I did it. I added air bags to my 2500 with Air Ride

[Rabbo]

I have these on my truck, lifted the front 2.5" with new coils and the back .875" for a level stance. The adjustable rods did not affect the ride, I almost want to say the ride is improved by raising the rear 875 in.

Look at the bags I posted above, expensive but I believe it is the best set up to maintain the ride quality unloaded.....

 

[Shalvin]

Yup. I did it. From what I’ve read, most said it’s not possible and others will probably call me crazy. But I added additional air bags to my 2500 with air ride.

There was numerous reasons why I wanted to do this. Main reason being the redundancy in case I have a failure of the OEM bag while on a trip pulling my trailer.
Other reasons to help get rid of sway and also additional support to take some load off of the OEM bags.

Most will probably chime in and say I’m overloaded if I need a second set of bags.
Per my sticker 10k GWVR, yes I’m overloaded. But not my axle or tire ratings. And I’m totally comfortable my setup.

During this project I also upgraded the front and rear shocks to Fox 2.0’s, I also changed out the front coils to Thuren +1” coils and a Thuren track bar.

The truck rides phenomenal now and tows even better.

My biggest issue prior to these modifications was sway with pulling my fifth wheel. I had previously installed a Hellwig rear sway bar. It maybe fixed 20% of my problem but also just made the ride harsh.

After reading some posts on here and other sites I realized that the issue is the location of the OEM bags on the 2500. They are installed more inward towards the centerline of the truck; not on the outside closer to the frame like leaf springs on a 3500. Again causing me lots of sway and instability.

Everything I did for the install is completely bolt on, no major modifications at all. I can probably unbolt everything in about 20 mins. It was very easy, just took some trial and error to see what worked best.

I went with AirLife 5000 Ultimate because they have internal bump stops.

I also ordered adjustable rear sensor links to make adjustability of the OEM bags easier.

Also picked up some other small hardware bits to extend the sensor mounting points away from the frame to give them clearance for the new bags.

I was able to access the air suspension control module via ALFA OBD; from there you can see data in real-time. I was looking to see how much pressure was in the OEM bags and then I’m able to compensate how much air I want in the 2nd bags without the ECU lowering pressure of the OEM bags. Make sense? Lol. The idea of this whole project is the secondary bags are there just for a little bit of extra additional support mainly to the outer parts of the axle to get rid of sway and body roll. And the secondary bags did just that.

Overall I’m extremely happy with how it came out and how the truck rides now.
But most importantly I’m more confident that I can travel without worrying about an OEM bag failure.

Attached is a pic of the setup.

Hello Matty I from Canada my ram 2500 doesn’t like cold at all . I was so desperate until I see ur post recently . I just want to do the same thing u did , can u Suggest the names of all the parts u used . Please and thank u

 

[ammdrew]

So I will add to my install.
I added the switch and raised the rear up 1 inch. This got all my air adjustments back in sync. 1 inch drop to tow mode, and then a 1 inch drop to bed lowering mode(sitting on the internal bump stops)

To adjust for the added rake I put a set of thueren 1 inch coils on the front(matching shocks just went with bosch). while this raise the whole truck 1 inch everything is working properly now and I have the same clearance to bump stop that you would have had stock.

Being the over doer I can be I also used the carli one inch bag spacers. thai allowed me to also use matching shocks in the rear with no worry of over extending the air bags. The surprise effect was a smoother riding truck then just adjusting the height with the links.

End results had been a super stable and comfortable towing and unloaded truck. I am usually about 30lbs when hooked to our fifth wheel and run the bags at minimum when unhooked. Hope my added posts help.

 

[H3LZSN1P3R]

So I will add to my install.
I added the switch and raised the rear up 1 inch. This got all my air adjustments back in sync. 1 inch drop to tow mode, and then a 1 inch drop to bed lowering mode(sitting on the internal bump stops)

To adjust for the added rake I put a set of thueren 1 inch coils on the front(matching shocks just went with bosch). while this raise the whole truck 1 inch everything is working properly now and I have the same clearance to bump stop that you would have had stock.

