Rear spring help

[High_Country]

The fact it can be swapped out in a few minutes is why I'm probably going to go this route, unless you find some major negatives, so please keep us informed.

Have been following the RAS as an alternative to air bags. Was curious on how long it would really take to put them on / take them off. It's great to hear it's about a 20 minute (+) sort of task and not, say, an hour. I'm still on the fence between the RAS and something like air bags with cradles (day star?) so as not to lose articulation/downtravel.
I like the thought of the air bags because you can fine tune for ride height with each individual load.
I like the thought of the RAS because of all the other claimed benefits of loaded AND unloaded driving manners.

@Yeti - curious as to your feedback on the unloaded ride/handling differences. Does it indeed reduce axle wrap / wheel hop? Does it feel more planted? Is it stiffer? Etc.

Thanks for blazing the trail....in the meantime, I wait for my truck and keep an eye on my Amazon cart.

 

[Yeti]

Have been following the RAS as an alternative to air bags. Was curious on how long it would really take to put them on / take them off. It's great to hear it's about a 20 minute (+) sort of task and not, say, an hour. I'm still on the fence between the RAS and something like air bags with cradles (day star?) so as not to lose articulation/downtravel.
I like the thought of the air bags because you can fine tune for ride height with each individual load.
I like the thought of the RAS because of all the other claimed benefits of loaded AND unloaded driving manners.

@Yeti - curious as to your feedback on the unloaded ride/handling differences. Does it indeed reduce axle wrap / wheel hop? Does it feel more planted? Is it stiffer? Etc.

Thanks for blazing the trail....in the meantime, I wait for my truck and keep an eye on my Amazon cart.

The best upgrade to date is still the $100 Eibach rears for overall feel. Those with the RAS make it noticeably stiff/too springy. That is, of course before I speak with support to get their feedback and with absolutely nothing in the back.

 

[Michigander78]

I can say i am impressed with the ras system. i ordered the hd version and had them on in less than an hour.
I hooked up my trailer to the stock truck and i got about 4" of drop when i did. After adding the ras it drops maybe 2". I did gain an inch in the back of height.
With the ras i am at 38.5 in the front and 43 in the back ground to middle of fender. When i hook up my trailer i am at about 41 and change.
I have the 2" auto spring ready to go on next Thursday. (soonest shop could get me in)
As for the ras i took it on a short trip and i really could not tell any different from stock.

 

[Yeti]

Went to the 4x4 shop today, wish I had found this one sooner, great people and pricing.

Anyways asked them about the RAS kit and they showed me this, which is apparently a new product:

ReadyAIR 2015-2022 Ford F-150 Load Leveling Helper Spring Kit

ReadyLIFT is proud to introduce ReadyAIR Performance Load Leveling Suspension powered by LOGIQ. ReadyAIR products bring this 70-year-old market into the 21st century with the latest LOGIQ air spring technology that provides the ultimate blend of ride quality and load stability, in a 100% factory...

www.readylift.com

Hooks up to a feeder line and that line gets plugged to your OBA and you fill to what you need. Can add 3500 lbs of support. Can be filled by an ARB single. OBA does not need to stay hooked up while it's aired, just to fill it. When you're done you release the air from the line like a regular valve stem. 2 hour install time. So same cost all in as the RAS, aside from the OBA (which I already have and many of you plan to get).

They said they liked this better because they had gotten comments that the RAS affects ride (stiffer) and isn't as effective as this with load. Plus this one you air it as much or as little as you want. There is supposedly one in the works that has its own compressor and can be set by an app on your phone.

I think I will go with this, had them add it to my estimate with the auto spring level install, 295/70r18 Baja boss AT, 18x9 +18 method 305s, and the powdercoat. Will report back in a few weeks.

If I can get away from work for a minute, I'll give them a call. These may not be something we can utilize due to our additional travel. It doesn't appear the blocks would cause an issue, at least. They may be able to add slightly longer bellows. Definitely worth a call.

