Fit of Firestone Air Spring # F2400 on 2006 Ford F250 Diesel Crew Cab 4x4 with Husky 5th Wheel Hitch

Updated 12/30/2013 | Published 12/26/2013

Products Featured in This Question

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

(3013)

$534.80

Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 Air Helper Springs - Rear Axle

(1726)

$367.81

Question:

After reviewing your install video, it seems to have been installed on a truck without a 5th wheel hitch installed. I say this because the bracket for the airbags seems to go right on the trucks frame that has a bracket for the Husky 5th wheel hitch I have installed on my truck. If this is the case, do you have a video where you install the air bags on a truck with a 5th wheel hitch attached? If not what do you recommend in terms of installing the air bag bracket where the bracket to the 5th wheel hitch is already installed? Thank you for your time.

asked by: Carlos

Expert Reply:

Certain air spring kits will only fit trucks with a 5th wheel hitch if the hitch was installed with universal-fit brackets. For example, the Air Lift kit # AL57398 will not work with trucks whose 5th wheels were installed with custom-fit frame brackets.

The Firestone rear-axle helper spring kit you referenced, part # F2400, will fit your 2006 F-250 diesel 4 X 4 truck with a Husky 5th wheel installed. I confirmed with my technical contact at Firestone that there will be no compatibility issues installing this air spring kit. Unfortunately at this time we do not yet have an installation video for this kit in a 5th-wheel-equipped 2006 F-250 4 X 4. The written install instructions and video are attached for your review.

We offer air spring-type, jounce spring-type and leaf spring-type rear suspension enhancement kits for your truck. The link provided will take you to our page showing all such items.

Each offers a mix of advantages and disadvantages. Air springs allow for independent adjustment to level uneven loads and can be remotely inflated/deflated with an optional in-cab compressor. Rubber jounce springs do not offer adjust-ability but do provide progressive resistance with varying loads, are less costly and easier to install than air bags and are maintenance-free. Leaf springs significantly reduce sway and prevent sagging but are more costly. Please refer to the linked articles covering each type.

All types can still allow for a normal ride when not carrying the trailer load: air springs can be deflated to their minimum 5 psi pressure; jounce and leaf springs do not engage unless the truck is under load. Please note that neither type will increase the weight-carrying capacity of your truck, which remains as specified by the manufacturer.