OK, started my search for some kind of rear suspension assistance for when I load one of my trailers back side of the FX4. I thought I would end up going with the Timbren cushions that mount between the axle and frame to keep things simple and easy. But, after doing plenty of research and taking into account that I have installed the Rancho leveling kit which only leaves me with less than 1 inch rear height over the front. This meant that if I went with the Timbren style rear suspension if the rear of the truck were to drop say 3", the rear of the truck would be 2" lower than the front. IE: simple things like ride, weight transfer to the truck and even the headlights would be off.
So I then figured that the air bags may be my better route. I can set the airbags to the height allowing my truck to set level depending on the load placed on the hitch at any given time. I looked at Firestone first which most reviews say do get the job done and done well. However, there were also a number of reviews that said even with the bags almost empty of air the truck seems to ride rougher when the truck bed is empty and in stock configuration. Another negative was that the Firestone bags require 8" of space between the tire/wheel and the mounting position on the axle which was said to interfere with some applications of wider tires and 5th wheel/gooseneck hitch applications. There are however rated at 5,000 pounds. Price seems to average in the $380 range, I did find them for $331 on Amazon which was the best price I could locate.
After doing plenty of reading and searching I ended up ordering the Air Lift Ride Control Air Helper Springs. While they are rated at a lesser rating of only 2,000 pounds, I figure that this is more extra weight than I would be placing on the rear shocks way. I mean really how many of us are going to place 5,000 pounds of extra down force on the bed of your F150 to begin with?
These Air Lift Ride Control Air Helper Springs also do not require the clearance space as does the Firestone bags and because of their mounting location will not interfere with 5th wheel/gooseneck hitch mounting points.
The Air Lift system offers a lifetime warranty with a 60 day satisfaction grace period....if you don't like them, don't keep them.
As for the price, the best online price I found was at Trailer hitch, hitches and bike rack (800)298-8924 (who I have done plenty of business with in the past). Price was $270.85 with free shipping, I located a coupon code on a Google search which saved me an additional 5% ($13.54). Bringing my total to $257.31 delivered to my door.
But Wait, it gets better. Air Lift currently has a mail in rebate offer of $50 on this setup which will bring my total price to a SWEET $207.31 plus the cost of a stamp when all is said and done.
Anyway, if your looking for a rear enhancement lift for your F150 this maybe what your looking for and at a pretty fair price!!!!!
So I then figured that the air bags may be my better route. I can set the airbags to the height allowing my truck to set level depending on the load placed on the hitch at any given time. I looked at Firestone first which most reviews say do get the job done and done well. However, there were also a number of reviews that said even with the bags almost empty of air the truck seems to ride rougher when the truck bed is empty and in stock configuration. Another negative was that the Firestone bags require 8" of space between the tire/wheel and the mounting position on the axle which was said to interfere with some applications of wider tires and 5th wheel/gooseneck hitch applications. There are however rated at 5,000 pounds. Price seems to average in the $380 range, I did find them for $331 on Amazon which was the best price I could locate.
After doing plenty of reading and searching I ended up ordering the Air Lift Ride Control Air Helper Springs. While they are rated at a lesser rating of only 2,000 pounds, I figure that this is more extra weight than I would be placing on the rear shocks way. I mean really how many of us are going to place 5,000 pounds of extra down force on the bed of your F150 to begin with?
These Air Lift Ride Control Air Helper Springs also do not require the clearance space as does the Firestone bags and because of their mounting location will not interfere with 5th wheel/gooseneck hitch mounting points.
The Air Lift system offers a lifetime warranty with a 60 day satisfaction grace period....if you don't like them, don't keep them.
As for the price, the best online price I found was at Trailer hitch, hitches and bike rack (800)298-8924 (who I have done plenty of business with in the past). Price was $270.85 with free shipping, I located a coupon code on a Google search which saved me an additional 5% ($13.54). Bringing my total to $257.31 delivered to my door.
But Wait, it gets better. Air Lift currently has a mail in rebate offer of $50 on this setup which will bring my total price to a SWEET $207.31 plus the cost of a stamp when all is said and done.
Anyway, if your looking for a rear enhancement lift for your F150 this maybe what your looking for and at a pretty fair price!!!!!
