I have a Hotchkis 2/4 and over the last 6months I have noticed the rear springs softening up causing it to sag in the rear. I had less that 2" between the frame and axle(and you have to consider the bumstop inbetween that). My ride quality had drasticly reduced as it would bottom out on every little bump/dip and I couldn't put anything in the bed without it riding on the bumpstops. Well problem solved! I installed a SlamAir kit from Air Lift Co. last week and it is great. The fit is kind tight with the Hotchkis leafs but everything fits fine and rides great again. With 20lbs in the bags, I raised the rear 1" so I have about a 1/2 rake now. I can put up to 100lbs in the bags and achieve about 2.5" of lift in the back. I recomend this kit to anyone with a 4" or less drop and it tired of bottoming out all the time.
BTW... I got mine from Summit(best deal I found) for $174 shipped. It is pn AIR-59103.

 

What kind of shocks were you running? Do you have any pics?

 

I did this even though I notched the frame (4/6 drop) I like the bags for use when I have to carry a buddy's furniture or something else heavy. There is a picture of my setup if you click on my signature and go to rear suspension in the picture trail site.

 

Ken, My Hotchkis springs haven't sagged that much. In fact, it still looks like it did when I put them on. I wonder if you have a bad set?

 

I have a Belltech drop with shackles in the back and my springs clamped in the back for an extra inch or so and my ride quality sucks. When i hit any kind of bump it really slams the truck. Would these air shocks help out the ride quality on my truck. Are they hard to install?

 

did you clamp the overload spring (bottom leaf spring) together with the other leaf springs StreetSweepa? The overload spring is really stiff and will make it ride rough like it is. It makes it really stiff out back. An easier way than airbags is to go airshocks. I know Greg (Fast4.8) had these on his truck for hauling stuff with his dropped truck.

 

02 - I am running Doetsch shocks and originally thought that was the problem so I took one of them off to see if it was dead but it was fine. I didn't get any pics but mine look very similar to Ryan's.
Jeff - I have thought the same thing but even before when I would tow something it would ride on the bump stops. It is fixed now so I am happy.
Sweepa - The bags are fairly easy to install. Just make sure you have a good drill and two good bits. As far as improving you ride quality, you have to determine if you are bottoming out or if your springs are just that stiff from clampin the ol leaf. If it is bottoming out, then yes they will help.

 

I want to keep the same drop as i have now with the springs clamped and the lowering shackles. The shackles didn't drop it enough to sit even with the front the way i wanted it, and that's why i decided to clamp the springs. My ride is really rough now, both in the front and in the back. Are air shocks the best answer for ride quality? Will it still sit in the same position? Also, what can i do about the front to get it to ride smoother?

 

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Could you send me pics and link to website to buy kit

 

1500HD leafs will bolt right in. At least for ECSB truck like mine.

They're a 5 pack setup vs 3.