Sleeve Bags vs. Slam Bags

Edited: 2/22/2011 11:26:29 AM by aircord

I bought a truck that is already bagged. It has Slam bags all the way around. Rear has the bags on the axle. I have heard that if I run the bags on the axle, I need some sleeve bags because they ride alot better. Any truth to this? I would have loved to buy a truck with a lever style but, for what I got and what I paid for it, I can't complain at all.

With the setup I have, which is better, the Slams already there, or order some sleeve bags and keep these slams as spares?

added email notify.

Edited: 2/22/2011 11:35:27 AM by DD PREZ

slams and shocks for the best ride

Sleeve bags will always ride better over axle than a doubel convelouted...period. Sleeve bags, say Firestone F9000, were built specifically with a lighter load rating and a progressive spring rate that lends itself well to an over-axle setup. They've also got about 1500lbs of load carrying capaicity per bag, that's 3000lbs load rating (more than most trucks from the factory), so you can still move some stuff around. All those qualties, combined with a good shock, and it will ride awesome. There's a reason why Cadillac and Lincoln have been using them in their luxury cars since the 50's..

Double convelouted bags were originally designed for heavy load capaicty...and as such, will ride like a dump truck with no load. Even the smaller bags, like the "2500" have anywhere from 2600lbs to 2800lbs of load capacity per bag....way too much spring (remember, air bags are still springs) for the empty bed of a minitruck. They work great in a lever-style setup, where the force they see is much higher than it would be in a straight 1:1 over axle setup. Otherwise, they tend to ride like a donkey cart.


The biggest issue you're going to run into when swapping out slams for a pair of sleeve bags is that they need some sort of limiting device to keep them from over extending, and they need a little more room when laid out (they tend to be an inch or so taller when compressed) so you need to keep that in mind...

on a bag over axle set up i prefer sleeves... obviously shocks are a must... any double convoulted bag bounces to much for my liking.... to me on a mini the best ride is contitech 4ply 2500 and firestone f9000 sleeves with a good name brand shock is a great combo ans very reliable... my .02.. hope that helps!!!

Sleeve bags will give you a better ride but you'll lose some lift, you also need limiting straps with sleeve bags. Either way shocks will help, the slams will be fine and you may need them to untuck the rear wheel. It's ultimately up to you; more money, more work, less lift for a better ride OR more lift less money and sacrifice some ride quality

Firestones F9000's will get you about 8" of lift

This is from back in the day, but it gives you an idea of the amount of lift you can get out of an F9000...



I'm not sure how much more you need...lol

Depending on what the current setup is like your going to have to change the bag mounts anyway, why not look at just changing to a lever setup with the bags you have? There are lots of variables and your description is pretty vague. Pictures are good too! Some people like the firm ride of bag on axle, I personally do and when i'm really low it rides quite good.

no shocks..waste of money!!!!!