AAL vs. Airbags.
 

While after installing the 2'' AS leveling kit on my truck my rear end sags while towing. I guess the plus with airbags is that your rear suspension doesn't ride like a tank like it will with the AAL. Is there any negatives to going the airbag route? I also know that installing the air bags will be alot easier to install then the AAL. Whats your guy's opinion?

THe airbags would be better. THe only negative I can think of is they cost more than an AAL.

I got the air bags . I really havent really towed anything heavier than a 17' wareagle boat .but it did level it out. after the lift ,wheels and tires i'll finish itt off with the air tank and comp. :thumbsup:

Check out VIAIR for the tank and compressor. I have one of their onboard kits and like it a lot. You can even run air tools from the system.

I have Firestone bags on mine - for the same reasons as you. Right now I'm running without onboard air and just pumping them up with a portable compressor. I plan to add a compressor and tank in the spring - plus maybe some train horns :). I just load up the trailer or cargo then pump up the bags until it sits level. They work great and took about 3-4 hours to install in the driveway.

When installing the firestone bags, I am assuming they sit between the top of the leaf springs and the frame. Is there any drilling required? Also, is there one valve that inflates both airbags equally at the same time or do I have to inflate one side then the other?

Thanks.

I have the air-ride system. I love them I tow a 26' cuddy cabin boat and they level the rear But spend the extra and get the on board compressor.

pictures in gallery

They sit between the main frame rails and the axle.
https://www.f150online.com/galleries...512-199000.jpg
https://www.f150online.com/galleries...512-199004.jpg
No drilling is required - although I did have to grind the upper brackets on my kit to clear the frame. Air tools are nice to have when installing the U bolts. You can plumb it both ways you will just need to buy a T fitting to go one valve to two bags. The standard kit assumes you will inflate each bag individually. You can make due without a compressor - but this is coming from a guy with roll up windows :).

When the bag are not needed do you guys keep air in them? If so do they change the ride at all?

Where you buy the bags from?

I think they recomend at least 5 lbs. so the bags wont get damaged. they do stiffen up the ride as well . I think i had nearly 40 lbs when i took the picture .

air bags
 

I also have the firestone bags and keep about 20lbs when not hauling. If I am hauling weight I will put about 50 lbs. with 50-60lbs you cannot sag my truck with anything I have every hauled (24ft bay boat, 28ft camper, big oak tree, bobcat, ect.) The drawback is it is very rough ride unloaded and having to worry about keeping 5 lbs in it. They will lose air overtime but the instructions say this is normal. I paid 225 off ebay brand new and It is a very good investment esepecially if you have a leveling kit and tow ANYTHING

Ok... so who makes some good quality bags? I do some off roading and after the investment, would want some that can stand up to some abuse without being ripped open. Any input? Or should I just start looking for some AAL ?
Also, thinking about buying this sytem: http://www.viaircorp.com/10005.html. Looks like some good quality stuff. To inflate the bags... do you just use the compressor as normal? Or did you hook up some type of system to inflate with a flip of a switch? (i.e. fill up each bag manually or ?) Thanks for helping this clueless guy!

Thats a top of the lie kit IMO. I've been debating for months on vair or firestone systems. I know firestone has a kit that will fill the air bags independly . I'm not sure about that kit. If that even matters. You will have a switch and pressure gauge located inside the truck that will air up your bags. Nothing manual.

here is my Firestone Riderite install.

https://www.f150online.com/forums/sh...ight=Firestone