I have a 2006 FX4 Screw 6.5' Bed with Autospring 2" leveling kit on the front and BFG 305/65/18/. The truck rides perfectly level but I just bought a new boat that weighs about 4500lbs. When we go to the lake the bed will be loaded as well so I am looking for options so the rear end does not sag to much. I have seen airbag options but there are alot of options out there and would like to see what others are using. How easy the install was? Costs? Thanks for all the help.

 

Don't have any solid answers yet. but, seriously considering a full air system with air bags as well on my 05 leveled lariat.

 

i have firestone ride rite airbags.... they install in about 1.5-2 hours in a driveway, if you just do the bags. now, if you want a compressor also, then figure probably at least that much more time to the total. i got mine from 4wheelparts, and paid about 220 for the bags, and about the same for the compressor. the install is very easy, and i really like them better than add-a-leafs or larger blocks since i have complete control over my stance regardless of what i am hauling.

 

I got the Firestone Ride Rite #2350 for $220 plus $15 shipping from performance suspension on e-bay. Easy installation, just bolts on. The only drilling I did was through the rear bumper to mount the inflation valve. The system uses push-in fittings for the air lines; the only additional item I got was a tee fitting (w/ push-in connectors) so that both bags would fill from 1 inflation fitting (and equalize the psi between both bags). (the kit comes w/ 2 inflation valves so that each bag can be inflated separately, "to balance side-to-side", but I wanted both bags equal).

I keep a minimum of 10 psi in the bags...enough to keep 'em inflated but not so much that it affects the ride when empty. When I have a load on the tail, just inflate some more to level the truck out and help the rear shocks. I don't have the on-board compressor like mattd17, but when I know I'll need to pump em up, I bring a portable air tank...doesn't take much volume to inflate them (max is 100 psi...I've come nowhere near that, tho).

I think the bags are the best addition after installing a leveling kit. Your ride doesn't suffer when empty, but it can still handle substantial loads when needed!

 

Me want one too!