Will airbags make the truck less "bouncy" under load?
Thread Starter
|
Laughing Gas
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 851
Likes: 14
Will airbags make the truck less "bouncy" under load?
2015 F350 CC LB FX4. I routinely haul 2-4k of cargo in the back of my truck for 375 mile jaunts.... I do this at least once a week. Most I've ever hauled in the bed was 5k and it rode better than it does with 2k in the bed.
The ride is awful and the bounciness and instability driving on uneven roads or corning at speed is starting to really annoy me. Would a set of good airbags cure this problem? Hit a pot hole while corning on the highway around 60-70mph and you better hang on... feels like the back end is going to jump off the ground.
On my last trip down it was so bad I actually pulled off the side of the highway to see if one of my rear springs was broken.
... and yes... the cargo is evenly distributed under my truck ARE canopy. E rated tires set at 80 PSI rear, 65 PSI front.
The ride is awful and the bounciness and instability driving on uneven roads or corning at speed is starting to really annoy me. Would a set of good airbags cure this problem? Hit a pot hole while corning on the highway around 60-70mph and you better hang on... feels like the back end is going to jump off the ground.
On my last trip down it was so bad I actually pulled off the side of the highway to see if one of my rear springs was broken.
... and yes... the cargo is evenly distributed under my truck ARE canopy. E rated tires set at 80 PSI rear, 65 PSI front.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 6,180
Likes: 83
From: Georgia
To answer you question, yes. BUT, first thing I would do is change the shocks!!! These "Rancho" shocks are nothing but painted Ford shocks and are terrible. I believe a good set of shocks will cure your problem. However, that being said, airbags will help keep the truck sitting up and level. They will keep the truck from bouncing so hard on and off of the overload springs and deliver a more "even" ride. First and foremost I believe it is a shock problem. Start with that before trying bags. I carry 3200 pounds of pin weight in the bed of my dually most of the time. It's a decent ride, but I use bags to level the truck out as we all know Fords love to squat. Plus they really helps on interstate bridge expansion joints. IF you go with bags, you'll find you need an onboard compressor to change the pressures in the bags when loaded vs unloaded for a decent ride.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,412
Likes: 1
From: Corpus Christi, TX
To answer you question, yes. BUT, first thing I would do is change the shocks!!! These "Rancho" shocks are nothing but painted Ford shocks and are terrible. I believe a good set of shocks will cure your problem. However, that being said, airbags will help keep the truck sitting up and level. They will keep the truck from bouncing so hard on and off of the overload springs and deliver a more "even" ride. First and foremost I believe it is a shock problem. Start with that before trying bags. I carry 3200 pounds of pin weight in the bed of my dually most of the time. It's a decent ride, but I use bags to level the truck out as we all know Fords love to squat. Plus they really helps on interstate bridge expansion joints. IF you go with bags, you'll find you need an onboard compressor to change the pressures in the bags when loaded vs unloaded for a decent ride.
Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 2,470
Likes: 535
From: Chandler, AZ
...The ride is awful and the bounciness and instability driving on uneven roads or corning at speed is starting to really annoy me. Would a set of good airbags cure this problem? Hit a pot hole while corning on the highway around 60-70mph and you better hang on... feels like the back end is going to jump off the ground.
Yes I think you would be very happy with improvement from bags. An in-cab pressure controller would also help as you can adjust as you drive for different loads/roads.
If your load is up high a large sway bar is a better place to start.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 191
Likes: 60
From: Ca Wine country
Don't know if you have rear sway bar now, but I went with a Hellwig "Bigwig" sway bar on the second hole. That and some Bilstien 4600's changed my 350 noticeably. Definitely worth the money.
FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 63,179
Likes: 6,644
From: Great Falls, Montana
As above.........
The FX4 shocks are junk.......on my 2011 F-350 FX4 I replaced them with Rancho 9000Xls after 800 miles........A million times better.
My 2015 F-350 is not a FX4 and the shocks are much much better.
The FX4 shocks are junk.......on my 2011 F-350 FX4 I replaced them with Rancho 9000Xls after 800 miles........A million times better.
My 2015 F-350 is not a FX4 and the shocks are much much better.
Trending Topics
Laughing Gas
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 871
Likes: 74
From: Houston TEXAS
Another vote for new shocks.
I went with real Rancho shocks to replace the fake FX4 Ranchos. RS9000XL shocks all around. I like the adjustability. Watch for deals or rebates from Rancho. I got them thru Rock Auto, with a discount coupon and Rancho was running a buy 3 get 1 free deal.
I also have airbags, but prior to changing shocks, they made bounce worse when towing my 5th wheel. The shocks slowed the up and down dynamic bounce.
Another thing I added and would HIGHLY recommend (maybe instead of air bags) is a set of TorkLift StableLoads.
They make the overload leafs start working sooner. They work. WELL!
I caught them on sale for just over $200 a while back. Looks like they went up to around $280 now -
I went with real Rancho shocks to replace the fake FX4 Ranchos. RS9000XL shocks all around. I like the adjustability. Watch for deals or rebates from Rancho. I got them thru Rock Auto, with a discount coupon and Rancho was running a buy 3 get 1 free deal.
I also have airbags, but prior to changing shocks, they made bounce worse when towing my 5th wheel. The shocks slowed the up and down dynamic bounce.
Another thing I added and would HIGHLY recommend (maybe instead of air bags) is a set of TorkLift StableLoads.
They make the overload leafs start working sooner. They work. WELL!
I caught them on sale for just over $200 a while back. Looks like they went up to around $280 now -
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 2,470
Likes: 535
From: Chandler, AZ
See this post regarding stableloads. Not trying to argue with Ginther, many have had good results. 5K is heavy and will do damage, IMHO.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post15722763
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post15722763
Laughing Gas
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 871
Likes: 74
From: Houston TEXAS
See this post regarding stableloads. Not trying to argue with Ginther, many have had good results. 5K is heavy and will do damage, IMHO.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post15722763
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post15722763
I'm using the lower steel StableLoads, not the upper. And a set of AirLift bags.
Best bet for the OP would probably be a combination of StableLoads (maybe even top AND bottom sets) and a set of air bags.
Or and F450 LOL!
More Turbo
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 551
Likes: 19
I haul heavy in the bed also, 4,000#+, while I don't have air bags I do have Timbren SES ? Timbren Industries Inc. Suspension Products.
They work as advertised, are cheaper than an air system, and don't allow the truck to sag. When you're empty your trucks suspension works as it does now, but when loaded you ride on the rubber "spring" and no bouncing or rear end sag. I've used them for ten years on several different trucks.
They work as advertised, are cheaper than an air system, and don't allow the truck to sag. When you're empty your trucks suspension works as it does now, but when loaded you ride on the rubber "spring" and no bouncing or rear end sag. I've used them for ten years on several different trucks.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 238
Likes: 0
From: Northern New Mexico
Ditto what they all said!!
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Kingfisher77
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
2
Feb 21, 2011 10:28 PM
Mr Personality
Brakes, Steering, Suspension, Tires, & Wheels
2
Nov 12, 2004 12:34 PM