I recently installed air bags to assist the leaf springs in the back of my 2002 FX4 Supercab. These things seem like the cat's butt so far ... they've improved the ride whether I'm towing or not. When I tow there's no squatting and I barely notice the load. The only drawback I can see is the potential to put too much weight bnehind or in the truck and cause damage that way. The cost was only about $150 and an hour and a half of my time. Any comments? Why don't I hear more about these things?

 

What kit did you use? I will be putting some on my 04 (I tow a boat and camper). I currently have some old helper springs I cut down to fit. I mounted them on my axle right under my frame rails. It works really well, but is really
bouncy on the bumps.

 

That's a good question. I don't know why more people don't use them.

 

John23 - I would also like to know which kit you used - since lowering mine earlier this year, I have been wanting to add them to my truck. Good to hear you like them.

 

Personal preference I'd think.... Or, most folks don't load up their trucks to know the difference!

I went the Hellwig overload spring path myself. Looked at the bags, but didn't want to mess with the plumbing (just my preference.. ). The Hellwigs are a 'set it and forget it' deal. They also firmed up the unloaded ride, so now it handles much better and rides just fine. No rattles or nutt'n...

It seems both paths end up at the same location, so it's just a matter of picking a path that works best for you!

Mitch

 

Sorry guys, I lost track of the thread. I installed a Firestone brand kit I purchased from Northern Tool. I don't have the model #, but I think it was pretty generic. Four holes in the frame and u-bolts around the leaf springs was all it took to install them, and then I ran the lines back to the bumper. After a couple of weeks with them I'll never go back. Even when I tow a relatively light load (a 1500-2000# boat, for example) they make a big difference ... to the point where I have to remind myself that the boat is back there.

 

I just checked another thread and followed a link to the firestone airbags on a retailers website. I put on the bags that look like two donuts stacked on top of each other instead of those cylinder-looking bags, so I guess I have the 5000# bags instead of the smaller ones. In any case, they fit on the truck perfectly and I'm in love.

 

John23 - is it possible to please post a pic of them bags installed I have a pair of firestone bags from a chevy I believe I was going to try and fab up some new brackets to make them work for me if I had a photo to copy it would help out!? Thanks in advance!

 

The route to go with these parts depends on what you do with the truck and what overall result you are trying to accomplish.
There are many senerios.
For example towing a 6000 lb trailer 200 miles once a week and wanting reasonable ride all the rest of the time in between calls for load equalization bars and 4 good shocks speced to the job.
If there is box loading only, then helpers of some sort are in order.
The air helpers give the oppertunity to allow softer ride when the truck is not loaded, where helper springs with permant load mounting has to be lived with at all times.
If box loading and towing is the order, then consider the tonque weight, towing weight as well as the box load, for the hardware to use vs the overall results.
So think about it before you act.

 

I'm interested in this subject too. I have a '99 f150 single cab flareside 4x4 with the 4.6 v8 and I was wanting to know, if I put air bags on it, can I still tow a 5,000 lb. trailer safely??

 

Could I install one of Air Ride Technology's AIRoverleaf systems and still tow my mustang with it inflated and then drop it to the ground when not towing??

 

My answer to begizzle is what happens when the trailer tonque weight is on the truck ready to tow?
If the rear of the truck sags, then yes use some form of extra load support or a weight equalization/distributing hitch assembly.
Each does something different but the results are both good with the equalization the best way to go althought much more expensive.
Both need good shocks front and rear.

 

Sorry, no pics. But it was pretty darn simple.

4 holes in the frame diectly above the center of the leaf springs. Bolt the top airbag bracket (airbags already assembled with top and bottom brackets) to the frame and bring U-bolts up from underneath the leaf springs to connect to the airbag's bottom bracket. Then I ran the lines along the frame to the back bumper with the valves mounted next to the license plate. It was really easy. My only advice is to drill a smaller pilot hole in the frame so the big bit doesn't slip around and you get accurate holes for the top bracket.

I have heard the Chevy's have a smaller frame and that the bags I have are a B to install on them. Maybe there is a specific model airbag for the Chevys...

John

 

I installed the firestone kit on my 05 s cab with onboard compressor, i'm very happy with the system and it was easy to install, i tow about 5000 to 7000 race car trailer twice a month with the trailer i run about 35 pounds of air and it puts it to stock ride hieght firms it up a little ,still getting some bounce so i'm looking to upgrade the shocks soon. I run them at 5 pounds with no load and its returns to a stock ride. The onboard compressor was really worth it , spend the extra bucks for it . There's a good place to run all the tubes and wires thru the firewall near the steeriing colum, don't forget the heat shield this is important because the exshaust is real close to the airbag . cover the air lines with smurf tube for extra protection. I got a good deal online from suspensionconnection.com took about 7 days and i got everything and avioded taxes it was about 450 for everything.

 

John,
I have a set of Firestone Ride-Rite airbags on my '98 F150 to support my slide-in pop-up camper. The air bags are very effective and simple to inflate. I also tow a 3000lb boat, but don't think airbags are needed for that since the tounge weight is probably less than 300lbs.