Being the over doer I can be I also used the carli one inch bag spacers. thai allowed me to also use matching shocks in the rear with no worry of over extending the air bags. The surprise effect was a smoother riding truck then just adjusting the height with the links.

End results had been a super stable and comfortable towing and unloaded truck. I am usually about 30lbs when hooked to our fifth wheel and run the bags at minimum when unhooked. Hope my added posts help.

Any reason you did not go with the daystar airbag cradles or similar to prevent the bags from being over extended instead of the 1” bag extenders from Carli?

 

[ammdrew]

Totally different parts. Daystar cradles would make the extra outside airbags 1 inch taller. Which would put everything back to where you loose range of suspension movement without equally lifting the rear suspension and truck bed ht. The carli spacer only spaces up the factory bags which allows you to run the 1 inch longer shocks and reduces the amount of air to maintain the 1 inch higher ride ht created with the adjustable links.

 

[ammdrew]

Hooked up, Trailer tow suspension setting. which gives you a level, stable truck when trailering and with all the changes and same full range of suspension motion.

 

[H3LZSN1P3R]

Totally different parts. Daystar cradles would make the extra outside airbags 1 inch taller. Which would put everything back to where you loose range of suspension movement without equally lifting the rear suspension and truck bed ht. The carli spacer only spaces up the factory bags which allows you to run the 1 inch longer shocks and reduces the amount of air to maintain the 1 inch higher ride ht created with the adjustable links.

Ah I thought the spacers were for the added bags. The daystar cradles are 3/4” taller thats why I made my own which are 1/4 steel bottom plate so I gain clearance

 

[Loopz87]

Yup. I did it. From what I’ve read, most said it’s not possible and others will probably call me crazy. But I added additional air bags to my 2500 with air ride.

There was numerous reasons why I wanted to do this. Main reason being the redundancy in case I have a failure of the OEM bag while on a trip pulling my trailer.
Other reasons to help get rid of sway and also additional support to take some load off of the OEM bags.

Most will probably chime in and say I’m overloaded if I need a second set of bags.
Per my sticker 10k GWVR, yes I’m overloaded. But not my axle or tire ratings. And I’m totally comfortable my setup.

During this project I also upgraded the front and rear shocks to Fox 2.0’s, I also changed out the front coils to Thuren +1” coils and a Thuren track bar.

The truck rides phenomenal now and tows even better.

My biggest issue prior to these modifications was sway with pulling my fifth wheel. I had previously installed a Hellwig rear sway bar. It maybe fixed 20% of my problem but also just made the ride harsh.

After reading some posts on here and other sites I realized that the issue is the location of the OEM bags on the 2500. They are installed more inward towards the centerline of the truck; not on the outside closer to the frame like leaf springs on a 3500. Again causing me lots of sway and instability.

Everything I did for the install is completely bolt on, no major modifications at all. I can probably unbolt everything in about 20 mins. It was very easy, just took some trial and error to see what worked best.

I went with AirLife 5000 Ultimate because they have internal bump stops.

I also ordered adjustable rear sensor links to make adjustability of the OEM bags easier.

Also picked up some other small hardware bits to extend the sensor mounting points away from the frame to give them clearance for the new bags.

I was able to access the air suspension control module via ALFA OBD; from there you can see data in real-time. I was looking to see how much pressure was in the OEM bags and then I’m able to compensate how much air I want in the 2nd bags without the ECU lowering pressure of the OEM bags. Make sense? Lol. The idea of this whole project is the secondary bags are there just for a little bit of extra additional support mainly to the outer parts of the axle to get rid of sway and body roll. And the secondary bags did just that.

Overall I’m extremely happy with how it came out and how the truck rides now.
But most importantly I’m more confident that I can travel without worrying about an OEM bag failure.

Attached is a pic of the setup.

Can you by chance send or post what parts were required for this.

 

[ammdrew]

Post 36 has the parts I used, airlift air springs.

 

[Eatstone]

For those looking to do this. Here is the parts I used.

