Add a leaf or add airbags? That is THE question

[Francoiscqc]

I have a 2007 F150 4X4 supercab 6.5 box 3.73 ratio. I don’t necesseraly want to increase the payload capacity (even though that would be great) but I want to make sure that there won’t be too muck rake when payload is at it’s max. I am looking towards 2 options : Add a leaf or add airbags to the suspension. And, of course, each of the options has it’s pros and cons. Add a leaf is a lot cheaper but it might lift the rear a bit when there’s no payload at all in the truck and it might also stiffen the ride quite a bit. Is that true? Abb airbags costs a lot more and I’ll need to adjust the air pressure each time I'll change the payload if I want to keep some kind of a comfy ride. I’d like to hear from those who made one of these 2 modifications and what they like or don’t like about them…. Thanks!

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[ab46501]

I have an AAL and like it. It gave my truck the right amount of rake and I tow often so the extra payload is nice. It sits dead level with my travel trailer hooked up without the load level hitch engaged now. Before the AAL it sunk with the trailer until the level arms were on the hitch fully. The ride is slightly stiffer but not enough that anyone who had not been in the truck before would notice a change. In fact my wife didn't notice a thing. Of course I have a fiberglass cover on and probably 100lbs of tool and equipment riding in the back so that offsets any stiffness some.

[aPINCHbetter90]

I have the autospring short leaf and it put my back up around 1.5" and when I pull my boat I still sit a little above level. I didn't really notice it to bad when it comes to ride quality, it is a little stiffer but its not to noticeable.

[sanhozeezee]

i just installed a procomp AAL today and it leveled out my sagging rear end. i have an 04 screw lowered 2.5 fr and 2 in the rear. im back to level but i need some new shocks. can anyone recommend a good replacement?

[6868vfco]

Originally Posted by Francoiscqc

I have a 2007 F150 4X4 supercab 6.5 box 3.73 ratio.

I don’t necesseraly want to increase the payload capacity (even though that would be great) but I want to make sure that there won’t be too muck rake when payload is at it’s max.

I am looking towards 2 options : Add a leaf or add airbags to the suspension. And, of course, each of the options has it’s pros and cons.

Add a leaf is a lot cheaper but it might lift the rear a bit when there’s no payload at all in the truck and it might also stiffen the ride quite a bit. Is that true?

Abb airbags costs a lot more and I’ll need to adjust the air pressure each time I'll change the payload if I want to keep some kind of a comfy ride.

I’d like to hear from those who made one of these 2 modifications and what they like or don’t like about them….

Thanks!

I was on the fence same concern. I went with air bags and an onboard compressor. Wasen't that much and was easy to install. I love it works great easy to change for all types of loads. Also it leveled my truck out (using 5psi)

[06 SANDSTONE]

Ive got the bags as well . They work fine for me .

[Francoiscqc]

Thanks guys for your comments.
Still don't know what I will do though!

[mattd17]

IMO, airbags are the way to go. they are easier to install than add-a-leafs, and will offer you full adjustability. you can get a bag kit for about 200, and then if you want a compressor kit, its about 200 more. thats what i have, and i think it is an awesome setup.

[Wes28376]

If cost isn't a factor I would go with the air bags. I had them on my last vehicle and the adjustability is a huge plus.