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Old 10-30-2009, 07:21 PM   #1
steveinville
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air springs on F250?

I have an F250 pulling a 35' Montana..about 12500 pounds. I wish I had gotten the beefier F350, but cannot trade up right now. Does anyone have experience adding air springs to the truck in such a situation? I realize air springs do not increase the bed capacity of the truck, but seems it might level things out a bit. (Right now the back of the truck is a little low when the full weight of the 5-er is on it.)
 
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Old 10-30-2009, 08:54 PM   #2
HamRad
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Steveinville,
If I'd kept my 250 I would have added the air ride springs but we traded for a 450. Don't have to worry about that problem now. A number of folks have added the air springs and seem to be relatively happy with them.

According to one member here on the MOC you can get your 250 changed into a 350 by adding some steel springs. You might want to read up on what he did. His user name is Art n Marge. I hope I got the name correct.

Good luck.

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Old 10-31-2009, 12:03 AM   #3
Tom S.
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Yup, it was Art and you can find the thread here: http://www.montanaowners.com/forums/...ad.php?t=35554
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Old 10-31-2009, 02:21 AM   #4
Phyllen
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We added helper springs. They added 2,000 lb weight capacity. Air bags only last about two years and we are told have to be kept inflated and only last about two years. The springs we added have lifetime warrantly. They cost about $485 installed.
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Old 10-31-2009, 03:16 AM   #5
Tom S.
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Quote:
quote:Originally posted by Phyllen

We added helper springs. They added 2,000 lb weight capacity. Air bags only last about two years and we are told have to be kept inflated and only last about two years. The springs we added have lifetime warrantly. They cost about $485 installed.
Please don't tell my airbags that. They are 4 years old and still look new.
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Old 10-31-2009, 03:16 AM   #6
jimcol
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Timbrens are a lot less expensive than the air springs and don't seem to wear out. I added them to my 09 Dodge 2500 and have been very happy with the results. They definately removed the sag and stabilized the ride. Jim C.
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Old 10-31-2009, 04:45 AM   #7
mtheo
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I have used air bags for year, to improve over all ride. Last truch wasn't overloaded but was too stiff so I took off the overloads and use air bags to level when loaded. they were on that truck for about 10 years until I sold it five years ago and they are still being use by the current owner. I now use them to level out my truck so my headlights are always in adjustment. Also riding on air is nice.
Be warn these don't increase your legal load capacity.
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Old 10-31-2009, 06:19 AM   #8
grampachet
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I use Timbrens and find they are well worth the money.
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Old 10-31-2009, 09:18 AM   #9
billhoover
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Quote:
quote:Originally posted by Phyllen

We added helper springs. They added 2,000 lb weight capacity. Air bags only last about two years and we are told have to be kept inflated and only last about two years. The springs we added have lifetime warrantly. They cost about $485 installed.
Without getting too technical, I think you will find that the springs will "support" 2,000#, but they do not add 2,000# to your truck's weight carrying capacity.
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Old 10-31-2009, 12:44 PM   #10
exav8tr
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I had a Chevy 2500 when I started out and I had an extra leaf spring installed to carry the extra weight and added Air Lifr air bags to keep from bottoming out. Ride was a little stiffer with the extra spring, you just have to decide which way you want to go. I think either way will level things out and the leaf may help with uncertified payload. I have no experience with Timbrens. Hope this helps....Phil
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Old 10-31-2009, 08:42 PM   #11
Art-n-Marge
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Thanks to Tom S. for posting the link to my overload spring upgrade. I had air bags which absolutely helped level the ride (and prevent the sag, fix the headlight aim and smooth out the ride), but they did not increase RAWR & GVWR.

To help with the pin weight you might also try and reposition much of your gear towards the rear of the trailer and more over the wheels since your trailer weight is well within spec. I realize this is very tough to do since the best storage areas are in front of the 5er axles.

In any case air bags are a great addition.

Besides adding the overload spring and bracket hardware (equivalent to the F-350 for my model year), I also needed to change from 17" wheels to 18" wheels to buy larger tires that support the increase in rear payload - I haven't done this yet but it's on my to-do list. In my case when compared to a similar F-350 these were the only differences (springs, brakes, axles, engine, trans, differential were all the same).

PM or email me if you want more details.
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Old 11-01-2009, 04:47 AM   #12
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As info, air helper springs or airbags generally last much longer than two years. Additionally, such products have limited lifetime warranties as well. One particular product Firestone Ride-Rite helper springs (airbags) state specifically the warranty, its application and how they are covered. I'm sure Timbrens and other similar products have clear warranty statements as well.

Bottom line,do your research.
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Old 02-09-2013, 10:33 AM   #13
bobcat92
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I just purchased the ride rite air bags for a 2002 f250. I have the digital command for the compressor. Can anyone tell me how to get the electrical connector through the firewall of the truck? I thought it would be just wires but the connector is very large. Don't see a grommet that would get it through. Any help would be appreciated.
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Old 02-09-2013, 01:27 PM   #14
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I had Firestone air springs on my '99 F-250 and loved them. They carried the extra weight nicely. And when I wasn't towing I dropped the air pressure to about 10 psi (just to keep the bags from collapsing) and the truck rode much nicer. I now have an '08 F-350 and though I lve the truck....it rides like a truck! The 250 was a much softer ride. Good luck.
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