Looking for Pros/cons or differences in ride quality for coil over vs non coil over vs airbag besides the lower mounting is different. On a 56 f100 with heidts crossmember. Thanks

 

If you have it in your mind that you want your truck slammed then bags are the way to go...you will forgive any shortfalls in the "ride quality" category if the stance is where you want it. Virtually all new cars are built with a variant of the coilover, if you are really interested in ride quality then that is the place to start. Coils with shocks have worked for years and cost much less than coilovers...jus sayin'

 

Once you eliminate suspension geometry and tires ride quality comes down to spring rate and quality of the shock.

You are not going to notice much if any difference between a large factory type spring with separate shock over a coilover with a 2.5" spring if they have similar spring rates and shock valving.

A good progressive rate factory type spring from a name brand manufacturer such as Eibach combined with a decent shock such as a Koni yellow (FSD) will give you a great handling ride without being harsh.

You can achieve the same quality of ride with a coil over, the advantage being that the coil over will give you a degree of ride height adjustment by adjusting the spring seat collars on the shock body.

An air bag shock such as the Ride Tech Shockwave has the advantage of being able to adjust ride height at will.

An important point, if you are looking for a comfortable ride you want a taller sidewall tire, stay away from low profile tires.

If you cheap out on quality of springs or shocks you may not be happy with your ride quality.

A company like Heidts should be able to give you recommendations for spring rates and shocks.