Suspension Enhancement Recommendation for 2023 Ford F-150  

Question:

Expert Reply:

Hi Mark,

It sounds like the tongue weight for your truck's hitch is 940lbs or 9400lbs tow capacity and the trailer's tongue weight is 810lbs or 8,100lbs when towing. If you're using a weight distribution hitch and still experiencing squat on your truck's rear axle, it would definitely benefit you to add an air bag system.

I recommend the Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 Ultimate Air Helper Springs with Internal Jounce Bumpers part # AL54JQ that is rated for 5,000lbs and will bolt on without any drilling necessary. The part # AL54JQ is intended for models with the PowerBoost hybrid engine, if you do not have the hybrid engine, you'll need to use Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 Ultimate Air Helper Springs part # AL67PD which is for models that do not have the PowerBoose hybrid engine. Both systems are rated for 5,000lbs with internal jounce bumpers in case of low air pressure to provide continued support. You can change the air bag pressure as desired to level out uneven loads or if not towing/hauling reduce it, so you have a smoother ride which makes it preferable to using a bump stop style suspension enhancement. Please be aware that if your truck has the Continuously Controlled Dampening suspension (CCD) or Onboard scales neither of the AirLift options will work as there's a sensor that will be in the way of the air bags.

Instead, you'll need to use the Firestone Ride-Rite Helper Springs part # F59VV which are designed to work with the CCD and Onboard scales. It is not compatible with an in-bed hitch like a fifth wheel or gooseneck, however. The ABS line may also need to be relocated, and the brake line bracket trimmed if it is not at least 8" from the outside of the frame to the inside of the tire.

You will need an air compressor to inflate the air bags to their desired pressure, if you don't already have one the Air Lift WirelessAIR Compressor System part # AL74000EZ is a great option. It is dual path so you can adjust the air spring pressure independently, comes with an EZ mount manifold that clamps onto the frame instead of drilling, and has a wireless remote to control or works with a mobile app so you can make adjustments without needing to get out of your truck.

How much do you think the cargo in your truck bed weighs?

expert reply by: Claire H

0

Air 5.

5/6/2026

Mark, I have a trailer with a weight distribution hitch. I like my Ford F-150 to ride level so I add the Loadlifter to all of the trucks I have owned. This guarantees that my truck always rides level. I even used the loadlifters on my F-250 dually's in the past. My current truck is a 2025 F-150 PowerBoost with something called CCD which AirLift said wouldn't fit. The CCD has a sensor unit that sits on top of the leaf spring right where the bags are supposed to be located. I purchased the AirLifts anyway. and installed them in-board of the leaf springs. Installed the bags was a real pain, required lots of patience. But I prevailed. As long as you don't have the CCD sensor the installation process is a breeze and as Claire said there is no drilling required. And, I am not a mechanic, by a long shot. I have a portable air compressor that I use to air up the bags. It's easier and cheaper than installing the on-board compressor. But that's your call.

Claire H.

5/8/2026

@Air5 Thank you for bringing up the CCD, I had forgotten to mention that! I'll update my answer to include an option that does work with the CCD.