 

[Cranbery]

If I can get away from work for a minute, I'll give them a call. These may not be something we can utilize due to our additional travel. It doesn't appear the blocks would cause an issue, at least. They may be able to add slightly longer bellows. Definitely worth a call.

Let me know what they say. This shop didn't seem to think there would be an issue. They recommended it, so if it doesn't work it's on them and I'll have them install the RAS.

 

[Wyothing]

I called ready air yesterday and asked about that very system. They said they have not actually had a Tremor in the shop to try it but it should be the same as a 150. I didn't argue with the guy as it seemed he did not really know that much about our trucks. If you find something else out please let me know. I looks like a pretty good option. He did say that it is recommended to keep a minimum of 10 psi. I believe it is just to maintain shape of the bags but I would like to think it may take a little less to do and not affect ride..

 

[Yeti]

@Yeti - curious as to your feedback on the unloaded ride/handling differences. Does it indeed reduce axle wrap / wheel hop? Does it feel more planted? Is it stiffer? Etc.

Now that I've driven a bit more: all with the bed empty.
Planted: better than stock, yes but not as good as rear Eibach alone. Loaded is better with both.
I finally used my sport driving mode....
Damn, these things have decent punch. I haven't experienced any axle wrap or tire hop.

 

[Mc_tagger]

I've had good experiences with the air lift brand on previous trucks. I'm currently looking into it again for my tremor. Eliminates squat and really just creates a better towing experience.

 

[b-real]

Having personally installed multiple Firestone Ride Rite systems (no compressor, just bags) it generally takes me a few hours. Its all just bolt on, and their site doesnt specify either way about the Tremor, but I cant see any reason why it wouldnt work.

 

[Mc_tagger]

Having personally installed multiple Firestone Ride Rite systems (no compressor, just bags) it generally takes me a few hours. Its all just bolt on, and their site doesnt specify either way about the Tremor, but I cant see any reason why it wouldnt work.

Yes they are very easy to install and totally worth it if expecting to tow. I just finished a chat with SD truck springs and they stated this kit would in fact work with the tremor. I've just planned my next purchase.

 

[Cranbery]

After returning the readylift load leveling, the shop called airlift and confirmed that this one will work, and not be in conflict with the scales.

LoadLifter ProSeries

www.airliftcompany.com

About $1k with materials and labor.

 

[Ifineed2]

Is the loadlifter series going to be better than the RAS for those that tow couple times a month?

 

[Cranbery]

Is the loadlifter series going to be better than the RAS for those that tow couple times a month?

One is passive and one is active. The load lifter is probably overkill for me, but I like how it works and being able to adjust exactly as much as I want, plus I already have OBA. The RAS will likely be enough for most towing and payload, but it also stiffens the rear. Some people like that, some don't.

 

[Ifineed2]

One is passive and one is active. The load lifter is probably overkill for me, but I like how it works and being able to adjust exactly as much as I want, plus I already have OBA. The RAS will likely be enough for most towing and payload, but it also stiffens the rear. Some people like that, some don't.

I appreciate the response, I’m a tow idiot so I have no idea what I want or don’t want. I know I occasionally pull a 3500 lb horse trailer and don’t like seeing it nose high when I do that. I’d be shocked if I put 1000 towing miles on the truck annually, so I’m just wanting something that helps when I do tow, but doesn’t decimate the ride when not towing. Is it a “much” stiffer ride?

Sorry for being all over the place, my ‘17 f150 didn’t need any assistance when it came to toe squat so for me this is a first. Plus if a better rear suspension system comes out that doesn’t squat so much, I’ll be moving to it.

 

[High_Country]

I appreciate the response, I’m a tow idiot so I have no idea what I want or don’t want. I know I occasionally pull a 3500 lb horse trailer and don’t like seeing it nose high when I do that. I’d be shocked if I put 1000 towing miles on the truck annually, so I’m just wanting something that helps when I do tow, but doesn’t decimate the ride when not towing. Is it a “much” stiffer ride?

