air bags help

I put a set of Firestone Ride Rite airbags on my 1996 F250 a few years ago to help my truck's old springs when towing and hauling heavy stuff. Included in the "heavy stuff" category is an auxiliary 91-gallon diesel tank to keep me running without the need to fill up for days.

I know the leaf springs are getting tired with all the work they are required to do, so I got the air bags to keep the truck level with all loads. The air bags can be filled with just the right amount of air to help support the rear end for the best ride under all circumstances.

An alternative would be to get new leaf springs, but I wanted the extra flexibility that air bags give. I get a better ride as a bonus.

bluie5 wrote:

Old-Biscuit wrote:
Air bags etc will NOT increase load carrying capabilities.

Exactly what Old Biscuit said. Nothing you can do to increase your payload.

This is true "ON PAPER".

How do you think my truck has a 9,750# RAWR? It only has two full length springs and two that go from the axle forward to control axle wrap at launch.

YES air bags will increase carrying capacity. Other components may need to be increased to safely do so.

Ok I guess air bags would be they way to go...thanks for all great answers to clear up how they work

Had a set of Airlifts on last truck. They were excellent. Went with Helwig this time...same results, excellent.

While air bags will not increase payload, they do allow you to adjust ride height and improve the ride in many cases. I put Firestone Ride Rites on my 2008 Ram 2500 with CTD. They worked well and I was happy with them. I would have no problems buying the Air Lift bags also. Good luck.

While the popcorn is cooking.........
Funny sooo many sets of add on airbags are sold every year. Wonder how many of he forum weight cops actually have bags on their trucks and won't admit it???

To the OP, the 3 or 4 major brands are all of similar construction and quality IMO.
The differences are some models have internal bump stops so you can't pinch the bags when deflated if you bottom out the suspension with no air and then there are a couple different kits with on board air and auto regulating systems.
You're pretty safe with any of the popular brands.

Yup; What they said. Get Timbrens anyway

Old-Biscuit wrote:
Air bags etc will NOT increase load carrying capabilities.

Exactly what Old Biscuit said. Nothing you can do to increase your payload.

Air bags etc will NOT increase load carrying capabilities.

They only allow one to pump up an overloaded situation to gain ride height....level out a sagging rear end.


GO to CAT Scales and get weighed......
Truck/trailer and then truck only

Real weight numbers so you have real information ....ie: how much over ratings