zwelborn31

I bought my 2013 FX4 a few months ago and it came with the helper bags already installed. I've been told by a few people that they are responsible for the rough ride. It's not that my ride is super stiff, but if I go over a speed bump or hit a pot hole it sounds like the bed of my truck slams against the frame (not a good sound). I've read that I should ride with the bags at about 5psi if I'm not towing anything.

The original rear shocks are still installed, but the dealership is telling me that I can remove the bags and it will make my ride a lot smoother...how would removing them be any different than just completely deflating them?

I don't tow anything, so I don't really have a use for them, but I'm not going to go through the trouble of removing them if it's not going to change anything. Anyone experienced something similar?

jeffinthebag

Have you ridden in a similar truck without air bags for comparison? Try removing all the air to see if it feels better to you. If so, just remove them and go to a jack yard to buys some used bump stops. Does your truck have "p" or "e" rated tires? What is your tire pressure ? It can be 1 thing or several things making the ride harsh. But then again it just be a truck with a empty bed problem.

nagata

I can share my experience: Almost 2 years ago, I installed Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 Ultimate helper bags on my 2013 SCab XLT (5.0 2wd 6.5' bed); I can say I didn't notice any difference in ride with the bags completely deflated, and that's specifically why I went with this kit, it has internal bump stops so it can be used with 0 psi. I inflate the bags with a load, and if I don't deflate right after unloading I've noticed a slightly harsher ride, but nothing terrible.

sdmartin65

The air bags do reduce the travel of the rear suspension causing it to jar sometimes. That was my experience with them. Why not try just removing the actual air bags from the mounts leaving all hardware in place. You could install them pretty easily if you do start to tow more.