Air Shocks

[86stepsideF150]

I want to get air shocks for my '86 F150. This way, I can pump up my stock suspension a couple of inches when I go off roading, and I can pump up the rear when I tow my boat. Has anyone put air shocks on their truck? Where can I get air shocks?

[Sycostang67]

I wouldn't recommend air shocks for off-roading. When they are pumped up they are a lot more likely to over extend and bend in half(been there, done that). They aren't really great for the street either. If they are too stiff, they sort of solidify your suspension. I used to have them on the back of my mustang, and when I hit a bump the whole rear end would jump to one side or the other. They do help support a heavy load, but then you have to realize the shock mounting points were not intended to support much weight.

[86stepsideF150]

Well, I don't do very intense off roading, and I don't usually tow too much weight. But, your advise does seem logical. I just want to lift my truck a couple of inches. I want to do it cheaply, but I want it to hold up well. I don't want shocks breaking in half haha. What would you recommend I do? I have 29" tires now, and I'm going to install mild 31" tires shortly, so that should raise it a little. Speaking of which, what backspacing should I get? I need 16" wheels for my new tires...

[Sycostang67]

The cheapest was to get a little air would be with some add-a-leaf springs in the back and some coil spacers or new springs in the front. Add-a-leaf springs are cheap, usually only $50, or $100 if you dont want to put them in. As far as the front, you dont want more than 1-2" of lift or you can't align it with out the I-beam drop brackets.

31's will look good on your truck and should clear without any kind of lift. I have seen 32's fit on a stock 4x4 without issues as well. I can't help you with the backspacing though, I've never really had to worry about it. I guess I just got lucky all mine fit good.

[86stepsideF150]

Will I need new shocks, even though it's only going to be a 2 inch lift? Are blocks no good for the rear? Would I need to get longer brake lines?

[86stepsideF150]

There are 2 different 2" Skyjacker lift kits on Summit. One uses blocks in the rear and the other uses add a leaf springs in the rear. They both use taller coil springs up front. Would the add a leaf spring for the rear be better than blocks?

[capnmorgking]

addind the rear spring will stiffen up the rear end but will work good for a load,as far as shocks go u should be fine with stockers,wen i lifted my ranger it came with 3inc blocks but i hate the ass end down so i put a 5in block in the lift shocks work fin even with the added 2 inches.

[Sycostang67]

Originally Posted by 86stepsideF150

There are 2 different 2" Skyjacker lift kits on Summit. One uses blocks in the rear and the other uses add a leaf springs in the rear. They both use taller coil springs up front. Would the add a leaf spring for the rear be better than blocks?

Blocks would be fine as long as the kit supplies you with a whole new block. If they want you to stack their block on top of your factory block, walk away. Stacked blocks aren't very safe but some people still do it. At the very least I would have the blocks welded togetether. You are also more likely to get axle wrap with tall blocks but I dont think with the height you are going after that it would be a problem.

[86stepsideF150]

I'm glad I wont have to buy new shocks too. I ordered some Cragar 16" wheels for my 31s the other day, so in a few weeks I'll order the 2" skyjacker kit with the add-a-leaf rear springs. Thanks for the help!