Why Do Some Pacbrake Air Bags Have Internal Jounce Bumper and Firestone Do Not

Updated 09/11/2025 | Published 09/08/2025

Products Featured in This Question

Pacbrake Alpha HD Air Bag Suspension Kit - Rear Axle - 5,000 lbs

(46)

$354.38

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

(3143)

$443.94

Pacbrake Alpha HD Pro Air Bag Suspension Kit w/ Internal Jounce Bumpers - Rear Axle - 5,000 lbs

(22)

$431.24

Question:

Im trying to compare the Pacbrake Alpha to the Firestone Double convoluted air bags, The Pacbrake Alpha claims it comes with a joust? The Firestone does not. Whats the difference and why does the Pacbrake have it and the Firestone does not?

asked by: Don

Expert Reply:

Hey Don! The Pacbrake Alpha HD # PB32ZV you were looking at does not have the internal jounce bumper. You would need the Pacbrake Alpha HD Pro Air Bag Suspension w/ Internal Jounce Bumpers # PB92ZV. The jounce bumper adds additional support when you're running the air bags at the minimum psi and an extra layer of protection if you bottom out.

Firestone is pretty confident in their bags and they don't see bottoming out as a real concern. I'm not sure why they don't add them in as a backup support option for min psi, perhaps they assume customers will just inflate them if they want the support. Regarding your other question about the 5 psi minimum, that is standard for all air bags. This allows the bags to retain their shape so they don't end up folded over or in any other position that might cause a portion of the bag to wear out prematurely.

Pacbrake is new to us but so far we have heard good things about them so I would say they're a good choice. However, the Firestone # F2609 would be my recommendation if you're looking for one. Firestone air bags have proven themselves to be reliable over a long period of time so I trust the brand and quality.

Are you adding the air bags to your 2025 Silverado 1500?

expert reply by: Robin H

Firestone Ride-Rite
(click to enlarge)

Don

9/10/2025

Thanks for your answer. As for your question of adding the airbags to my truck I think I'll wait and see if I need it. My 2021 did but my 25 has bigger tires and the rear is already a little higher than the front. I'd have to hook up my trailer and I don't want to do that till it's ready to brought home on 10/3. Thanks again.