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Author Topic: Ok comparison time people, I'd like to know your opinion.  (Read 1958 times)

Offline 1995DodgeRam1500

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Ok comparison time people, I'd like to know your opinion.
« on: October 17, 2008, 07:52:27 pm »
First product in the comparison:

http://www.hellwigproducts.com/products/air_systems/hellwig_air

Second product in the comparison:

http://www.hellwigproducts.com/products/helper_springs/pro_series

What I am looking to do is bring my truck's leaf springs back up to a reasonably level ride without completely destroying the ride.  The springs in the truck are rather weak.  This is mostly for towing.  If you know of another option that you think would be better, please let me know if you like a different brand, let me know.  If you have had a bad experience with a product please let me know.  In other words, I'm not finding a whole lot of options for a 1995 2WD Ram 1500 short box standard cab. Help please.
Slàinte

Ian

Offline Tom Courtright

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Re: Ok comparison time people, I'd like to know your opinion.
« Reply #1 on: October 17, 2008, 08:35:07 pm »
i've had helper springs, they did a good job with load capacity, and less sag, but they stiffened the ride overall.
the airbags can at least be deflated for daily comfort

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Offline burban2002

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Re: Ok comparison time people, I'd like to know your opinion.
« Reply #2 on: October 17, 2008, 08:40:23 pm »
I would definitely go with the airbags.  The ability to adjust them and more stable ride are worth it.  They make a huge difference when towing too.
Edge Comp thanks to JakeBrake

Offline Kilch123

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Re: Ok comparison time people, I'd like to know your opinion.
« Reply #3 on: October 17, 2008, 09:01:42 pm »
personally, I've not used either on my truck.

Most over the road trucks and trailers are moving from springs to air ride for several reasons:

1 - Smoother ride - protects their cargo (will protect your ride) - but since these systems move a lot more to smooth the ride, shocks wear faster
2 - Increased payload - they do not sag under load - increased air = increased capacity
3 - Lighter weight - weighs less than steel leaves

The issues on a pickup
1 - no onboard air like a truck - need external source - trucks have automatic levelling valves that maintain a ride height regardless of load
2 - when you load the truck, you will need a way to inflate the air springs, and when empty, need to remove air to maintain smooth ride/correct ride height

The air ride is probably going to work better for you, as long as you have a way to adjust the air pressure according to your load
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Offline burban2002

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Re: Ok comparison time people, I'd like to know your opinion.
« Reply #4 on: October 17, 2008, 09:44:25 pm »
One of my friends installed them on his truck and he does not have on board air either.  He installed a schrader valve under the gas door and ran another line up to the cab so he could monitor the pressure(not sure why though--he cant adjust it from inside so what does it matter?).  Anyways he has an air compressor at his house and uses that to pump up the bags.
Edge Comp thanks to JakeBrake

Offline Kilch123

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Re: Ok comparison time people, I'd like to know your opinion.
« Reply #5 on: October 17, 2008, 10:05:33 pm »
you can pick up one of those small 12 volt compressors - they fit under the passenger seat

Or you can dump big bucks and get the whole shebang from Hellwigs (They sell the compressors also)
***Currently at Smokin Okie Diesel - Enid OK***
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Offline Tom Courtright

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Re: Ok comparison time people, I'd like to know your opinion.
« Reply #6 on: October 17, 2008, 10:26:41 pm »
Or you can dump big bucks and get the whole shebang from Hellwigs (They sell the compressors also)
you can get a good new compressor and a tank for under 250$ normally

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Offline 1995DodgeRam1500

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Re: Ok comparison time people, I'd like to know your opinion.
« Reply #7 on: October 17, 2008, 10:36:55 pm »
Or you can dump big bucks and get the whole shebang from Hellwigs (They sell the compressors also)
you can get a good new compressor and a tank for under 250$ normally
The home compressor I have is fine (80 gal 7.5 horse) but on the road would be a problem. Though I guess the tank might work. I'm not sure that a small 12v compressor would have the power to handle it. And of course the "whole shebang" makes it way too much. I have other things I need to get done on this truck, that really are going to cost some money and they aren't just fun stuff. I can't get to the fun stuff until I get the rest of the truck fixed.
Slàinte

Ian

Offline Tom Courtright

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Re: Ok comparison time people, I'd like to know your opinion.
« Reply #8 on: October 17, 2008, 11:27:54 pm »
actually, i was talking about a good 12v, and say a 3 gallon tank.
you can even go cheaper, for tow bags id say you can get like a 280C from viair. 30% duty cycle, runs up to 150 psi.
they run probably 150$
and a small 3 gal tank would be like 50$

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Offline CowboyBob

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Re: Ok comparison time people, I'd like to know your opinion.
« Reply #9 on: October 19, 2008, 02:25:20 pm »
Check out this product.

http://www.timbren.com

I have been thinking about putting these on my 96.  They don't cost as much either.  You can also read this thread on the subject.

http://dodgeownerforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=274.0

2001 RAM 2500, Hypertech Stage 3, Exhaust Brake, 90 Gallon Aux Tank, Dual Lift Pumps.

 

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