Comparing Air Lift Air Bags With/Without Jounce Bumper for 2023 Ram 3500

Question:

Is there any downside to getting the bags with the internal bounce bumper as opposed to the ones without the internal bounce bumpers? I have 2023 Ram 3500 SRW with an 8 ft utility bed.

asked by: Trevor T

Expert Reply:

The Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 Ultimate Air Helper Springs with Internal Jounce Bumpers # AL88231 are typically what I recommend for anyone who wants to stick with Air Lift. The jounce bumpers add extra support at low air pressure and prevent bottoming out. The Air Lift construction isn't the same quality as Firestone so this can be helpful.

If I were to recommend air bags for your 2023 Ram 3500 it would actually be the Firestone Ride-Rite Air Helper Springs # F2616. Firestone uses 4 layers of reinforced rubber for their bags, a braided wire girdle, and anchors them with their rolled crimp seal. To give you a better idea about the difference, you can lift your truck and the Firestone bags can be left in place without any damage. Air Lift bags would have to be detached so they won't come apart.

The # AL88231 and # F2616 are designed for the pickup model. Since you mentioned the utility bed I would say you actually have the cab and chassis model and not the pickup model. If that is the case, the only option is going to be the Firestone # F2478. Air lift does not have air bags for the cab and chassis.

Both the Firestone and Air Lift bags are compatible with the Air Lift Load Controller Compressor System # AL25856 or # AL27DQ you were looking at.

expert reply by: Robin H

Trevor

4/1/2024

Thank you for your thorough response. My truck was manufactured with a standard pickup bed. The factory bed was removed and the utility bed was installed. Does that mean I need the F2616 for the standard pickup model? Or can I still get the F2478 for the cab and chasis? Can you explain the difference between the 2 kits please? Thank you!

Robin H.

4/2/2024

@Trevor thank you for clarifying. You will need the # F2616 for your truck. The only difference between the two kits is the brackets. There are some differences in the frame between the standard pickup and the cab and chassis so they require different mounts.