I have a 1997 Ford E350 converted to a 4wd by quigley and to a class b rv born free. My question is the rear is sagging a bit compared to the front and id like to correct it. I see that firestone air bags have amazing reviews for this purpose and seem pretty easy as a DIY install. I also noticed that my leaf springs are basically flat though and that a new set of heavy duty 4000 lb rated springs for my rig are not that expensive. Maybe new springs could correct it and I would not have to deal with keeping up w air pressure etc? Any input is greatly appreciated.

Hi,I added a leaf. It was a great fix.

I have a 1991 Class C on an E350 dually that also has Ride-Rites.The Ride- Rites are meant to level the rig but the assumption is that you are still under the RAWR and what the tires/wheels can handle.Before getting air bags IMO first get on the scales and find out your actual weights wrt RAWR and check the max load rating for your tires and their psi for the weight on them using the tire tables for that. (our Class C is slightly overweight at the back as built since 1991--can't be helped. Just have to take it easy.)The Ride Rites will not correct the actual weight that is on the rear. It won't help with tires or springs that are over their max ratings.If your springs are maxed out, that sounds bad. Might mean the tires are overloaded too. IMO get all that fixed first, then if the rig is not level, THEN you might look at a set of Ride- Rites to help with that.

The air bags will probably ride better than new heavy springs and can be tuned as needed. I've run them on a couple of rigs and they do great. I would go for it.

Before getting air bags IMO first get on the scales and find out your actual weights wrt RAWR and check the max load rating for your tires and their psi for the weight on them using the tire tables for that. (our Class C is slightly overweight at the back as built since 1991--can't be helped. Just have to take it easy.)----------------------------------------Excellent advice you should take it

At least on the '98 E-SuperDuty, the rear leaf springs are by design rather flat rather than obviously elliptical like most leaf springs are. I don't know if the E350 is similar or not, but it's entirely possible that the springs aren't supposed to be vastly different even when the rear end isn't sagging.I have Ride-Rite air helpers and they seem to work very nicely indeed.If you have a competent truck chassis and spring shop nearby, it may be worth your time and money to get their opinion on the matter. I can suggest one in Essex Junction, Vermont and another one in Whitehorse, Yukon that I've had good experiences at, but that's probably not very helpful.

Leaf springs vs air bags help me out please | Good Sam Community

23 Replies

ScottG
Nomad
Nov 01, 2017
The air bags will probably ride better than new heavy springs and can be tuned as needed.
I've run them on a couple of rigs and they do great. I would go for it.
BFL13
Explorer II
Nov 01, 2017
I have a 1991 Class C on an E350 dually that also has Ride-Rites.

The Ride- Rites are meant to level the rig but the assumption is that you are still under the RAWR and what the tires/wheels can handle.

Before getting air bags IMO first get on the scales and find out your actual weights wrt RAWR and check the max load rating for your tires and their psi for the weight on them using the tire tables for that. (our Class C is slightly overweight at the back as built since 1991--can't be helped. Just have to take it easy.)

The Ride Rites will not correct the actual weight that is on the rear. It won't help with tires or springs that are over their max ratings.

If your springs are maxed out, that sounds bad. Might mean the tires are overloaded too. IMO get all that fixed first, then if the rig is not level, THEN you might look at a set of Ride- Rites to help with that.
pianotuna
Nomad III
Nov 01, 2017
Hi,

I added a leaf. It was a great fix.

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Leaf springs vs air bags help me out please

23 Replies

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