Recommended Front & Rear Firestone Air Bags for 2002 Ford F-250 4X4 with Front Snowplow

Updated 08/16/2016 | Published 08/15/2016

Products Featured in This Question

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

(21)

$509.38

Firestone Air Command Heavy Duty Air Compressor with Tank - Analog - Dual Path

(385)

$841.62

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

(3208)

$660.96

Question:

I have a 2002 f250 gas 4x4 truck, i will be installing a snow plow on it soon. Im looking at your firestone airbags and would like to know: 1. Will they raise truck up in the front? If so, how much? 2. The plow is 800 lbs. will it ride like factory if i install the air bags? Also, will it remain the same height? 3. With the plow off, will it ride smooth if i keep air in the bags ? 4. What are the model numbers for front and rear? Thank you

asked by: William A

Expert Reply:

If you install an 800-lb snowplow on the front of your 2002 Ford F-250 you will surely benefit from front-end load support in the form of an air bag kit like the Firestone Ride-Rite # F2223. This kit is a confirmed fit on your truck. For a rear axle kit you can use Ride-Rite # F2550 and an install video is linked to illustrate.

I recommend using a dual path compressor kit # F2168. This allows you to control the front and rear air bags independently. If you were to carry, for example, a load of road salt in the truck bed for use with a rear-mounted spreader, having the ability to adjust your rear air bag pressure from the comfort of the cab will help you to maintain more consistent handling from the truck as the load varies. An install video for the compressor is linked too.

When the 800-lb plow is in place the front air bags will allow you to support the suspension; they might raise the front of the truck a little (perhaps an inch or two) if you inflate them to near their maximum 100-psi pressure but their intended effect is stiffening the suspension, not changing its geometry. At the typical pressure you will run them (30 to 50-psi in most cases) you'll feel the support they give but not have the ride height changed much. When you remove the plow load you will certainly want to release air pressure using the compressor.

These Firestone air bags have to be maintained with at least 5-psi at all times to maintain the bag's shape but this moderate pressure will not produce a noticeable change in ride quality so you'll be able to have the truck handle as it did before air bag installation by simply dropping the pressure.

I linked several articles on the Firestone kits to give you more on their installation and operation. These air bags do not increase the truck's weight carrying capacity.