Might sell the F450 and go F550 with liquid springs

[SoonDockin]

Love the F450 with the Arctic Fox 1140 for traveling. Just find the ride a bit rough on some of Americas moon scape of a road system. Been looking at suspension upgrades but as we are at the limit of payload, it makes sense to go with a higher payload and not worry about adding weight from new suspension.

Any one had seat of the pants experience with Liquid Springs? From what I have read, most are happy with the outcome.

[Grit_dog]

SoonDockin wrote:
I am running stock suspension with airbags that I am increasingly lowering. I know the tires are a big part of the rough ride but the idea on an active suspension system that can react in 40ms it will help I bet. My F450 has less than 30k miles so I bet it will still be worth close to what I paid for it. If I am buying new, I would be happier with the F550 than a F350. The turning circle of my F450 is so much nicer than F350's.

Are you sure you’re not just looking for a solution to a problem that doesn’t exist? Or just an excuse for a new truck?
Because your analysis and reasoning is off a bit.

[markowwes]

We went with a F550 Super Duty with the heavy suspension pkg. to get the most GVW possible.
Added the Kelderman 4 link air ride to the rear and Kelderman air bags in the front. The package came with Rancho Shocks and an extra heavy rear torsion bar. Each wheel has a ride height automatic adjuster so the truck never changes the ride height no matter how much load you carry. The empty ride is still a little rough but not as bad as with the springs and loaded it rides very well. Total weight with the boat we are at 28,500 lbs.

[mkirsch]

Bumpyroad wrote:
will that add issues, require cdl etc.
bumpy

Per Ford, F550 GVWR is 17,500-19,500lbs, depending on how its equipped. Well short of the 26,001lbs limit where CDL is required.

[SoonDockin]

I am running stock suspension with airbags that I am increasingly lowering. I know the tires are a big part of the rough ride but the idea on an active suspension system that can react in 40ms it will help I bet. My F450 has less than 30k miles so I bet it will still be worth close to what I paid for it. If I am buying new, I would be happier with the F550 than a F350. The turning circle of my F450 is so much nicer than F350's.

[jimh406]

If you are going F550, you might also consider a chassis cab F350 which is higher rated than the F450 pickup style and with 17s on the F350, it's probably going to be a better ride than other options. Are you running the stock suspension on your F450. My current tires ride a lot better, and I found Bilsteins shocks and are bags help. I would guess liquid springs are more similar to the air bags.

[Grit_dog]

Bumpyroad wrote:
will that add issues, require cdl etc.
bumpy

Nope

[Lwiddis]

Depends on your home state, Soon. Ask your DMV. Read their information.

[SoonDockin]

Well if I use a F550 hauling a truck camper, its still considered a recreational vehicle isn't it?

[Bumpyroad]

will that add issues, require cdl etc.
bumpy