Re-leveling after flatbed install...

opposite locker · #1 02-06-2010

Recently had a 10ft all-steel (heavy) flatbed installed in my '97 CC 4wd with stock suspension, except for Bilstein 5100 shocks and 2" front leveling spacers. Because of the flatbed weight and 2 steel underbed toolboxes mounted behind the rear wheels, the rear is now sitting a couple inches lower than the front.

The most logical (and preferred) solution would be to remove the front spring spacers, but I am concerned that the front Bilstein shocks may be too long for a stock-height truck. The front 5100 shocks are listed to fit our trucks with a 2" lift, so I called Bilstein USA to see if they would work with stock height. The tech over at Bilstein informed me that the 5100 shocks are a little more than 1" longer fully extended than their HD shocks (which are made for stock height trucks), and are 0.4" longer when fully compressed. He seemed to think that the 5100's at stock height would be OK for on-road use, but was a bit hesitant to offer this opinion and said that the official answer would be "no". I prefer this option since it would keep the flatbed lower and therefore easier to load/unload. Think it's a good idea, or would the spacer-less front suspension require different shocks?

A second option would be to add some Firestone airbags in back to level the rear end. How durable and puncture-resistant are these airbags? I work on an orchard and am constantly driving around offroad through gravel, mud, dirt, and often over larger tree branches. I cringe at the thought of an airbag blowing out while driving, which is why I'm a bit hesitant to go this direction.

What would you guys recommend? Would it be a good idea to just throw larger blocks on the rear axle?

Chris H. · #2 02-07-2010

I would go with option 2, get the air bags. They are very durable and last a long time if you take care of them. On my last truck I ran the air bag lines individually and it seamed to work out better than some that install a tee and check valves.

Keep us informed on what you do and how the outcome is.

opposite locker · #3 02-07-2010

What do you mean by "take care of them"? Is there any maintenance required for airbags?

My main concern with the airbags is that they will be exposed to lots of sharp objects around work (gravel, branches, goatheads, etc) especially with the flatbed and no wheel-well liners. But I am leaning in this direction...thanks

Chris H. · #4 02-07-2010

For starters the bags need to have 5-7 psi kept in them no matter what. The lines should be routed in a manor that doesn't cause leaks. If you end up taking your truck to a shop, let them know you have air bags on, so they don't lift the vehicle and tear the bags. Other than that, they are pretty rugged.

MnTom1 · #5 02-07-2010

If you put air bags on your truck they would not be any more protected with a box on than they would with no bed. The only difference is that you could see them better with no bed. Big trucks use air bags and there are very few that have them blow out. Around here even the semis that go off road (pulp haulers) run air bags.

onewhl750 · #6 02-07-2010

When I leveled my 97, I realized the rears were worn and after the leveling kit the front sat higher than the rear. I put in a set of airbags and was very happy with it. The only issues are making sure you keep about 5-7 lbs in them at all times when empty (Obviously you will put more in when you are loaded down) and that you make sure you don't let the rear wheels just hang as this can tear the bags. I did not have onboard air, I ran both of my lines back and mounted them to the tow hitch. Helped me remember to add air when I hooked up the trailer. If I could do it again, I would go with the onboard air and dual gauges to monitor both bags.

WIth the added support the truck rode better, and increased my peace of mind when towing or hauling. I would go this route, vice removing the leveling kit. I loved the way the bilsteins worked, and would do whatever I could to keep those.

opposite locker · #7 02-08-2010

Thx guys...airbags it is. Will post results once installed

ccmckee · #8 02-08-2010

Yup you can't beat airbags, had mine on for 3 years now won't have a truck without them.No need to isolate the sides, they are just assiting the facory setup and not your sole suspension so it really won't matter if you have one side with more weight on it. I have mine split front and back never had any issues with load shifts or the like.I also have on board air supply and a 3 gal tank.

J_R_R · #9 02-08-2010

http://www.dieselram.com/showthread.php?t=195166

opposite locker · #10 02-09-2010

Went ahead and ordered part # 2220 (for trucks with contact overloads) online for only $230 shipped!

Is this what they are supposed to look like installed?