Has anyone ever used Air helper springs on a F-Superduty? I am trying to find some to fit my truck to help the ride some.

 

Have you checked......... http://www.ride-rite.com/ check both Pickups and commercial......

 

I just checked and they only list those for the newer 450's. I emailed them to see if they have a kit that i could modify.

 

I have had a set of Ride Rite air bags on the front axle of my truck for 10 years to help carry the snow plow.

Best thing I ever did.

 

Dave,

Would you mind posting some pictures of the front-end? I am looking to do a similar set-up on my 92 F-250. I know you said it was installed for a snow plow, however how has it affected the ride and handling without the snowplow on the truck?

Sorry to hijack the post, however I am working out the engineering to draw-up plans to document a solid axe swap and air-bag set-up for the 80-97 f250 4x4. any pictures and advice would be helpful. thanks in advanced for the info.


V/R
John

 

I installed them on my Dana 44 original axle first.
With the original front springs when I put the plow on, when it was in the raised position the truck was riding on the bumper blocks. Rode like a road wagon.
Even the big bumps in the road had the truck bottoming out the front springs against bumper blocks without the plow installed.
Had to drill a couple of holes in the frame to mount the upper bracket, the lower one you losen the back U bolt and the bracket slides under it. The retighten the U bolt and install the lower bracket rear clamp around the spring.
Ran the air lines up to the radiator top support and drilled a hole in front of each battery to mount the chuck.
10 or 15 PSI kept the springs from bottoming out when the plow was not installed.
80 PSi and it did not bottom out with the plow installed.
I have a SnoWay plow which is a lot heavier than a Meyers.

Since I have now installed a new set of front springs with two extra leaves in them and a Dana 60 axle, I don't really need them but I still add air when the plow is installed.

With an impact wrench, the Ride Rite install was about 3 hours.
The 44 to 60 swap was about 4 hours, but I had installed the new front springs before I did the axle swap.

If you do any front spring work, drop the front shackle out of the frame and inspect the upper bushing. I had a clunk I could never find, when I swapped the springs I replace the front shakles. The upper bushing was gone in both shackles.

I will try to get some pictures over the weekend. I am headed to the truck pulls tomorrow right after work so it will be Saturday before I will have time for the pictures.

 

Thanks for the reply. this weekend is fine for the pictures. thanks again for the advice and info.


V/R
John

 

Don't worry about it. If the info can't help me at least it will help someone else!

 

F450 Aaron,
I bought my Ride Rites at NAPA. Their book has a lot of listings in it.
You may want to check there if you have one close by.

 

ditto dave on my front bags.