Another Rear Suspension Thread

[teamcurtis]

06 with 130k miles
I've noticed when the truck sits overnight, or even all day while at work the rear has settled down a bit.
Yesterday i "measured" both sides with my hand. Rear passenger was about 2" lower than rear drivers side. Started the truck and waited then measured again. Both were even, and both were at least 3" higher than before.

Guessing the passenger side airbag is leaking. Will need to confirm before i start replacing things.

I really like the ride leveling and comfort of the stock suspension, but know most people just go to a coil/shock combo.
Can I just replace the airbags or am I wasting time by not replacing the shocks too?

Can the spring option offer the same level of comfort?
I go offroad, but more unmaintained fire roads than anything serious. I also tow a few times a year, but never more than a 3k trailer fully loaded.

 

[teamcurtis]

running 265/70 17 SL tires
I got 1" toytec front spacer (not installed yet) I dont care to lift the rear, just level it

 

[stupidchicken03]

Im planning on replacing my original OEM bags in the coming weeks/months. 2005 with ~194k miles.

No leaking/issues yet, but we also just recently bought a camping trailer and I would rather replace the 20 year old bags before they fail (especially while towing).

 

[teamcurtis]

Im planning on replacing my original OEM bags in the coming weeks/months. 2005 with ~194k miles.

No leaking/issues yet, but we also just recently bought a camping trailer and I would rather replace the 20 year old bags before they fail (especially while towing).

planning on replacing the shocks too, or just the bags?

 

[stupidchicken03]

planning on replacing the shocks too, or just the bags?

For the time being, just the bags.

 

[rommelrommel]

Replacing the bags is easy, get the arnott/continental ones from rockauto and don’t think about it for another decade.

 

[teamcurtis]

Those are that good? I ordered the OEM for $400 a side...

 

[stupidchicken03]

Im probably going this route.. a good amount of folks in the GXOR FB group have used these and lasting 3+ years

https://amzn.to/3TeEvfX

 

[CarGuyCarl]

My Dobinsons rear springs and Nitro shock set up feel basically like stock. I've never looked back since.

 

[Rednexus]

I did a coil conversion in 2021. IMO, the coils ride better and flex better for wheeling. BUT, for towing the bags are vastly superior. So I just added a set of Firestone bags inside the coils, which can be kept at very low pressures (5 psi) when not in use. It tows much better with the aux bags and a standard hitch than it did with no bags and a weight distribution hitch. Hindsight being 20/20, I would have considered extended Airbagman bags a bit more instead (however the coils + helper bag combo is the most reliable and versatile option as you still have the springs if you blow a bag out or if the OEM pump system has problems).

With infrequent towing, coils are the better choice IMO.

 

[Hardazclay]

Replace your shocks but you don't need to get the adjustable OEM ones. I also have an 06 and replaced everything around 130k last year. I thought the shocks were fine based on how it felt but I was so wrong. Both were toast and one even took 15min to rebound laying on the ground . I would say if you can't tell a meaningful difference when you change the adjustment knob for your shocks then they should be replaced. I went with coils but I think sticking with the bags is a great choice.

 

[CarGuyCarl]

The Luftmeister shocks if still available on Amazon are a cheap way to keep OEM adjustability and they worked fine for me over 10,000 miles before I switched to the Dobs lift. Ended up selling them to another member for very cheap.