Differences Between Air Springs and Jounce Style Springs
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
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.
Products Referenced in This Question
Timbren Rear Suspension Enhancement System
- Vehicle Suspension
- Rear Axle Suspension Enhancement
- Jounce-Style Springs
- Extra Heavy Duty
- Timbren
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Firestone Ride-Rite Air Helper Springs - Double Convoluted - Rear Axle
- Vehicle Suspension
- Rear Axle Suspension Enhancement
- Air Springs
- Heavy Duty
- Firestone
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Video: Review of SuperSprings Intl Vehicle Suspension - SuperCoils Rear Axle Suspension Coils - SSC-52
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Shop: Air Lift LoadLifter 7500 XL Ultimate Air Helper Springs - Rear Axle
- Shop: Air Lift WirelessONE Compressor System for Air Helper Springs - Remote - Bluetooth - EZ Mount
- Shop: Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 Ultimate Air Helper Springs with Internal Jounce Bumpers - Rear Axle
- Shop: SuperCoils Custom Suspension Coils - Rear Axle
- Video: Air Lift LoadLifter 7500 XL Air Helper Springs Installation - 2020 Ram 2500
- Video: Air Lift LoadLifter Rear Air Helper Springs Review
- Video: Air Lift LoadLifter 7500 XL Air Helper Springs Installation - 2018 Ram 2500
- Video: Air Lift WirelessONE Compressor System Installation - 2020 Ram 2500
- Shop: Air Lift LoadLifter 7500 XL Ultimate Air Helper Springs - Rear Axle
- Q&A: Compatibility of Tuson 335TSC-1000 Asymmetric Sway Control With Gooseneck and 5th Wheel Trailers
- Shop: Tuson Asymmetric Sway Control - 1 to 4 Axles
- Shop: Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Shop: Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 Ultimate Air Helper Springs with Internal Jounce Bumpers - Rear Axle
- Q&A: Correct Backup Camera for Forest River Rockwood Mini Lite Travel Trailer
- Q&A: Is Demco 21K Recon Compatible with Lippert Turning Point for a 2015 Ford F-150 with 5-1/2' Bed
- Q&A: Can I Use a Demco Recon with a Lippert Turning Point Pin Box
- Video: Curt Fifth Wheel Installation Kit - Custom - C16200 Review
- Search Results: air lift compressor
- Search Results: air suspension compressor kit
- Q&A: Are New Brake Drums Required if Replacing Electric Brake Assemblies on a Trailer
- Q&A: Replacement Brakes for 2013 Heartland Gateway 3200RS with Tandem Axles
- Video: Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 Ultimate Air Helper Springs Installation - 2016 Ram 2500
- Search Results: air bags
- Q&A: Does Truck with 6-1/2 ft bed Have to Use Slider Hitch for Turning Clearance with Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Article: Choosing the Right Suspension Kit for Your Truck and Trailer
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Article: Best Air Bag Suspension (2023)
- Search Results: air lift