Installed 5100s and airbags and drove 10,000 miles. - Finally got some pics to upload of my '09 Sierra C/C Z71... I added the Air-Lift helper bags first, I have ...

Finally got some pics to upload of my '09 Sierra C/C Z71...
I added the Air-Lift helper bags first, I have a heavy tool box and tow a camper so these were a must have to keep it from sagging. I tried many PSI settings until settling on 45psi empty, 90psi when towing. Unexpectedly They improved the "jittery-ness" of rear on washboard roads and ruts. also eliminated sway when towing on the highway on bends and in the wind.
From day one I knew I wanted to level the truck, and having eliminated the need for that massive rake with the air bags I started researching all the kits I could find, read reviews and asked people who had them installed. Having seen two friends have problems with ball joints and alignment issues with Daystar and R/C kits I decided to spend a little extra and get the 5100's. In addition to being a little better engineered than a plastic or aluminum puck, they claimed to improve the ride and handling as well. I cannot express how much of a difference they make. Where the truck would roll like a 70's Buick in fast sweepers and sharp turns it turns flat, and confident. No more "squish" to the ride, no dive under hard braking. It rides smooth and firm. Not unbearable like an empty 2500.
I added the rear 5100s after putting 3000 miles on the fronts with no issues. Not as huge of a difference but the shock dampening is worlds better. These shocks should be the standard Z71 shocks.

I've now put 10,400 miles on this setup with 0 issues, I've towed a camper from Houston to Pittsburgh and back, drove over 3000 miles off road and hauled 1500#s of tools in the bed.
I installed everything myself, the front struts I had assembled at a shop after breaking 2 spring compressors attempting to compress the springs.

Fr. 5100's - $195 - AJ usa
R. 5100's - $114 - Shock Warehouse
R. Airbags - $205 - Summit Racing
Assemble struts - $40 - local shop
Fr. Alignment - $65 - Midas
Total $619 - not bad for front and rear height adjustable suspension on a 1/2ton truck.

Hope this helps anyone trying to decide on how to level there GMT-900.

Now on to the PICS

Looks good! Not a bad price for a job like that too, and doing it yourself saved a butt load too! Glad to hear it seems to be working out well for ya and what you haul.

That looks great. Good information to know, thanks for the update & review.

Great review; great way to upgrade your truck. Makes me want to do it to mine!

nice job...where you from in PA?

hey travelin. Welcome to the site. i did the EXACT same thing to my 08, except i used rancho quik-lifts up front and rancho rs5000s in the rear. The only other mod i made to the airbags was i tied both lines into one, and ran it into the cab. The single schrader is mounted to a bracket under the dash. i noticed you still have your stock wheels/tires. Is this gonna change? Also, what part of the burgh you from?

Good deal while looking up these bilsteins...........wish I had the money

http://www.suspensionconnection.com/cgi ... stein.html

at the risk of sounding dumb... all you have to do is select the hieght you want the front and rear to sit and set the bilssteins at that hieght and install and you have a inch or 2 of lift? this almost seams to simple if its really that simple im getting on that band wagon asap!!!!!

I know this is a year old, but hopefully the OP sees this.

OP, could you post more pics of the rear bags and how it's mounted. Also, what type of nut/bolt did you use to mount the brackets back there. I have a set of air bags I plan on installing on my truck, but mine did not come with mounting hardware, so I'm working on that right now. Thanks.

Not the OP nut here is the instructions from Air Lift
http://www.catalograck.com/imgVD/AIL/MN-324_59501.pdf