Air Lift Air Leveling

[wkpoor]

Just ordered up the kit today. Was going to add a leaf or 2 but decided this would be better. Anyone else have them? Might smooth the ride too.

 

[Builder]

I'd like to hear how it works out for you. I hear nothing but good things about air bags.

 

[KeithT]

I have them on my 05 chevy diesel. I am very happy with them. I run 10 psi when empty and take them up to 30-35 PSI when towing heavy. They are rated to go all the way up to 100 PSI but I have never had the need even when towing a 14K gooseneck.

The ride is a little stiffer at 10 PSI, I could go down to 5PSI, but I don't.

-Keith

 

[Diamondpilot]

We put them on a 2006 GMC 2500 Dmax. The guy tows a 12,500# 5th wheel camper and it had a little sag but his big complaint was body roll. He said that is where it shined, getting rid of the body roll. Gave him a more confident ride. By the way they are a basic setup of Firestone's. No on board compressor or anything like that. The install took me and my helper 2 hours. It was our first set so we read and re read the directions 10 times.

Chris

 

[Groo]

could you take out a leaf or 2 to better utilize the airbags? maybe swap someone with lighter factory springs?

 

[GATC35]

Yep...what Keith said.

In the picture they only have about 10 psi in them. I would normally run them up to around 50 psi to bring the back of the truck up a little more.

These are "Firestone Ride-Rites" with on board compressor and dual control panel.

 

[Builder]

Imagine that..... a Ford Superduty needing airbags.

I think I'd go with the Firestone Ride rites.

If I ever had time to actually do them.

 

[CurlyDave]

I installed a set of Firestone air bags on my 2000 F-150. While they won't make it into an F-250, it sure feels more like an F-200.

While I haven't had the need to tow anything yet, I have completely filled the bed with rubble and trash for a few dump runs, and where the bed used to squat down, it stays level.

The ride on mine has improved significantly at anywhere between 15-30 psi. Loaded or not.

The real test comes this fall when I put my "redneck hunting lodge" (toyhauler) on the truck and tow it up to deer camp. Last year there was a lot of sag, even with the load leveling hitch. Everything I have seen so far leads me to believe it is going to be perfect.

P.S. I cheaped out on the on-board air compressor -- I just got a 12 V job at the auto parts store for $20. Needed an extension cord to make it reach, another $12. Sure, I have to stop to change the pressure, but I don't expect to do it more than a few times a year.

 

[GreatWhitehunter]

I've been wanting to add these to my superduty as well. I just can decide if I should get the deluxe kit or go with the standard ones. It sure would be nice to throw a switch and inflate the bags independantly. Where are you guys mounting the compressor? I'm in road salt country so I'm a bit concerned about it being destroyed by salt. What have you guys done with the guages and switches? Pics would be a great help. Thanks sorry to hijack the thread

Matt

 

[GATC35]

Matt,

I'll try and get some pics tomorrow after work. I mounted my compressor on the left hand frame rail, about in line with aft edge of drivers door. Gauges and switches are mounted under cubby hole just to the right of the steering wheel.

I piece milled mine, bags first, then compressor, then tank and finally control panel.

I bought my stuff from Michigan Truck Spring (google them) and Summit Racing.