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Rear Suspension Support Question
Posted: Sun Nov 15, 2020 7:07 pm
by Eck
2018 F150 with a leveling kit and what I am told is the Raptor suspension. Has Bilstein shocks.
I just returned from my hunting trip where I had an ATV loaded in the bed and pulled a small popup. I did have a hitch extension on so I could leave the tailgate down for the ATV. There was a considerable amount of rear sag. I also loaded the bed full of ammo and beer (used separately) for a trip to Montana and had a lot of sag without towing anything.
Soooo- IΓÇÖd like to get rid of it as much as possible and was looking at these:
https://www.etrailer.com/Vehicle-Suspen ... 17-47.htmlDoes anyone have any experience with them? I know there is also a heavier duty version:
https://www.etrailer.com/p-TFR1504E.html...but after reading on both, I think the 1st option would be better for my use as 95% of my use of the F150 will be with an empty load.
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Re: Rear Suspension Support Question
Posted: Sun Nov 15, 2020 7:09 pm
by Eck

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Re: Rear Suspension Support Question
Posted: Sun Nov 15, 2020 10:06 pm
by Gunnibronco
Subscribed.
Re: Rear Suspension Support Question
Posted: Mon Nov 16, 2020 5:33 am
by ZOSO
I'd suggest airbags. That way when not in use they can be empty and not affect ride quality. But when loaded down you can add air till you get what you want. All other helper springs will just affect ride when empty.
Or upgrade to a tremor. You know you want to.....
Re: Rear Suspension Support Question
Posted: Mon Nov 16, 2020 9:01 am
by Eck
Also looked at these:
https://www.etrailer.com/p-RAS3611-Y.htmlAll 3 of them seem to claim that they donΓÇÖt change the ride quality while empty and looking at the reviews, most of them confirm that.
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Re: Rear Suspension Support Question
Posted: Mon Nov 16, 2020 9:46 am
by Digger
I'd 2nd the airbag option.
Re: Rear Suspension Support Question
Posted: Mon Nov 16, 2020 10:08 am
by Eck
I understand with Airbags that you have more control over how much PSI goes in so that you have full control over it but it also seems to be another thing I have to mess with each time I load up the bed or haul something. Install and maintenance also appears to be a bit more involved.
Just curious if the recommendations for airbags is because you have experience with the other options and don't like them or that your experience is with the airbags.
The Timbren sits 1.5" above the frame so that when not loaded, it does not affect the ride quality. It only engages when there is enough load to compress it-- more of an install and forget it type of application which is what I think I like about it...
Re: Rear Suspension Support Question
Posted: Mon Nov 16, 2020 10:17 am
by Jesus_man
Air bags generally get the nod for good reason. But recently I came across a new design that I thought looked very interesting. But for the life of me, I cannot find it!
Wait...here it is:
Click on Stableload on this site:
https://www.torklift.com/automotiveAnd a here's a video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmOxnzz ... ernational
Re: Rear Suspension Support Question
Posted: Mon Nov 16, 2020 10:30 am
by landshark
air bags, once installed most of them have wireless options with a remote and for the most part are a no brainer. Most of the good systems auto level and keep the PSI even on start up. So you rarely need to touch the remote.
Been running them on the van for almost 3 years without an issue. I run them at 40 PSI empty, 100PSI fully loaded as my rear leafs are tired.
Re: Rear Suspension Support Question
Posted: Mon Nov 16, 2020 6:36 pm
by ManTruck
I use airbags on my Dodge Cummins. Always empty when not pulling. Aired when a heavy loaded. Had em on for about 5 years.
I recommend. Easy to install and not to high of a price.
Air Lift 57284 LoadLifter 5000 Air Spring Kit
Re: Rear Suspension Support Question
Posted: Tue Nov 17, 2020 5:45 am
by ZOSO
I ran air bags on my old chevy 1/2ton work truck. Was loaded down at all times. Just make sure you get quality air bags and leak check if you dont run onboard air. I tried some other bolt on helper style springs with zero luck.
Re: Rear Suspension Support Question
Posted: Tue Nov 17, 2020 9:20 am
by kbank6
IΓÇÖve had air bags on my trucks for years and love them. I leave about 5-10 PSI in them when not being used. I think if you were to use the other style and kept the current load it would still sag. Plus, what would look like if you bagged an elk...
Besides, buying a set of bags, air compressor whether portable or installed is still cheaper then paying thousands of dollars in registration fees for years for a new Tremor......
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Re: Rear Suspension Support Question
Posted: Tue Nov 17, 2020 9:32 am
by Jesus_man
You just have to be careful here. There are many other components at play here that can only take so much stress. Combining payload and towing capacity numbers gets a bit sketchy. You don't want to be the guy who brought a knife to a gun fight.
My neighbor just put air bags on his late model ram 1500 to tow a large bumper-pull camper. He seems to like them and said they did help with sway a little in the

wind we get up here.
Re: Rear Suspension Support Question
Posted: Tue Nov 17, 2020 11:47 am
by Eck
I think IΓÇÖm going to go with bags and probably just have a portable compressor for the time being. There is an outlet at the back of the bed so shouldnΓÇÖt be too troublesome to fill as needed.
Was looking at the Firestone brand as IΓÇÖve read more than a few bad reviews on the Airlift when used on F150.
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Re: Rear Suspension Support Question
Posted: Sat Nov 21, 2020 6:30 am
by B.O.B.
I know you said you were looking for FirestoneΓÇÖs but let me know. I have a set of airlifts IΓÇÖm not using. IΓÇÖll check to see if they are compatible with your year if you are interested. If not let me know I can see what price I can get you for the Firestones.
Re: Rear Suspension Support Question
Posted: Sat Nov 21, 2020 2:32 pm
by Gunnibronco
B.O.B. wrote:I know you said you were looking for FirestoneΓÇÖs but let me know. I have a set of airlifts IΓÇÖm not using. IΓÇÖll check to see if they are compatible with your year if you are interested. If not let me know I can see what price I can get you for the Firestones.
Let me know if Mike passes on the Airlifts, I might be interested if you can ship them. I'm also interested in pricing new options. There is a 4WP in Reno if that helps. Mine is a 2020 F150 supercrew (4 door) w/5.5' bed if that all matters.
Thanks
Re: Rear Suspension Support Question
Posted: Sat Nov 21, 2020 2:44 pm
by Eck
If it fits and Chad is interested- I think IΓÇÖll pass on them.
The Firestone option I was looking at was 2015-2020 F150 Firestone Ride-Rite Rear Air Spring Kit 2582
Let me know what you can do. Thanks Bobby!!
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Re: Rear Suspension Support Question
Posted: Sat Nov 21, 2020 4:35 pm
by B.O.B.
The ones I have are the airlift equivalent. Actually after looking at them they wonΓÇÖt fit my truck anyways because of the year( mines a 12). Let me all know.
Re: Rear Suspension Support Question
Posted: Sat Nov 21, 2020 10:38 pm
by Gunnibronco
B.O.B. wrote:The ones I have are the airlift equivalent. Actually after looking at them they wonΓÇÖt fit my truck anyways because of the year( mines a 12). Let me all know.
I'm interested if Mike's not. Pm me details etc. Happy to pay shipping. Thanks
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