Heat Shield Makes Contact with Exhaust Pipe with Firestone Air Bags Installed on 2011 Ford F-250

Question:

I recently purchased a 2011 F250 4x4 XLT FX4 6-3/4foot bed with a gooseneck hitch installed. It also has a set of Firestone Ride-Rite air springs. The heat shield on the passenger side makes contact with the tailpipe and creates a rattling sound during colder weather, as well as a few pinging sounds when a door is slammed. Is this an indication that the springs were incorrectly installed? I have taken the spring off enough to reshape the heat shield, but was unable to get it remedy the situation.

asked by: Adrian G

Expert Reply:

If your 2011 Ford F-250 has Firestone Ride-Rite system # F2550 then take a look at the instructions and the video I have linked. This should be able to tell you if your system was installed incorrectly or not.

The heat shield will be used on this system on the exhaust side only and it is supposed to be placed between the upper bracket and the top of the Firestone spring. It sounds like it might be a little out of position. In some cases you can bend or trim a heat shield without having to remove too much material.

If the truck is using Firestone system F2452 then it is possible that someone had to modify something in order to get it to fit with the gooseneck underbed brackets on the frame of the truck. I have included a picture showing how this system fits on the truck.

expert reply by: Michael H