Help With Diminished Ride Quality After Installing Air Bags On 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali Ultimate

Updated 06/28/2024 | Published 06/17/2024

Products Featured in This Question

Firestone Ride-Rite Air Helper Springs - Double Convoluted - Rear Axle

(3009)

$423.10

Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4-Point Sway Control - 10,000 lbs GTW, 1,000 lbs TW

(840)

$693.55

Question:

2024 sierra 1500 denali ultimate. Best option for air bags on rear and leveling kit on Front. I have a rough country level on front now and air bags on rear, not sure what brand, but the ride is definitely not the same. Or should I go back to factory?

asked by: David K

Expert Reply:

With the Air Bags # F2609 on your 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali Ultimate you are not going to be able to get the same smooth factory ride you had at stock. Typically a leveling kit like the Rough Country for your Denali only add a spacer to gain the front ride height and not change the suspension geometry or provide more support. If you are needing the rear air bags only for trailer towing then you might consider switching to a Weight Distribution Hitch # EQ37100ET. This will solve your issues with rear end sag while not affecting your stock ride quality when not towing.

expert reply by: Bud M

David K.

6/26/2024

So the rough country leveling kit and the air bags both effect my ride? I do construction so I do Haul equipment and material. How well with the Hitch help with that? Is there a leveling kit that I could get that would not change the ride?

Bud M.

6/27/2024

@DavidK With the weight distribution hitch since you haul equipment and material the tongue weight will constantly change. With this the B&W Continuum # BW78FR would likely be a better option as it allows you to use the hydraulic handle to easily adjust the hitch for different weights. I am not aware of any leveling kits that will install differently than the Rough Country so if that is affecting your ride they all will.

David K.

6/28/2024

I have around 7 trailers that I pull quite often. Not sure if that's what I want. I have been referred to the fs2483. Is this the 2609 in a kit? What is different about air bags compatible with ARC suspension and those that are not compatible?

Bud M.

6/28/2024

@DavidK I cannot find any information on the FS2483, so I'm not sure what it is. As far as air springs for the Adaptive Ride Control we follow the guidelines from the air spring manufacturer. Firestone tells us theirs are compatible while Air Lift says their kits are not.