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I have an air bag overload system on my F150 and love it. I can haul or tow any load within the truck's tow rating and keep the truck level. I've had 700 lb ATVs in the bed and even towed my wife's Expedition 300 with the truck and air bags and never had to worry about squatting. I run about 40 psi in them for the ATV and most loaded trailers (I also have a 1.5 inch leveling kit in the front, so I run more air in the bags to maintain level with a load). When I towed the Expedition on a flatbed trailer, I ran 60 psi in the bags.
The truck handles much better under load with the air bags. I would definately recommend them if you tow/haul heavy loads often.
I have Firestones on my 04. I have always thought they are the way to go and I sell them as a truck accessory store owner! I've yet to see anyone "bust an air line" they are 1/4" plastic. The problems people have are with poor installation; the lines can not rub on sharp edges and air bags WILL rub holes in themselves if you let them get completely deflated. They must maintain 5-10lbs when unloaded to prevent self destruction! For this reason spend the extra money for an on-board compressor, the Airlift brand compressor system has a pressure solenoid that will keep air in them at all times, otherwise check your bags weekly! I have sold Timbren Load Boosters and they are also a good product but I like the adjustabilty of air bags.
2004 Screw 4x4. I'm planning on purchasing a leveling kit, but I do alot of towing. I was worried about the SAG when towing. So two weeks ago I just installed a AIR LIFT 59500/59600 series Air Bag suspension (identical to firestone). I purchased it through "CABELA's" Special order hotline and used my points. (free) Est $160.00 (model#59544) You can also find them at www.airliftcompany.com
The kit is a NON-Drilling bolt on kit. But it comes with a hook-type bolt I was worried about. I dont mind Drilling my frame if need be! But decided to give the weak looking bolt a chance, so far it's holding up well. FordzillaI8gm is correct. Must keep 5-10lbs at all times. Which I had in it the first serveral days!
To my surprise, I raised the PSI to 30pounds with no load. The truck already rides increditable smooth. But now it's like riding on AIR (pun intended). It did raise the rear end up 1/2 and inch. SO the leveling kit will be ordered soon!
I found an AIR compressor kit at AMAZON for $119.00 but decided on the manual inflating instead. You can get a $4.99 12v compressor to get the job down at any discount tool place.
*I ran each line to the rear of my truck and ran the valve stems out the TOP of my license plate bracket. VERY DISCRETE and easy to fill!I had to bend the rear bumper sheat metal behind the bracket to avoid any unecassery friction. This was easy to do with a pair of pliers.
Last edited by hardcase72; Sep 11, 2005 at 01:49 PM.