Suspension Enhancement Recommendation for a 2005 Ford F-450 with Snowplow Package

Updated 06/05/2019 | Published 06/04/2019

Products Featured in This Question

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

(2968)

$545.21

Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 Air Helper Springs - Rear Axle

(1689)

$397.48

Coil SumoSprings Custom Helper Springs for Coil Spring Suspension - Front Axle

(117)

$206.99

SuperSprings Custom Suspension Stabilizer and Sway Control Kit

(268)

$648.99

Question:

I have 2005 F450 with snowplow package the ride is so bad when hitting pothole or bumps it raises your butt off the seat. Will the airbag system help with the ride with or without pulling 40’ 5th wheel and pump up the tires

asked by: Edwin K

Expert Reply:

Adding an air bag kit to your 2005 Ford F-450 will definitely help improve the ride quality whether you are towing your camper or not. The only thing that I'm a little concerned about is the fitment. Since both the Firestone Ride-Rite # F2176 and the Air Lift LoadLifter # AL57345 have brackets that install on the inside of the frame opposite of where 5th wheel base rail brackets install they may not fit together. I have attached a photo of the Ride-Rite system that you can reference. I recommend checking to make sure that the brackets are compatible with each other.

Please note that for the Ride-Tire the distance from the outside of the frame to the inside of the tire must be at least 7-1/2" while for the LoadLifter that is increased to 9".

If this does seem to be the case then I recommend using an alternative suspension enhancement that you can still adjust for your application. The Super Springs part # SSA25 won't be in the way of your 5th wheel brackets and automatically adjust from the initial setting to help accommodate larger loads.

You may also consider adding front suspension enhancement as well since you have the snowplow package. The SumoSprings # CSS-1145F fits between the individual coils in each spring of your front suspension and provides support that requires zero maintenance.