Dad has a 1997 F-250 Lariat 4x4 (3-door) 5.4L with rear air bag suspension that is shot. He does not want a lift as he uses it to load and haul equipment for his business and doesn't want it too high. What are most guys using to replace the air bag? Extra leaf spring and new shocks? Can he use a coil spring in conjunction with the leaf springs? Popular brands or kits?

I own a 2005 Toyota 4Runner that I have lifted on my own with Toyota FJ springs and Bilstein 5100 shocks, so I'm pretty confident in doing the work myself, just not familiar with what folks with Fords are running. Thanks for you help!

 

I would go back to the air bag suspension. You can get a whole new kit for a reasonable price.