wouldn't hurt though.

 

Yeah I can't fathom running 1k leafs on one of these trucks, the rear of a 2nd/3rd gen is lighter than a 1st gen and even the heaviest one of those I've wheeled with has an 800lb pack that doesn't get overwhelmed. Definitely want to have some adjustability in the shocks with this much capacity capability, the truck with the 800lb leafs is running triple bypasses to get some position specific valving since leafs get progressively stiffer as you compress them.

 

I wouldn't install the airbags. I run Deaver's U402 Stage 3 Leaf springs, supposed to be 3 inches lift on a 2nd gen with 700-1000 pounds of constant weight. I have scaled myself at 1 ton over GVWR, no that's not an exaggeration, and have had zero need for airbags. I am not looking for any lift, so with all that weight, it's nice and level.

 

I've been driving my truck around empty lately, since I need to get it into the shop for some work. Don't even have a tailgate. The truck rides like it doesn't have rear suspension. Also doesn't help I didn't air down my tires. Still running 60/65psi. Also looks like I have a 6 inch lift in the rear of my truck, hahaha.

 

Once I get everything loaded up, and re-measured, I’ll take it to the scales to get an accurate reading front to back. From there…well, I’ll have to make sure the next shock purchasing is the right kit for the job

 

At this stage, it seems a waste to install the bags, no real purpose for them

 

Just gonna say I have had zero issues with my 5160s in the nearly 6 years I've been running them with this setup. The mounting bracket provided with them to give a little more slack in the brake lines has been enough. No extended brake lines have been needed. (but again, mine is a 2nd gen, so i'm just assuming your brake setup is the same on your 3rd).

 

aint no way 1st gen rear is heavier. but yea those leafs gotta be insanely stiff. i have option 1 rxts and even with my 900lb wet weight atv in the bed its fine. i have double bypass icon omegas and turn the compression up to compensate. rides great. my 1st gen with old ass skyjacker leafs definitely doesnt handle it as well tho ahaha. still better than my buddies with ram 1500s tho

 

Having known reconrover for many years after having met in one of the biggest shitholes on this planet I can say two things with complete certainly -
1. This madness he's involved in is totally understandable and I would have expected no less.
2. I am proud/ashamed to have had a part in his selection of the Taco as the basis for his current and future atrocities he commits to this poor truck.
Good luck brother, I look forward to my journey across the Great Plains to see the final build...

 

Hey Dr. D! You got me started into all of this, lol!!! Sometimes when a good friend I knew all the way back to A-stan days says...yeah, I know him. My first thought is....what did your sister tell you about that night???