Opinions needed for F250 rear suspension

[calvynandhobbs]

I'm going to upgrade the rear suspension in my truck, finally. I've noticed the sag for a long time when hauling heavy loads or towing a trailer. Last night i was carrying a load of wood and my rear driveshaft was hitting the gas tank skid when I hit bumps so it is time. I did have the wood stacked higher than the cab of the truck. I don't even want to mention the handling on those back roads of Ledyard.  I'm debating between an airbag system like Airlift or Firestone or I've found both offer airless systems called the Airlift Aircell and the Firestone Work-Rite. I like air since it is adjustable, but I like these others for the no maintenance aspect and never having to worry about air leaks, lines, etc. What do ya'll think?

http://www.trucksuspensionparts.com/2010/08/noair-helper-spring-firestone-workrite-load-assist-suspension-kits.html

http://www.fourwheeler.com/techarticles/suspension/129_0907_air_lift_aircell_leving_kits/index.html

http://www.strutmasters.com/F-250-Truck-Load-Lifter-5000-p/al-57291-f250.htm

[Mr Rock]

They are all pretty easy to install, I like the simplicity of the Firestone & Aircell kits and at $170 to $230 they are pretty cheap, but for $308 you can have a fully adjustable air system! I like the fact that you can load up a trailer and then add air to match the load.

I just went looking for a system for my Tahoe, all I could find is air bags for my coil suspension and I'm thinking about getting them. Thanks a lot for planting this seed!

[calvynandhobbs]

The Firestone Work-Rite is $151 and the Airlift Aircell is $168 at etrailer.com. I've been looking at the Airlift Loadlifter 5000 airbags for my truck at around $268 everywhere. I'm thinking I'll go directly to Autozone since they offer $15 gift cards for each $100 spent so I'll just add something to my order to get $45 worth of gift cards and it will end up being cheaper than everywhere else.

I'm leaning toward the air system since that would allow me to lift my back end up a little bit all the time. My truck has a normal stance of the front end being a little bit higher and I wouldn't be able to do that with the airless systems.

[Mr Rock]

Way to go Roger, you made me do it. I just bought these for the Tahoe.

http://www.etrailer.com/Vehicle-Suspension/Chevrolet/Tahoe/2001/F4108.html?vehicleid=20011008855

[RPM79cj7]

Roger, go to the advance website and use promo code VISA. And be ready to be amazed. Talk soon   Mike

[JohnC]

Ive had great luck with Timbrens in my 2006 HD.  They are cheap and easy to install and I easily carry two tons in it with no issues, and very minor sagging now. Before, it would sag with even small loads.

[kirksjeep]

I have had two sets of Firestone Ride Rites.  The first set was on my S-10 and I hauled my Jeep on the trailer across the country with my motorcycle in the bed with no problems.  For my F-150 Harley I have a set and this time I went with the onboard compressor and controls.  I saw on Spike's Trucks that they put in a set with a wireless remote.  My F-150 rides like a car when un-loaded, but can still haul when I need it. 

[calvynandhobbs]

I ordered the Airlift Loadlifter 5000 air bags for my F250 along with a MV50 air compressor to keep under the seat. I don't plan to go up and down with air a lot so I didn't worry about controls in the cab and all of that. Maybe I'll add that functionality later. The Airlift bags were the same price as the Firestone ones for my truck except Airlift has a $50 mail in rebate going on right now so they will end up being cheaper.

[kirksjeep]

I ordered the Airlift Loadlifter 5000 air bags for my F250 along with a MV50 air compressor to keep under the seat. I don't plan to go up and down with air a lot so I didn't worry about controls in the cab and all of that. Maybe I'll add that functionality later. The Airlift bags were the same price as the Firestone ones for my truck except Airlift has a $50 mail in rebate going on right now so they will end up being cheaper.

Nice!  I had the air lines on my S-10 run to the back bumper and made valve stems the licence plate bolts.  Took a little extra work, but they were hidden with chrome caps and easy to access.