Removing the Air Bags from this Ford F-250 Super Duty - They Tweaked the Frame, and I Don't Need 'Em

[@4-LOW]

Turns out that frame bulge is normal. It's made like that. I wasn't sure in the video. Just wanted to clear that up.

[@jackprycee6977]

Omg thanks for this …. I’m experiencing the same thing on a truck I bought to just have around. The bags were rough riding and I had to actually cut the bolts off. It’s turned into a small project just to get them off. I’m 3 hours just finishing one side:) now I know it’s not just me. 2004 4x4 ram rumble bee w(78k actual miles..will be good as new very soon :). Also installing new Monroe’s on all 4s with new front end arms n ball joints. Can’t wait to drive it :) old school is in :)

[@NT5RA_Still_Learning]

You mentioned getting an F450. The short version is that a properly equipped F350 Dually has a slightly higher net cargo payload capacity than an F450 Dually Pickup (not to be confused with an F450 chassis cab). For example, when I bought my F350 Dually it came with 4.10 gears or optional 4.30 for additional load capacity, and the F450 came with 4.30 only. True, the F450 pickup has a beefier front suspension and frame, wider front track to allow a tighter turning radius, and larger brakes and wheels all around. All of these could certainly benefit heavy towing. But the increased weight of that heavier duty equipment detracts from how much can be carried. So the advantages of the F450 are not where most folks would expect.

[@caylonsharp7172]

Did you ever find part numbers for the rear bump stops and bolts for them?

[@thinde88]

What tire pressure you running? I’d drop them unless your towing or hauling. Even look into forscan to lower the tire pressure light setting.

[@4-LOW]

58 PSI

[@commonsenseisdeadin2024]

You can just reprogram the sensors to whatever you want. There's a key sequence to get into training mode and you can buy the tool for less than $20 to activate the sensor. Whatever the tire pressure is at, at the time of training then the light threshold is 25%!

[@jimhance6648]

Yep, buy shocks. I found Bilsteins to be the best ride. Others like cheaper brands. You seem to not have a problem with spending money on parts, so buy the Bilsteins. Removing the air bags is just exercise for you.

[@thinde88]

I don’t even have my new truck yet but I have the bilstien 5100s that will be going on it. I’ve been extremely pleased in the past.

[@hooligantimes9132]

New shocks wouldn't hurt.

[@charlesb4267]

This topic has come up before about trucks that have experienced some real frame bend ( basically a frame failure ) due to air bags being inflated to a high pressure and taking far more of the total load right at that point vs the spread out ( 50/50 % ) load of both ends of the leaf spring as designed, then hit a bad bump with that highly inflated bag while carrying a heavy load. I also suspect by the way the bags looked deflated height wise and sitting there with only the weight of the empty truck on the springs, there is hardly any up travel of the axle at all before the airbags internal bump stop ( I gather that may be what is inside that air bag brand possibly ) would hit and that would cause a rough ride every time the pickup hits any sort of bump that forces the axle up. Airbags work great on highway tractors that have a suspension designed from the ground up with the air bag as the main load carrying component, if a pickup was designed from the start to have a combination leaf spring and air bag system and it worked as a unit rather than an after market after thought system that fights each other and causes frame damage and weird handling issues, then a person would have something. I've installed airbags on more than one pickup years ago and have mixed feelings about the whole thing as well as other friends with their similar experiences.

[@commonsenseisdeadin2024]

The airbag will explode BEFORE the frame bends. The reason for his issues and others alike is simply the leaf springs and shocks are worn. Nobody changes leafs and they get fatigued.

[@charlesb4267]

@@commonsenseisdeadin2024 I would not count on a sound air bag failing before the frame bends, the air bags can take a lot of punishment, also keep in mind what truck they are put on as per lets say a half ton for example and an older rusty frame would be considerably worse, I can guarantee bad things will happen with all that stress by depending on an air bag to hold the truck up that was never designed to carry the type of weight some people try to pull off. Same situation would apply with timbrens if they were carrying too high a percentage of the weight. And your right, a well used or taxed out set of leaf springs that are in bad need of replacing or were under rated from the start as well as worn out shocks and so using something else as a band-aid to hold the truck up, its just asking for trouble ...

[@commonsenseisdeadin2024]

@@charlesb4267 "air bags can take a lot..." CAN being key, but not ALL.... For helper bags they run pretty small bags, not to mention if the bag bends the frame then that's probably the least of your problems! 😂

[@charlesb4267]

@@commonsenseisdeadin2024 Your correct that these type pictured are not very tall nor big in diameter, part of the problem goes back to the vehicle ,its not designed around accommodating a proper sized air bag and one that is taller and has a lot better ability to travel within a longer stroke so to speak, and has capacity at a much lower air pressure. That reminds me, I have yet to look at a factory air bag suspension on a Ram half ton truck to see what style of a bag they use. Mind you that whole system as per the computerized system and air valves are total crap so I hear in our winter conditions up here in Canada where it does get very cold as well as the corrosive factors would play a part as well I imagine.

[@commonsenseisdeadin2024]

@@charlesb4267 well the reason they run the bags they do is simply because it's not to increase weight capacities or anything like that, they are to HELP stabilize hence HELPER bags. Obviously air bags can support a whole lot considered semi tractors AND trailers are all pretty much rear bag suspension! RAMs have sleeve bags and are prove to crack where it rolls into itself. The factory system is actually sealed with nitrogen to eliminate corrosion and such. Of course fixing the factory system is extremely expensive so many open it up to atmosphere. There is chemicals to add into the system to help negate freezing and corrosion. Regardless, they are a PITA and trust me it is no better here in Minnesota!

[@ChingonChingon-dn6pu]

I need this kit for a 1996 f250

[@Texas12valve]

Its gonna rude bad no matter what, unless its loaded. Its a leaf sprung 3/4 ton.

[@commonsenseisdeadin2024]

It's a truck meant to haul/tow, it's not a Cadillac..... The leafs are probably worn and without air in those bags the suspension sagged so much that the bags were essential a bump stop. Considering they installed bags, I'm going to assume they used the truck as a truck so the suspension is probably tired. I honestly don't understand why it's not a common thing to replace leaf springs in trucks ESPECIALLY ones that haul heavy loads often and have 100k+ miles. Regardless, you can't expect a smooth ride AND the ability to tow 10ton+. The tires are much thicker ply for that reason as well! Get a 150 for your drive around truck and you'll be much happier!

[@billhenriquez2873]

Its gonna ride like ass unloaded no matter what shocks you run. Consider putting at least 400 or so lbs of weight in the bed to calm it down. I did that on my 14 F250 and its a much better ride.

[@wisetow10]

This guy is not smart….