Hey all !
I posted a month or so ago about the Firestone Ride-Rite air bag system for my 2000 F250 XLT 4x4 7.3 PSD...
What I DIDN'T consider was that I have a Superlifts 5" lift kit (all 4 springs). I talked to one of the guys at the local Farm & Fleet that my truck is lifted and what I'll need to do. He informed me that he thinks that there is a kit that compensates for the 5" lift...For a few extra bucks, of course.
Has anyone else installed the Ride-Rite system on a lifted truck ? If so, what are the differences ? Do you recommend self-install or having a shop do it ?

Thanks ! ! !

Scott

 

I bought a set of spacers for my last truck, they were made by "ez ride concepts" and were designed for the ride-rite bags. They came in multiple different sizes for different amounts of lift. Firestone also makes their own..

http://www.4wheelparts.com/Towing/Ai...tone+Ride-Rite





The problem with the ride right bags is that they offer very little travel. If you're running stock rear leaf springs ride-rite or airlift bags can be used with little affect on on suspension travel and ride. I installed the ride rite bags on my last truck when I was younger and dumber. Having the bags installed basically negated the benefits of the 5" progressive leaf packs.


On the other hand, since you are running lift springs (that are probably softer than stock springs and offer more travel), the ride rite bags will have significant impact on ride quality and severely limit suspension travel. You may want to consider another solution like these:

Daystar Air Bag Cradle

Or if you really want the Cadillac, get a set of long travel airbags.

 

Thanks for the info... I'm not overly concerned about how it rides for now. I know its a truck and I don't mind if it does. As far as limited articulation of the suspension with the Ride-Rites, I don't really mind about that either. I had a rear spring break on me last Summer (luckily I noticed it when I didn't have my 5-th wheel attatched ...I'm sure that would have been a nightmare!). I don't really tow all that much with it...Once I year it goes on a 400 mile round trip to Oshkosh, WI and maybe once or twice back and forth from my house to the sportmens club in which I camp on the weekends and store it all winter. My paranoia about breaking a spring while towing outweighs a rough ride...It is a 14 year old truck after all lol
Eventually I may upgrade to taller bags, but not any time soon....

 

Are you adding the air bags to prevent breaking leaf springs?

If that's the case in would recommend either reinstalling stock springs with blocks, or getting a quality set of aftermarket spring packs like deavers.

 

I'm actually more interested in relieving some of the "squatting" on the rear end of the truck, as well as helping out the springs a little in the process. I actually sold the stock springs years ago...and I just bought a new set of rear springs to replace the broken one. The air bags seem the most cost effective of my options at this point.

 

X2 on the EZ Ride. I did the same thing with a 6" lift
just for load re-enforcement.

 

That's great... About what did the spacer kit run you ? Is it the Firestone kit or another brand ? I also noticed the kits come in 4" or 6" lift... Mine is a 5"...technically a 4 1/2" ...Will the 4" work ?

 

For 2", 4", or 6" lifted trucks, we sell our Lock-N-Lift spacer kits. If you're interested in Air Lift, I can send you some more info.