10 Pcs Stainless Steel Single Head Stud Hex Standoff Spacers Male to Female Thread 10mm 15mm 20mm 30mm 40mm M6 x M6 for PCB Hexagonal Fasteners Hardware Accessories: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific

10 Pcs Stainless Steel Single Head Stud Hex Standoff Spacers Male to Female Thread 10mm 15mm 20mm 30mm 40mm M6 x M6 for PCB Hexagonal Fasteners Hardware Accessories: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific

www.amazon.com

I used the 30 mm one for the lower ball on ht sensor.

5/16th id, 1 inch spacer qty 4 for top sensor
8mm x 30 qty bolts for the top sensor.

I mounted the compressor drivers side under the door on the frame with the airlift ezmount.

Is that a typo, you used 30- 8mm bolts??

 

[ammdrew]

Is that a typo, you used 30- 8mm bolts??

8mm 30mm long

 

[Eatstone]

8mm 30mm long

One last question, I cant find locally the bushings you used to space the upper bracket off the frame so Im going to make some. I see the hex stand off you used in M6 is 1.2" long, Is the upper bushings you used 1" or the same 1.2" length?

Also, can the stock sensor links be reused or is it a must to use the adjustable sensor arms?

 

[Eatstone]

I completed the install this weekend following @ammdrew build details. I went with the airlift 5000 bags without bump stops and onboard air thinking for a smoother ride when not packing my sxs or sleds. Hugh difference now vs pre bagged when travelling the highways where it’s rutted. The side to side rocking was scary before….now I’ve dialed 35lbs in the bags and it’s rock solid. Next test will be when I throw my TT on with it.

 

[bsuch]

Yup. I did it. From what I’ve read, most said it’s not possible and others will probably call me crazy. But I added additional air bags to my 2500 with air ride.

There was numerous reasons why I wanted to do this. Main reason being the redundancy in case I have a failure of the OEM bag while on a trip pulling my trailer.
Other reasons to help get rid of sway and also additional support to take some load off of the OEM bags.

Most will probably chime in and say I’m overloaded if I need a second set of bags.
Per my sticker 10k GWVR, yes I’m overloaded. But not my axle or tire ratings. And I’m totally comfortable my setup.

During this project I also upgraded the front and rear shocks to Fox 2.0’s, I also changed out the front coils to Thuren +1” coils and a Thuren track bar.

The truck rides phenomenal now and tows even better.

My biggest issue prior to these modifications was sway with pulling my fifth wheel. I had previously installed a Hellwig rear sway bar. It maybe fixed 20% of my problem but also just made the ride harsh.

After reading some posts on here and other sites I realized that the issue is the location of the OEM bags on the 2500. They are installed more inward towards the centerline of the truck; not on the outside closer to the frame like leaf springs on a 3500. Again causing me lots of sway and instability.

Everything I did for the install is completely bolt on, no major modifications at all. I can probably unbolt everything in about 20 mins. It was very easy, just took some trial and error to see what worked best.

I went with AirLife 5000 Ultimate because they have internal bump stops.

I also ordered adjustable rear sensor links to make adjustability of the OEM bags easier.

Also picked up some other small hardware bits to extend the sensor mounting points away from the frame to give them clearance for the new bags.

I was able to access the air suspension control module via ALFA OBD; from there you can see data in real-time. I was looking to see how much pressure was in the OEM bags and then I’m able to compensate how much air I want in the 2nd bags without the ECU lowering pressure of the OEM bags. Make sense? Lol. The idea of this whole project is the secondary bags are there just for a little bit of extra additional support mainly to the outer parts of the axle to get rid of sway and body roll. And the secondary bags did just that.

Overall I’m extremely happy with how it came out and how the truck rides now.
But most importantly I’m more confident that I can travel without worrying about an OEM bag failure.

Attached is a pic of the setup.

So Matty I tried to put some air bags off amazon on my 2021 2500 with factory air Suspension and my kit looks exactly like the one you used (Air Lift 5000) with the 3 flat plates per bag and when I put the bag in there it does not line up, it looks like when the bottom is in the right place for the long bolts to go around the axle the plate on the top of the air bag is to the rear about an inch or so and the two top plates do not line up. So I just don't see how they will fit. My kit looks like the aftermarket company copied air lift 5000.

