Are Spacers Needed For Air Lift Ultimate AL88399 on 2019 Ford F-250 w/ 7 Inch Mounting Space

Question:

I have a 2019 Ford F250 4wd with a 4 inch BDS lift. I have 7 inch between the top of the jounce and the bottom of the frame, if I get the 5000 air bags and 2 inch spacers would those two together fit in that 7 inch space and how high would that lift the back of the truck? How tall is the air bag not inflated and how tall will that bag be fully inflated? I would like to get an 1-1/2 inch of lift out of the bag and spacer kit is that possible? Thank you

asked by: Jared J

Expert Reply:

Let's start with lift, and air bags are not meant to lift a truck, as they simply serve as a support mechanism for your current suspension; it is possible the back of your truck could ride at most an inch or so higher, but it won't serve as a lift. This is true of all air bags, including the Air Lift that fit your 2019 Ford F-250 4WD:

- Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 Ultimate Air Helper Springs with Internal Jounce Bumpers # AL88399

As for the spacers, the # AL88399 measure 6 inches when not inflated (there is not a measurement taken when fully inflated) and the way to determine if spacers are needed is measure between the mounting surfaces of the upper and lower brackets and subtract the height of the air spring. Since you measured 7 inches, and the spring is 6 inches, you should not need a spacer. The smallest spacer offered by Air Lift is the Air Lift Universal Air Spring Spacers for LoadLifter 5000 and 7500XL - 2" Lift # AL52420.

So I think the best option would be to install the # AL88399 to see what the gap is, and unless there is a gap of at least 2 inches, you won't need a spacer. In fact, according to Air Lift, "it is preferred to mount the air spring taller — or slightly stretched — than shorter — or slightly compressed."

Finally, during the installation of these air bags, you are going to want to ensure your air lines are cut perfectly straight, and the best way to do this is by using the Air Hose Cutter # AL10530, and I also highly recommend a compressor, the Air Lift WirelessAIR Compressor # AL58WQ.