Air Bag and Auto Leveling Compressor kit for 2003 Ford Excursion

Updated 03/06/2025 | Published 03/03/2025

Products Featured in This Question

Firestone Ride-Rite Air Helper Springs - Double Convoluted - Rear Axle

(2897)

$565.83

Firestone Automatic, Single-Gauge Pneumatic Height-Control Valve w/ Compressor, 1/2-Gallon Tank

(12)

$802.09

Question:

Hi. I would like to install air bags on my Excurion 2003 4wd diesel. I would like it to auto level and not have to mess with bicycle pumps etc. Is there a kit for that? Thanks

asked by: Pete

Expert Reply:

Hey Pete, we have just what you are looking for with the Firestone Ride Rite kit part # F2255 and then for an automatic leveling compressor kit you'd want the part # F2186-2047 and you'd be set! What will you be towing? My neighbor had a diesel Excursion growing up and I thought that was the coolest SUV ever haha.

expert reply by: Jameson C

Pete

3/6/2025

Thank you for the reply. I'm glad you asked what I will be trailering. I am a little confused on what the best options are. I will be towing a 36ft travel trailer. I have always used a weight distribution hitch and my other truck had an air suspension from the factory. I would disable the suspension and hook up the trailer with WD hitch. It was almost perfectly level and then the suspension would make minor adjustments as my kids got in etc. Do you think I will need the airbag system with the WD hitch? There is so much conflicting information especially in forums. I also looked at the sumosprings as an easier to install option but I don't want to spend money on something that isn't going to be helpful or even detrimental if it doesn't allow the WD hitch to work properly. Thanks in advance for your help. Pete

Jameson C.

3/6/2025

@Pete Glad to help, I don't think you'd necessarily need the air bag kit with the WD system as long as it's properly rated for the tongue weight of the trailer. A lot of people run both together though so there's something to be said for that. If you do run both you'll want to put air in the bags first and then run through the setup procedure of the WD system. SumoSprings are a solid option too...and not to add more confusion but if you wanted my best recommendation I would go with the Roadactive Suspension system part # RAS3621-HD that fits your Excursion. This is adjustable in support (unlike the SumoSprings), easy to install, no maintenance, costs less than air bags and a compressor, and unlike other options won't hurt the ride quality. They are actually known to improve ride quality and handling loaded AND unloaded which is basically unheard of.