I was wondering IF any body running the air bags (and what kind) over the back axle to help with a little heavier loads? I have a boat with a pretty heavy tongue weight and was wondering if I could install the fairly cheap air bags with the on board compressor to help compensate the extra load. The boat with trailer only weighs about 4200, maybe 4300 lbs with gear, gas, etc., so the truck is well within its limits. I just would like a little better ride when towing the boat. I have actually hit the rubber dampers on the axle with the boat attached, but not extremely hard. I try to watch how I go over bumps, RR tracks etc. I also was wondering when I don't have the boat attached and deflate the bags, does it affect the normal ride, performance? Any advice or thoughts about these bags would be greatly appreciated, good or bad.

 

I installed air bags on my '00 for towing a travel trailer. I also have 2" drop shackles. I cut the bumpstop pads down to about 1/2 the original height, but am looking for a softer short (1") replacement pad. Will need to get the bags for the "lowered" F-150 cause the L is lowered, the additional 2" wasn't a problem in my case. If you get bags, they don't recommend deflating the bags completely. Should run them with "some" pressure in them. I try to keep it at 2-5 #. The bags work great. Would do it again. YMMV good luck - chuckw

 

Hey Chcuk, would you happen to have chrome wheels? Or are you all stock? My girlfriend lives out towards your way (Moorpark), and I'm in Chatsworth. Just curious if I've seen you around before.

 

I had the air bags on my GMC for when I towed.Makes for a nice level ride when towing. Just like chuck said you should keep some air in them all the time.I had mine setup with a compressor that would not let the bags go below 8 lbs.
The only negative I could see would be if you 1/4 mile a lot.They are not good for launching.

VINNIE

 

ChuckW,

Who's air bags did you use? Air Lift? Firestone? Other?

I looked around a little, and found that Firestone has a 'sport' kit that'll fit the Lightning. But, I didn't find anything on Air Lift other than regular, Ford 4X2, pickups...who has the lowered truck option?

Thanks,

-Kris

 

Had to look up my paper work. It's been almost 2 years since I put them on. The bags I got are by Firestone. Model number on the ticket is "FPU97SR Ride-Rite Kit." (don't know if the part number is still good) Two years ago, paid $213 for the kit, which was supposed to be a good price(?), but that was without the on-board compressor. I do remember the guy helping to determine which bags to use did mentioned the term "sport" in his description of the kit. 'Tachophile', maybe thats part of the catalog description.
I installed the bags myself and just use a garage compressor for adjustment. Only problem you will have is on the right side, have to drill through several layers of overlapping frame. Recall the right side shock mount metal interfers a little.
The on-board compressor system is terrific. I have put those on several other bag installations I have done.
You can do your installation any way you want of course, but I might suggest several things. I installed the schrader air fill valve inside the fuel door, above the fuel fill. It's easy to get to, don't have to bend over to fill it. Nice for us old guys. The other thing is to tee both bags to one fill line. Our application will not likely require running different pressures side to side. Hope this helps.

BlackBolt99 - No chrome wheels. I'm kidding about the "stock" though in my sig . Have been lurking on here for a couple years. I just don't have a lot to say. Have met up w/ alphadoggy, and would love to get together some time, especially on a run down to Carlsbad like you guys had a week ago. Schedule just doesn't match up.
chuckw1@peoplepc.com

 

I have the AirLift air bags on my 00 L. I tow a 25 ft travel trailer on occation. I had to put them on I was bottoming out. They work great. But the performance handiling is terrible. I take the bags off when I am not towing. I also run the Bridgestone winter dueller tires on 16'' rims when towing. Bob