Anyone using airbags for hauling with Lightning?

[Tractionlimit]

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:

 

[SC_Sparky]

I looked into it a bit back- another user was going to put a camper on and didn't want sag. I think the easiest way would be swap rear springs for expedition (I believe they are a bit stiffer). Or, maybe use an airbag that fits inside the spring, like what I use in a different vehicle I own. https://www.amazon.com/LIFT-60732-1...ext&ref_=fplfs&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&gQT=1

 

[Mach Turtle]

It would be interesting to see how confused the onboard scales become when an airbag is inflated. Not that this is a deal breaker in any way, though there might be warranty concerns.

I've thought about air suspension for the truck also; it does seem like a good idea.

Also, that's a really good looking Flash you have there (and this is from a regular forum member, not a corporation's bot!). Really clean with just a touch of bada$$.

 

[SSNutz]

What wheels do you have?

 

[Jseis]

This whole 2” front lift stance bs defeats the built in factory load stance. Worse is the out-of-adjustment headlights as a consequence of a 2” front lift. Installing a 2” stance then compensating by a rear bag lift is.. hilariously rich.

I do a lot of night driving and the two most common out-of-adjustment headlights are on jeeps and 3/4-1 tons with the latter made worse by construction trailers, bedloads, & likely poorly inflated tires.

 

[Firn]

This whole 2” front lift stance bs defeats the built in factory load stance. Worse is the out-of-adjustment headlights as a consequence of a 2” front lift. Installing a 2” stance then compensating by a rear bag lift is.. hilariously rich.

I do a lot of night driving and the two most common out-of-adjustment headlights are on jeeps and 3/4-1 tons with the latter made worse by construction trailers, bedloads, & likely poorly inflated tires.

If only that hesdlight thing could be easily fixed, like in less than 5 minutes... Ironic as well considering the "load stance" causes the headlights to be blinding when you put a load on it, specifically when he is talking about how to NOT have the angle of the truck change when loading it.

As far as leveling, you do realize he is taking about airbags so that you can adjust the spring rate and have it always be level, and that you don't need the insane level of rake the truck has.

 

[Jseis]

If only that hesdlight thing could be easily fixed, like in less than 5 minutes... Ironic as well considering the "load stance" causes the headlights to be blinding when you put a load on it, specifically when he is talking about how to NOT have the angle of the truck change when loading it.

As far as leveling, you do realize he is taking about airbags so that you can adjust the spring rate and have it always be level, and that you don't need the insane level of rake the truck has.

I fully understand he’s seeking to resolve the conundrum. I’ve used airbags to increase load capacity knowing that doesn’t solve other problems (ride, handling, headlight, etc). But for the rare heavy haul they were good. While the Lightning is fully capable of doing truck things.. some of those are more in the wheelhouse of a stout 3/4 ton (or 1 ton). And the IRS gives us ride over load capacity of which there are but few solutions to get additional load capacity. I’d think the Lightning might make an excellent jobbers truck for some trades but the EV Transit maybe better?

The Lightning has darn good headlights but like many modern lights, seem more sensitive to load. If I put a front lift on I’d have the headlight adjustment procedure memorized. I guess we should be so fortunate to have that procedure even if does require a panel removal.

 

[Tractionlimit]

What wheels do you have?

These are my winter wheels. Vision Tactical 20×9.5 - 6mm from Discount Tire with stock sized blizzaks

 

[Tractionlimit]

It would be interesting to see how confused the onboard scales become when an airbag is inflated. Not that this is a deal breaker in any way, though there might be warranty concerns.

I've thought about air suspension for the truck also; it does seem like a good idea.

Also, that's a really good looking Flash you have there (and this is from a regular forum member, not a corporation's bot!). Really clean with just a touch of bada$$.

I hear the RC 3/4" kit already shows 1200lb on the scales when empty. So airbags may counteract that a bit.

And thanks for the compliment. I do like the look of it. Especially if I can ditch the raked look!

 

[Tractionlimit]

These are my winter wheels. Vision Tactical 20×9.5 - 6mm from Discount Tire with stock sized blizzaks

I honestly wish they were like +18 offset. No rubbing with the +6, but it's an aggressive look for an old guy like me

 

[Firn]

If I put a front lift on I’d have the headlight adjustment procedure memorized.

For that one time you need to re-level the headlights?

 

[Jseis]

FAFO

 

[Tractionlimit]

Installing a 2” stance then compensating by a rear bag lift is.. hilariously rich.

Thank you, sir, for this ever-so-helpful response. I'm sorry you're mad that people modify their trucks, but if that being the case, maybe you're in the wrong forum.

For $80k, the Lightning should have had ride-adjustable suspension like its competitors. Unfortunately, it doesn't, so people are compensating based on their personal use-case. Some of us do use this truck as a truck (towing, camping, off road, etc.), and would like a solution to optimize suspension as needed, other than 4" of rake, which makes our $80k purchase look ridiculous. Believe me, I'd rather not have to touch it either. And headlight angle is the least of my worries, as we have a fix for that.

PS, funny how even Ford shows leveled vehicles in every ad and app graphic. Seems their Marketing department knows what a truck should look like.

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