Opinions on rear coils replacement vs airbags

[Bansheeman6100]

So it's time to rebuild my Fox 2.5 all the way around this summer, and will be doing some other upgrades while I'm there. Other than the Foxes, I have a 2" puck and Airlift HD bags.

I'm going to be installing Core 4x4 single Heim control arms and swaybay endlinks, and am debating on whether I need rear coils or not. I have added a good bit of weight to the bed with a camper shell, 270 awning, rear swing arm spare carrier, and other gear

I've gone back and forth whether HD coils will really make a difference with the bags or not, and if the spacer is an issue or not. If I don't do coils, I'll throw that money at a Swaybar. Pic for attention

Truck is a 2020 Bighorn base, only options being 4x4 and 5.7

 

[boogielander]

pucks in the front or rear?
if you are still on OE rear springs, swap them out for a set of Ironman heavy load springs:

Rear Coil Springs | 2" Lift Heavy Load (440-1100 lbs) | Ram 1500 (2019

IRONMAN 4X4 coil springs increase ground clearance, accommodate larger wheels and tires, and ensure a stable ride. Versatile for daily driving and off-road adventures on pavement, gravel trails, or rock crawling, they offer various load choices to enhance performance and durability for any...

www.ironman4x4.com

or if you prefer triple spring rates then:

Jeep Gladiator 2.5" HD Triple Rate Rear Coil Springs 2020+, JT

Jeep Gladiator (JT 2020+) HD triple rate rear coils provide the perfect solution for your heavily loaded vehicle without sacrificing ride quality! Clayton Off Road JT HD Rear Coil Springs are designed for vehicles equipped with approximately 500-600lbs + of extra weight from heavy gear and...

www.claytonoffroad.com

it's for JT but it will fit.

you don't need bags unless you're towing as well.

sidenote: before you rebuild the fox, check the nitrogen level first. Despite what the book says, you can get away with regularly/ seasonally recharge your nitrogen level and not send them out for rebuild unless the shocks are leaking (seal gone bad). If you are gonna get them rebuilt, you might want to also consider getting them revalved to fit the weight you have as well.
I got over 40k miles on my Fox 2.5 and at least half of them are hard off pavement miles, no leak yet and I check my nitrogen level periodically. I also run my nitrogen level at 250psi, and the seals are still holding.
Pic is with my Fox 2.5 DSC with Carli Rebel HD springs in the rear. I have about in the bed when picture was taken while I was on the trip to Alaska and Arctic Ocean:

• GFC Camper at ~300lb
• Decked Drawer at about 190lb
• Tools and Gears at about 100lb
• Water (58lb), gas (30lb), and diesel (49lb)
• Propane (14lb)
• Full size matching spare tire and wheel(108lb)
• Renogy DC-DC Charger w/ MPPT (4lb) + 100AH LiFEPO4 (25lb)
• Various wiring (~5lb?)

Total: ~883lb

The Carli Rebel HD springs are rated for 500lb constant weight in the bed, and I left the front at 2" over non rebel. Still sits pretty leveled judging from the slider lol
there are additional weight in the cab area but I am not counting those for this discussion (as they don't play that big of an impact on the rear)

So bottom line:
You don't need bags if you have proper springs.

 

[Bansheeman6100]

Thank you so much for the detailed and completely perfect reply Boogie! And for links, the rear coil selection for our trucks is not the best and I was hoping there was a crossover. I will check the nitro levels in these, as I'm only coming up on 30k miles. And I have been following you and your truck, and I know you beat on yours exponentially more than I do. And I planning on having them revalved, and pushing off a rebuild would be nice as I plan on adding a winch bumper next year. If I could wait to rebuild them, it would work out great

No pucks up front, just the fox 2.5s that give me the roughly 2-2.5" lift up front, RC upper vontrol arms, Maxxtrac endlinks, extended travel axles (doing LCAs this summer with the rest). And I did install the bags for heavy capacity in the bed (water tank seasonally), and for towing a boat that I have yet to buy

With all thay weight, what are you running for rear sway bar? If its aftermarket, did it make a measureable difference?

I have always replaced coils in the past, but was curious if in my case the coil replacement would make a noticeable difference in ride/performance over just leaving the bags charged