Which are Better for a 2011 Ford F-250, Timbrens or AirLift Airbags?

Published 01/25/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Timbren Rear Suspension Enhancement System

(6408)

$269.36

Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 Air Helper Springs - Rear Axle

(1764)

$425.33

Firestone Air Command Heavy Duty Air Compressor - Analog - Single Path

(363)

$655.66

Question:

I need to purchase a rear suspension helper kit for my 2011 F250 4x4. I need assistance determining if an airbag or simple spring pack upgrade is required. I have photos of my truck and the 5th wheel Ill be towing that show a slight rear end sag/front lift. Id like to level this and keep the stock springs from bottoming out. I can send photo examples. Im looking at one of the kits below: Timbren Rear Suspension Enhancement System Item # TFR250SDG Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 Air Helper Springs - Rear Axle

asked by: Vince

Expert Reply:

Adding suspension enhancements to a vehicle is never really a bad idea especially since you are using it to tow a heavy 5th wheel trailer. Depending on which option you choose; suspension enhancements will reduce sag, improve ride quality, and extend the life of your existing suspension components.

For your 2011 Ford F-250, both the Timbren Rear Suspension Enhancement System part # TFR250SDG and the Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 Air Helper Springs part # AL57396 will be good choices for you. The main difference between the two is that Timbren's are not adjustable and can sometimes produce an uncomfortable ride whereas the AirLift airbags are adjustable and will actually improve ride quality but both will work to reduce vehicle sag.

If you choose the airbag kit you will want to take a quick peek at your frame rail just above the rear axle to see if the pre drilled hole for the airbag bracket is covered by the 5th wheel brackets. If the hole is not covered then you can install them easily but if the hole is covered by the 5th wheel brackets (not often) then the brackets will need to be drilled to match this but please make note that this would likely void the warranty on your 5th wheel brackets.

In order to operate the airbags from inside the vehicle, I recommend going with the Firestone Air Command I Compressor System part # F2097. I have attached an install video of both options on a similar 2011 Ford F-250 for you.

expert reply by: Conner L