Sorry for being all over the place, my ‘17 f150 didn’t need any assistance when it came to toe squat so for me this is a first. Plus if a better rear suspension system comes out that doesn’t squat so much, I’ll be moving to it.

Do you do much off-roading where you are really flexing the truck and articulating the suspension? Most agree that most airbag setups will limit articulation some. If you don’t push your truck to the limit, an airbag setup might be the right answer for you. Like you say, plenty of adjustability when you need it or don’t, affordable, easy.

 

[Ifineed2]

Do you do much off-roading where you are really flexing the truck and articulating the suspension? Most agree that most airbag setups will limit articulation some. If you don’t push your truck to the limit, an airbag setup might be the right answer for you. Like you say, plenty of adjustability when you need it or don’t, affordable, easy.

Not anything more than a normal F150 could handle. Go off road during hunting season, but nothing like a lot of you true off roaders. I am super unfamiliar with airbags, I would have to buy a compressor and have them installed as well correct? Are they self-leveling? Is there shelflife about five years or more? Sorry for all the questions.

 

[captain lead foot]

Not anything more than a normal F150 could handle. Go off road during hunting season, but nothing like a lot of you true off roaders. I am super unfamiliar with airbags, I would have to buy a compressor and have them installed as well correct? Are they self-leveling? Is there shelflife about five years or more? Sorry for all the questions.

Compressor part is totally up to you it can be as basic as a bike pump you use when you need it or a full on on board air compressor. You can get self leveling ones that have on board air but for what you need to do that sounds like over kill. And as for shelf life I’d say like anything else it’s get what you pay for.

 

[Mc_tagger]

Not anything more than a normal F150 could handle. Go off road during hunting season, but nothing like a lot of you true off roaders. I am super unfamiliar with airbags, I would have to buy a compressor and have them installed as well correct? Are they self-leveling? Is there shelflife about five years or more? Sorry for all the questions.

Here's how I use my airbags. First off they will limit articulation to a degree but for your needs they sound as if it wouldn't matter much. As far as self leveling you can buy a tee for the air line which would allow for that. I would suggest this for an easier experience having only one fill location but if not I had two fill locations on my last truck and just used a digital pressure gauge to ensure they were filled equally. As far as a compressor... the bags don't require much pressure to be beneficial while towing. I typically only need about 15psi per bag to maintain level while pulling my camper. That being said I keep a little compressor under my backseat that runs off the outlet in the truck to air my bags up. You can pick one up for 30-40$ at any hardware store. As far as shelf life I've never owned a pair for more than 6ys before upgrading the truck but I've never had any issues within that time frame. I hope this helps.

 

[Cranbery]

Not anything more than a normal F150 could handle. Go off road during hunting season, but nothing like a lot of you true off roaders. I am super unfamiliar with airbags, I would have to buy a compressor and have them installed as well correct? Are they self-leveling? Is there shelflife about five years or more? Sorry for all the questions.

Normally you'd have the compressor. I have an ARB mounted in the truck bed, and you'd connect that hose to the airbag feed lines, which usually come out by your license plate. Then you just fill as needed, and unplug. They have a release when you're done to release air, like a tire.

Advanced systems are self adjusting, this one isn't. Not really required imo. Shelf life depends on materials, the one I linked is aluminum/stainless so will last a long time, more than 5 years.

Unless you are doing serious trail rides, the bags won't get in your way.

If you don't mind the stiffer ride and don't want to really do anything when you tow, the RAS is great. For the weight you said, it would be fine imo.

The airbags cost maybe double the RAS with installation and compressor, but have more capability if you were to ever need it, and in general just more control/use. Question of whether you want to spend the extra money for that - for me it's a yes.

 

[Ifineed2]

Thank you all for the reply’s! I still have no idea which to go with. Before getting this far into the weeds, I put a deposit on the RAS system just because it was so much more economical. After reading everything I’m curious if it really is the best option.