Anyone using airbags for hauling with Lightning?

[Jseis]

We obviously agree. Adjust lights. It’s easy. Maybe a nuisance. I’d be surprised if many do. Probably a few.

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[mtg]

Bringing this back up, I think this idea would be great- soften the rear springs for normal usage, and add air helper springs that can be inflated when the truck is heavily loaded.

Looking under the truck, there are elastomer bump stomps that are separate from the coilovers in the rear. Does anybody know of an air helper spring that goes in place of a bottom out bumper that serves both functions?
Combine that with softer coil springs.

 

[Firn]

I thought the the beltech "lowering" shocks just had air bags? I don't see any reason you can't have an air bag around the shock instead of a metal spring.

I have not seen it verified but I have seen mention the rear struts are the same or similar to the front struts of a 2018 F150.

 

[Tractionlimit]

Bringing this back up, I think this idea would be great- soften the rear springs for normal usage, and add air helper springs that can be inflated when the truck is heavily loaded.

Looking under the truck, there are elastomer bump stomps that are separate from the coilovers in the rear. Does anybody know of an air helper spring that goes in place of a bottom out bumper that serves both functions?
Combine that with softer coil springs.

I noticed that Rough Country *may* have a helper spring system for the Lightning. I have not contacted them on this, but it might be worth looking into: https://www.roughcountry.com/air-spring-kits/ford/f-150-lightning/2023

 

[HI Zeus]

Just curious if anyone here has installed rear airbags to maintain level while hauling. In my ideal world, I'd set the suspension totally level and then use a manual-inflate airbag when I tow my light camper (4,000lbs). It's winter, so I have actually measured how much squat I'll get with the camper, 4 passengers and a bed full of gear, but I assume 1-2" at least. This is a few times per year, so I'd also like to keep the level look the other 360 days with a level kit. I currently have a RC 3/4" level kit, and an RC 2" level kit. I'd like to lower the rear 1.25" with the kit, and raise the front to dead level.

Airbags might help on those occasions I'm using the truck as a truck (with weight).

Stock suspension:

Photoshop of 2" front lift, 1" rear drop, and another 1-2" drop with weight on tongue:

Another angle. Stock:

Quick photoshop of planned 2"RC / -1.5RC rear

I'd really like to know if anyone has done a rear airbag, or at least explored options they could share.

I'm very disappointed that the OP got hijacked by the headlight police, but I think we found the "elusive" solution to that:

My god man, it's like FIVE MINUTES to adjust the headlights. It's something you should do anyways. Putting in a leveling kit has less effect on the lights than hooking up a trailer, but i doubt you adjust your lights every time you hook up. Hauling some mulch is more likely to blind other drivers. And installing a level kit is not someone failing to tighten a ball nut, which ISNT A MOD IN THE FIRST PLACE .

So back to the OP:
airbags?

anyone? anyone?

Bueler?

 

[djryan13]

Anyone ever get some bags?

 

[Firn]

I have been digging into coil to air conversions. I wonder if a bag conversion mount is something I could whip up on my lathe.

 

[RLXXI]

I put rear only air ride on my 2013 and it stiffened the ride a lot. Don't want that on my Lightning.

 

[djryan13]

Stiffening is bad?

 

[RLXXI]

Stiffening is bad?

Suspension stiffening yes, at least it is with my bad back. Other welcomed, lol.

 

[djryan13]

Oh good point. My sciatica is a bitch.

 

[RLXXI]

Oh good point. My sciatica is a bitch.

I know that feeling all too well.

 

[djryan13]

Costco brand ibuprofen 2 bottle pack… ha

I really do think I may need a little stiffening though. I am buying a 1065lb bed camper and a little worried about sag. Hopefully it handles well.

 

[RLXXI]

Costco brand ibuprofen 2 bottle pack… ha

I really do think I may need a little stiffening though. I am buying a 1065lb bed camper and a little worried about sag. Hopefully it handles well.

This photo is 500 lbs at the tailgate end of the bed, hardly any sag.

 

[djryan13]

Nice! Thanks. Maybe I don’t need a bag

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