Howdy--

I have a '98 150 4x4 supercab longbed, and it sits noticeably higher in the rear and noticeably lower on the driver's side rear. The rear is raised a good two inches and the driver's side is about an inch lower than the passenger side.

I bought this truck used with 45K miles and it now has 50K miles. I love it, it's a significant upgrade from my work-model 1990 F150!

There seems to be some sort of air canister next to the rear leaf spring on either side. I bought the truck from a dealer, with no paperwork, so I don't know if this is a stock item or some sort of suspension upgrade. The previous owner mainly used the truck for towing his boat, so it's possible that he beefed up the rear. Anyone have an idea of what this might be? I cannot see any brand names on the equipment. (It may be stock, and I'm certainly ignorant!)

I'd like to level the truck out front-to-back, but the side-to-side tilting drives me nuts.

 

its possible he had or has an air suspension in the rear but uninstalled it...i suppose taking it off could change things a bit...an add-a-leaf kit might work well to level it out...but something like reinstalling an air suspension if it was originally there would probably work best...but i'd talk to some more ppl from the boards before i completely take my advice...

 

Thanks, BigBadRed.

Here's a photo (kind crummy, but hey, it's dark and this truck lives on the street). Is this a stock F150 4x4 rear axle setup, or is this an air suspension of some sort...and if it is, does anyone have an idea of what brand it might be so I can learn more about it?

Thanks, all!

 

What you have is a combination of two things. First off, you've got an air bag "helper spring", used to help keep the truck level when towing or hauling heavy loads. Firestone is one company that makes these, Sport-Rite and Ride-Rite are two of the names they make. Secondly, you have a bolt on helper spring that also helps the truck stay level while hauling or towing, but also raises the truck's rear. Hellwig makes helper springs, but not like the one you have pictured. As far as the uneven stance, maybe the helper springs are worn, or even your leafs. Maybe the last owner towed alot. You can try removing the air bags and the helper to see if it sits level.

I do have one concern about the pic. It appears as though you have stock shock absorbers. If you do, you've got to be close to the extended limit if not already there. Try unbolting one at the axle housing and see how much length is left.

 

Thanks, G. That's extremely helpful info.

I checked out what info I could find on the web for the Firestone products, and, while very similar, they do not seem to be exactly what's in place on Moby D (the nickname of my giant white truck). I haven't turned up any similar products, though I'll keep looking.

Your concerns about the shocks are justified. With 50K miles, I'll replace the lot, front and back. These are looking a bit sad, eh?

And I'll try removing the helper springs to level the ride height down. But if the air suspension is still in working condition, perhaps it just needs a charge to help level the suspension from side to side. Maybe I can even figure out how to do that!

Thanks to everyone, again. I'm unfortunately probably going to be a leech on these forums, as my F150 knowledge is pretty slim, as you can see. Old British cars and bikes I can help you with!