Suspension Enhancement for a 2001 Ford F-650 with a CAT3126B Engine Hauling Cars

Question:

I do not use my 01 Ford F650 for plowing. I am a auto hauler. This is a stiff riding truck and I feel every bump in the road. My truck has hydraulic brakes and the CAT 3126B engine has no compressor. If I purchased air-ride suspension, would I have to purchase a air-compressor also? How much would they help smooth out the ride of my truck?

asked by: David

Expert Reply:

You do not have to have an on-board compressor to use air springs such as # F2363. You can use a stand alone compressor like in a shop or gas station.

The use of the air springs will improve the ride quality by not allowing the suspension to bottom out. For a softer ride you would use less air. The differences in vehicles makes it difficult to quantify ride improvement. Also variations in the amount of air affect the ride quality so it is tough to say how much better the ride will be.

However since you have a 2001 Ford F-650 there are no air bags that are going to fit. For front suspension enhancement there is only one option, Timbren springs # TFF750. These are not air bags but they will cushion the ride and help prevent road shock and bottoming out.

The same goes for the rear suspension. You can use Timbren springs # TFR750 for regular stock suspension, # TFR650LP for LoPro models only, or # TFR750M for heavy duty suspension.

A heavy truck with big, wide tires is going to ride pretty stiff. If nothing else the Timbren springs will help the stock suspension last longer. No air is required in these springs which means no compressor is needed either. After they are installed you will not have to do anything with them again.