Interested in improving your truck's towing capabilities? We were, so we set out to install a Chassis Tech towing kit from airbagit.com. An F-350 was the perfect choice to demonstrate the efficiency and practicality of the Chassis Tech airbag towing kit, which can be used to easily mount and haul a fifth-wheel. As you read the following pages, you'll see, step-by-step, how to take any stock F-350 and create a masterpiece of utilitarian air-lifted art. The photos depict the kit demonstrating approximately 8 inches of travel.
For this project, we started...
For this project, we started with a typical work truck-an '05 Ford F-350 4x4. Like most trucks, it is used as a daily commuter, family shuttle, and occasional heavy hauler. Jeff Randall of Greeley, Colorado, is the owner of this donor truck. Jeff complained the factory ride was so rough that on a recent family trip, his children could not watch DVDs due to the vibration and jarring from each bump in the road.
With the front wheels off,...
With the front wheels off, we were able to remove the coil spring with minimal effort.
We removed the lower shock...
We removed the lower shock bolt, which allowed the axle to extend far enough to remove the coil spring.
Airbagit's heavy-duty towing system allows the user to adjust the vehicle height from 4 inches below the factory ride height to 4 inches above the stock ride height. The independent adjustability allows the user to compensate for heavy, uneven loads while maintaining proper ride height and a smooth, controlled ride. This system also maintains a ride at a very low pressure (60 psi in front and 30 psi in rear). This gives the driver a smooth ride that, until now, has never been available in a 1-ton truck without sacrificing towing ability.
Next, we removed the coil...
Next, we removed the coil spring, rubber isolator, and lower spring perch.
Airbagit's front bracket kit...
Airbagit's front bracket kit is designed for factory ride height. It features the DeNominator II 2600 bag and can support up to 5,000 pounds of front axle weight. Custom brackets can also be made to accommodate up to a 4-inch lift.
With the brackets bolted to...
With the brackets bolted to the airbag, we slipped the assembly in place exactly where the coil spring was originally mounted. The kit uses the factory bolt and a provided spacer to attach the lower mount to the axle.
Here's a look at the front...
Here's a look at the front suspension completely installed with a DeNominator II, which is 2 inches taller than first-generation bags and installs in less than 10 minutes. Note: The installed steel leader hoses are ideal protection from possible wheel rub or wear.
We were mindful to support...
We were mindful to support the rear axle before carefully removing the leaf spring bolts and the stock leaf springs.
We cautiously cut the rivet...
We cautiously cut the rivet heads off and used a punch to knock out and remove the rivets that attach the front leaf spring hanger.
Airbagit's front four-link...
Airbagit's front four-link mount utilizes the front holes of the old leaf spring hanger. The remaining holes are marked and drilled.
The links were adjusted to...
The links were adjusted to the correct length and then installed. The pinion angle is adjustable by the installer.
We installed the provided...
We installed the provided spacers on the recessed area of the frame before mounting the Panhard bar bracket.
The Panhard bar mount uses...
The Panhard bar mount uses four existing holes in the frame. Just like the front link mount, holes were marked and drilled.
Connecting and disconnecting...
Connecting and disconnecting trailers is now an easy task. No more jacking up heavy loads. Note: The picture on the right is with the fifth-wheel engaged. This kit works with or without a fifth-wheel option.
This is a look at the rear...
This is a look at the rear suspension after it was completely installed. As you can see, this system installs easily and efficiently. The factory shocks, sway bar, and exhaust were retained.
The truck was beefed up with...
The truck was beefed up with a DC7500 3/4hp compressor, which is capable of pumping up to 250 psi (only 100 psi is required). The chrome air tank is equipped with a 70-on/120-off pressure switch. The tank is chrome and stainless steel to prevent rust and keep the system clean. We added a Smart-Ride Air-Command controller, which allows four-wheel independent pre-sets that always maintain the correct pressures and height.