 

[Eatstone]

So Matty I tried to put some air bags off amazon on my 2021 2500 with factory air Suspension and my kit looks exactly like the one you used (Air Lift 5000) with the 3 flat plates per bag and when I put the bag in there it does not line up, it looks like when the bottom is in the right place for the long bolts to go around the axle the plate on the top of the air bag is to the rear about an inch or so and the two top plates do not line up. So I just don't see how they will fit. My kit looks like the aftermarket company copied air lift 5000.

Return it and go with the genuine part.

 

[bsuch]

i have a set that i plan on putting on this weekend, will advise how the bed lower mode works after install

I did it and bed lowering will not work and had to cut them down to less that half and now they are basic bump stops. My air system has failed and I am waiting on dealer to get parts and it will take about 2 more weeks. I would NOT waste your money. I just now tried to put aftermarket cheap helper air bags on and the top and bottom do not line up, about an inch or so off. not sure what to do. I can tell you the sumo's seems like they would work but found out the hard way they do not.

 

[TreFlo]

Yup. I did it. From what I’ve read, most said it’s not possible and others will probably call me crazy. But I added additional air bags to my 2500 with air ride.

There was numerous reasons why I wanted to do this. Main reason being the redundancy in case I have a failure of the OEM bag while on a trip pulling my trailer.
Other reasons to help get rid of sway and also additional support to take some load off of the OEM bags.

Most will probably chime in and say I’m overloaded if I need a second set of bags.
Per my sticker 10k GWVR, yes I’m overloaded. But not my axle or tire ratings. And I’m totally comfortable my setup.

During this project I also upgraded the front and rear shocks to Fox 2.0’s, I also changed out the front coils to Thuren +1” coils and a Thuren track bar.

The truck rides phenomenal now and tows even better.

My biggest issue prior to these modifications was sway with pulling my fifth wheel. I had previously installed a Hellwig rear sway bar. It maybe fixed 20% of my problem but also just made the ride harsh.

After reading some posts on here and other sites I realized that the issue is the location of the OEM bags on the 2500. They are installed more inward towards the centerline of the truck; not on the outside closer to the frame like leaf springs on a 3500. Again causing me lots of sway and instability.

Everything I did for the install is completely bolt on, no major modifications at all. I can probably unbolt everything in about 20 mins. It was very easy, just took some trial and error to see what worked best.

I went with AirLife 5000 Ultimate because they have internal bump stops.

I also ordered adjustable rear sensor links to make adjustability of the OEM bags easier.

Also picked up some other small hardware bits to extend the sensor mounting points away from the frame to give them clearance for the new bags.

I was able to access the air suspension control module via ALFA OBD; from there you can see data in real-time. I was looking to see how much pressure was in the OEM bags and then I’m able to compensate how much air I want in the 2nd bags without the ECU lowering pressure of the OEM bags. Make sense? Lol. The idea of this whole project is the secondary bags are there just for a little bit of extra additional support mainly to the outer parts of the axle to get rid of sway and body roll. And the secondary bags did just that.

Overall I’m extremely happy with how it came out and how the truck rides now.
But most importantly I’m more confident that I can travel without worrying about an OEM bag failure.

Attached is a pic of the setup.

So I did something similar. I used alpha OBD to disable all of the factory air suspension setting. Then I disconnected the airbags hoses “left and right, installed a T-fitting and hooked them up to an Air ride compressor/controller. So now I can control my factory airbags on the fly, while driving down the road!

Next up, I removed the factory airbag sensors, and installed some aftermarket airbags under the frame. Similar to what you did.

I couldn’t stand not being able to adjust the factory air suspension when I was driving. It was a pretty straight forward process.

I do have the Carli 3.5” front lift, I installed BDS rear air bag spacers, that way I have a lot of “travel” when off-roading. It allows the truck to flex down pretty far in the rear without risking the rear airbags over extending and popping.