Recomended Air Helper Spring System for 2016 Ford F-250 Short Bed Diesel

Question:

I have a 16 F 250 Super Duty Diesel with short bed and factory puck system installed. I am looking at the Firestone and AirLift airbags to add to the truck. After doing some research on installing both systems, it appears that there is some drilling or cutting required for both systems. I also noticed that the AirLift system sits completely on the jounce strike plate only and only axle support from the bottom. The Firestone system straddles the jounce strike plate and has support on both sides of the axle. Have there been any reported issues of the AirLift system being less reliable due to putting stress on the jounce strike plate? Thanks

asked by: Jason C

Expert Reply:

I'm not sure which particular Air LIft Load Lifter system you were referring to, but just like the Firestone Ride Rite # F2597, the Air Lift Load Lifter 5000, part # AL57396 will straddle the location where the factory jounce stop used to sit. The spring would be supported from above and below, attaching to the frame and the axle using the provided plates and hardware. Both air helper spring systems are compatible with your puck system.

Both the Firestone # F2597 and the Air Lift # AL57396 would install in similar manner and are compatible with 4WD vehicles. Both systems offer up to 5000 lbs of extra support. If I had to choose between the two, I'd choose the Firestone, because they're the industry standard as far as air suspensions go but the Air Lift would still be a high quality choice that would serve you well.

You might also consider going with an on board compressor system like the Firestone # F2219 would allow you to add or remove air pressure from the system with the flick of a rocker switch from the comfort of the truck cab. If the weight of your load varies, this would be a valuable option to keep your suspension dialed in at all times.

I've linked to installation videos for the Firestone Ride-Rite and the Air Lift Load Lifter 5000, as well as to an install video for the compressor system I mentioned above.