Can Air Bags be Used to Smooth Out OEM Suspension Ride on 2014 Ford F-550 Cab and Chassis

Published 10/29/2021

Products Featured in This Question

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

(3249)

$594.12

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

(3247)

$766.42

Question:

I have a 2014 F-550 cab and chassis with a flatbed. Rides like a tank. Can I raise the back with air bags and take some pressure off the stiff flippin springs?

asked by: Stephen M

Helpful Expert Reply:

Usually air bags are used to help level out a load or offer extra support to the OEM suspension system, but it isn't unheard of to use them for smoothing out the ride from the OEM suspension while it's unloaded. I reached out to my contact at Firestone (as I recommend going with their Ride-Tire air bags) and he said that they recently had someone come in and commented how the air bags help his truck ride a bit more smooth on the road without a load so it sounds like it's a very viable solution.

For your 2014 Ford F-550 Cab and Chassis you can use part # F2176 if you have at least 7-1/2" of clearance from the outside of your frame to the inside of the tire, or the part # F2404 (which has a higher weight rating) if that clearance is at least 9-1/2".

expert reply by: Jon G