Will Firestone Air Bags fit a 2016 Ram 3500 Cab and Chassis 4x4 Truck

Updated 11/10/2020 | Published 11/06/2020

Products Featured in This Question

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

(3115)

$594.12

Timbren Rear Suspension Enhancement System

(6729)

$398.07

Question:

Hi, looking at this kit for a 2016 ram 3500 4x4 cab and chassis model - which I see fits the application. I see note that it will not work with a in bed hitch gooseneck application. Is that correct? The truck we have is a dual rear wheel application dually or DRW. Is this an issue, or non relevant to the application?

asked by: Josh P

Expert Reply:

You are correct, the Firestone Ride-Rite Kit, # F2478, will fit your truck, but not if it has an in-bed hitch. The only reason for this is because the upper brackets for this kit mount on the outside wall of your vehicle frame, just above your axles and this is the same location that pretty much all gooseneck hitch brackets mount too as well.

I have a suspension enhancement solution for you, but Firestone does not recommend stacking their brackets on top of other brackets at the frame. At this time, our air bag manufacturers, Firestone and Air Lift, do not offer an air bag kit that will fit your truck with an in-bed hitch.

Instead, I recommend looking into jounce style springs like the Timbren Rubber Springs, # TDR3500CA. They aren't adjustable like the air bags are, but we have a set of these on our Ram and I personally think they are fantastic, especially if you are frequently hauling with your truck. The only downside really is that they don't provide the best unloaded ride, but on a 3500 cab and chassis model, you likely don't have the smoothest unloaded ride to begin with.

I attached a video of the Timbren kit for you to check out.

expert reply by: John H