Differences Between Air Springs and Jounce Style Springs

Question

Question:

I want to add airbags or rubber springs to my truck - 2011 F-350 4x4. I get some sag when towing my 5th wheel and when hauling wood. What is the difference between the Firestone air bags and the Timbren/Firestone/Super Springs rubber springs?

asked by: John H

0

Expert Reply:

The Firestone Ride-Rite Air Helper Springs # F2550 for your 2011 Ford F-350 maintain an even load distribution using air pressure. The Firestone air bags' air pressure is adjusted for the weight of each individual load. This system includes air lines that run from the air bag to an easily accessible point on your vehicle's bumper. These air bags can be adjusted independently of each other for off-center loads. This system is dependent on an air tank of some kind, such as those found at gas stations, to fill the springs. You can always add control panels, air compressors, and air tanks to your vehicle to ease the adjustment process. These air springs can level loads between 3,200 - 5,000 pounds.

A jounce style suspension enhancement system such as Timbren's # TFR350SDF is a hollow, rubber spring that becomes more rigid as more weight is added. This type of system automatically adjusts for off-center loads, but can not be adjusted for loads of different weight. This type of system has an easier install because it has less components. These springs can level loads up to 8,600 pounds.

Both types of systems will level out vehicle sag, help absorb shock, and help increase ride comfort while towing.

For your 2011 F-350, I recommend the Firestone Ride-Rite air bags # F2550. This suspension enhancement system will allow you to adjust the air pressure in each air bag for loads of different weights. Whether you are towing your fifth wheel or hauling wood, you will be able to adjust your suspension enhancement for the perfect ride. These air springs mount to the frame of your truck through a bolt hole right above the axle. The underbed frame brackets of your fifth wheel hitch may be covering this hole. If that is the case, you have two options. You can choose to drill a hole through the frame bracket of your hitch. I strongly suggest checking with the manufacturer before drilling a hole, because in some cases drilling a hole in your bracket will void the warranty on your fifth wheel hitch.

If you do not want to drill through the bracket, you will need to go with Trimbren springs. These do not require any hardware to be bolted or drilled into the frame. The springs simply replace the factory bump stops.

I have attached some article about these two types of suspension enhancement systems for you. I have also attached installation videos of both of these systems on vehicles similar to your 2011 F-350.

expert reply by: Victoria B

0

Answer 1

It sounds like the purpose of getting the air helper spring would be to counteract the 1 inch compression you're getting in your rear suspension caused by the pin weight of your 5th wheel. If that's the case, I believe that the…

view full answer...

Answer 2

For sag from towing a trailer the best recommendation I can make is actually a weight distribution system. Suspension enhancement will help level your truck while towing. But the advantage to a weight distribution system is that it levels the vehicle…

view full answer...

Answer 3

Yes you can still use Timbren helper springs #TFR1502D on your lifted 2007 Ford F-150. The springs only attach at the top to the truck frame. There are 1 inch spacers included with the kit which you will likely need to use with the lift on your…

view full answer...

Answer 4

Firestone Ride-Rite kit #F2550 is going to be a higher quality than Air Lift #AL88390 but both are going to get the job done well. Both kits would work for 5th wheel hitches because they mount on the inboard sides of the frame rails. I have included…

view full answer...

Answer 5

The advantage of the AirLift air spring systems that have an internal jounce bumper is that in the event of an air leak your Ram 1500 would not lose all of the extra suspension support. You would still have the internal jounce bumper as a fail-safe…

view full answer...

Answer 6

Beautiful truck and travel trailer you have there! Airbag suspension enhancement is the best way to reduce rear sag and improve the handling of your truck when you are pulling a heavy load, such as your 40 foot Montana 5th wheel. You can then deflate…

view full answer...

Answer 7

If the Forest River Rockwood Mini Lite Travel Trailer came pre-wired then there will be a sharkfin camera mounting bracket at the top of the trailer in the rear. This bracket will then allow you to purchase one of their cameras to use with their…

view full answer...

Answer 8

If you have the 13K Demco Autoslider #DM8550040 that installs on industry standard base rails, like part #RP50087-58, then yes, the Demco Recon #DM8550043 will fit in the 5-1/2' bed of your 2015 Ford F-150. As far as compatibility with the…

view full answer...

Answer 9

Yes. There will be a large amount of torque in this case since Sidewinder pin boxes (or your Lippert Turning Point) pivot and twist in a different way from standard pin boxes they require fifth wheel hitches to be attached to the truck in four points…

view full answer...

Answer 10

You will actually be needing the Hopkins Endurance 5th Wheel/Gooseneck 90-Degree Wiring Harness #HM54FR for your 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD. This will ensure you have the correct wiring and length needed to install in your truck bedside. The…

view full answer...

Answer 11

With the 1/2 inch diameter wheel studs on your etrailer.com Idler Hub Assemblies #AKIHUB-545-35-K and the 15 inch steel wheels from the Loadstar Tire and Wheel #AM3S640DX, you are looking at a torque spec of 90-120 ft.-lbs for the lug nuts. I have…

view full answer...

Answer 12

Torque specs for wheel lug nuts will vary depending on the diameter of the lugs, type of lug nut and the wheel's material. The linked chart details the recommended torque for many combinations. Dexter Hub/Drum #84546UC3 has 1/2-inch studs and…

view full answer...

Differences Between Air Springs and Jounce Style Springs

Products Referenced in This Question

Product Page this Question was Asked From

Featured Help Information

Instructions

Miscellaneous Media

Continue Researching