Air Lift 1000 Helper Air Springs and WirelessONE Compressor System Installed

[pa-outdoorsman]

I probably am just totally used to it now. Still a much softer ride than that unmodified F-150 I have at work.

Also I think air pressure keeps the Schrader valve closed so I worry low pressure would naturally leak more. So nice if you have the automatic pump.

I have only had them for a week so no time to really tell whether they lose pressure. What I WILL say, however, is that the total amount of air in these two small bladders is next to nothing. When adding or removing air, it takes less than a second of air from my compressor to increase the pressure by many pounds, or just a short burst of air released to decrease by many pounds.

So, honestly, unlike trying to inflate an entire flat tire on your truck, using a small hand pump or bicycle pump would be more than sufficient for these air lift bags, IMO. FWIW, I have a 12-volt compressor that I keep under the rear seat for more serious in-the-field inflation needs.

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[pa-outdoorsman]

Oh, and ANOTHER big thing I noticed is that my truck rides better, and the rear springs are QUIETER since I installed the Air Lift.

As I mentioned previously, I have the 2-inch Eibach Pro Lift springs on my truck, and I feel they are louder over uneven surfaces than the OEM springs. This would make sense because the lift springs are stiffer and create more downward force if/when your tire loses contact with the ground, causing more "thunking" as the wheel springs downward to re-establish contact.

Anyway, the way I see it, the rubber Air Spring bladders act as de facto dampeners that help soak up noise and vibration from the springs. It makes sense and is not really different than any other rubber dampening component added to moving parts on all sorts of mechanical devices. I realize this is not the purpose or intended use of the bladders, but I do feel a slightly quieter and more refined ride overall is an often overlooked side benefit of this modification.

 

[GPSMan]

I use a hand-held pistol grip compressor. They fill fast but takes several seconds, not one or two.

Those of you using home shop air could and should dial down the pressure regulator to as low as it goes to avoid over-inflation.

 

[Saboga]

I like my AirLift 1000 bladder system, but I wish someone like Monroe or Gabriel would have come out with some air lift shock absorbers for the Maverick. Putting those air bladders inside the springs was a bitch! But now that it's done, I have no complaints. I tow an 18' vintage Airstream, and the truck stays nice and level.

 

[peeturd]

I agree with your comment on “Max Air” type shocks. I have been trying to get the OEM shock dimensional specs - was considering buying a couple of MA 815 shocks to see if they fit.

 

[Aherpa]

I had wishfully hoped that I wouldn't need to go this route, but my wish was NOT granted. After adding my bed storage system and considerable weight in tools
and supplies, the rear height had dropped about an inch. That in itself was not a problem, as it pretty much just leveled the truck. The problem is when I add even more weight (which is always towards the very back); it would drive with noticeable squat.
I added :
Air Lift 1000 Air Helper Springs for Coil Springs - Rear
ITEM # AL57JQ
and the :
Air Lift WirelessONE Compressor System for Air Helper Springs - Remote - Bluetooth - Single Path
ITEM # AL25980

With the minimum recommended 5 PSI in the bags, the rear bumper it's only 1/4" lower than the unladen ride height.

Even with all my additional weight, my average to date is 43.8 MPG.

Nice install. . . . , glad you are happy with them and they are doing what you want.

 

[Maverick_Innovation_Designs]

The hybrid uses Ford's force vectoring springs in the rear, they are curved to act like torsion bars and reduce body sway.
I see that Air Lift's website says this kit is for Maverick FWD versions but I'm not really sure if the FWD Ecoboost Mavericks use the force vectoring springs like the hybrid does. I have not seen pictures of a FWD Ecoboost Maverick rear suspension to know what springs are in use.
I'm wondering if these bags straighten the force vectoring springs and defeat the spring's purpose.
I have tried contacting the company but I only get people who look at the website and say 'yep, they work for the FWD version'. I cannot get an answer to 'are they are designed for use with the force vectoring springs'.
I thought I'd ask someone who is using them, "do they straighten the force vectoring springs"?

Thanks for your attention and help.

The bags should not interfere with the force vectoring springs. They help reduce the effective load/sag solely in the direction of the spring. Essentially, they reduce the squat but won't improve cornering (excluding the improvement due to improved vehicle geometry).

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