Airbag Mod

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Jul 2, 2011 | 05:26 PM

dbass880

Thread Starter

5th Wheeling

Joined: May 2011

Posts: 41

Likes: 8

From: Stillwater, Ok.

Airbag Mod

The next mod I am going to do will be the addition of Firestone airbags. I'd like to get some opinions on which to get. Should I get the ones that mount on the outside of the framerail that you have to drill holes for? Or the no-drill ones that mount on the inside? It seems like the outside ones would be a little easier. Please list some pros and cons for each if you know any.

Here is a great thread posted by cowboybootlegger
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...n-writeup.html
Another good one posted by redfire42
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...bags-done.html

Thanks in advance for all replies.

Jul 2, 2011 | 06:28 PM

F350-6

Post Fiend

Joined: Mar 2007

Posts: 26,966

Likes: 50

From: Texas

My vote is for outside the frame rails if you don't have a hitch that interferes with it. Mine are inside the frame rail so my B&W lever still works. Putting them inboard tends to add just a hair to sway when loaded down since the truck is balancing on points closer to the center line.

Jul 2, 2011 | 06:35 PM

dbass880

Thread Starter

5th Wheeling

Joined: May 2011

Posts: 41

Likes: 8

From: Stillwater, Ok.

If you put them on the outside and got a hitch later, are there one you can get that will not interfere with the outboard airbags?

Jul 2, 2011 | 06:45 PM

F350-6

Post Fiend

Joined: Mar 2007

Posts: 26,966

Likes: 50

From: Texas

As long as you don't get a hitch with a quick release lever that sticks outside the frame rail like the B&W has, the outboard bags will be fine. You'll have to remove them to mount the hitch, then re-install, but that won't be too big a deal.

Jul 2, 2011 | 07:04 PM

dbass880

Thread Starter

5th Wheeling

Joined: May 2011

Posts: 41

Likes: 8

From: Stillwater, Ok.

Thanks for your input. I guess if you installed bags then a hitch, you would have to remove them whether you had the inboard or outboard?

Jul 2, 2011 | 10:03 PM

JT250

Cargo Master

Joined: Jan 2009

Posts: 2,800

Likes: 31

From: OKC, OK

You could always modify the lever to come through the frame somewhere else

Jul 2, 2011 | 10:15 PM

cowboybootlegger

Senior User

Joined: Jan 2008

Posts: 213

Likes: 0

From: Kansas City, MO

As someone who has installed and run both types, i would recommend the inboard mount style over the outboard, for three reasons.
1) The inboard style has more mounting room, therefore Firestone makes them larger diameter, so it takes less air to get the same lift, and the ride has been noticeably smoother.
2) You dont have to drill 8 frickin holes in your frame, or deal with the annoyance of getting all the measurements just right, or removing things like overload springs.(Which technically requires new u bolts)
3) If for some reason you do decide to get a frame mounted hitch, you dont have to change bags. (As noted, you can modify the handle, i've gone that route too, but it is easier to just go with the correct bags from the start.)

I have noticed very little if any difference in sway from one type to the other, and i run a large 200 gallon water tank and a topper with over 1500 pounds of weight in it up high in the bed 5 months of the year. More food for thought....