The roads in NY are horrible for an F350. If it weren't for the air ride, I'd probably vibrate teeth out of my head.
You asked about air bags. If you give some more information on what you want to accomplish we can probably help you better. Are you looking for a leveling feature when hauling, a smoother ride, or to achieve lift? As the previous posts state, there's everything from overload bags to full on 4 link air suspensions. Me personally, I love air and would never want to go back. Give us some more info and good luck.

 

I have installed add on airbags on about 30 trucks and motorhomes over the years. I prefer Firestones, but have used others.

I dislike the commercially available brackets, so I build my own. Clean, simple, and they are much stronger than most that come in kits, there are some pics in my album if you care to look.

Towing with a lot of tongue weight, even with a weight distributing hitch, is so much nicer with bags, especially if you tow hard.

 

As a new 2011 SD owner: what's the hookup look like for my rear suspension?

 

There is a great video of one of the 2011 guys from here installing his Air Bag kit. I'll see if I can find it.

EDIT: Here it is. Very in depth.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCqRMd5w0jY

 

I am looking to add capacity... Also I dont like the way the rear sags in the stock stance. I haul 1500-3000lbs bed weight often so it would be nice to have something that would adjust its self and stop the truck from squating under a load.
Does anyone sell a kit or package system that self adjust? And how does that work? do you just set up the rde height you want and it automatically adust to that?

 

Most systems have a little air valve that you connect to a compressor. Same valve as on tires. You learn how many PSI to put in the bags for different scenerios. Personally, I run always run either 100psi (max) or 10psi (min). On any given day if you asked me what my bags were at I'd tell you 100. Thats where I keep them most of the time.

There are other systems that allow you to adjust from the cab. These require compressor on-board.

I have plans for an on-board compressor and a switch on a F650 dash.

 

I have firestone helper springs and like them. No compressor, just valves at the rear bumper. I usually keep them around 30psi. Went to 75 psi while towing a gooseneck with really high tongue weight.

If I had the $$$ I would get something like this: Firestone R4Tech Air Ride Suspension System - R4Tech

The self leveling type have a link between the axle and frame. The link is connected to a valve that adds or releases air as necessary to maintain the preset ride height. Just like a semi truck with air bag suspension.

 

Thanks for all the info....
I think I am going to get a set of firestones and a compressor... out of the box I will probably skip the self adjusting part because it sounds like most of you guys set the pressure and leave it unless you are hauling extreme weight. Self leveling is a must though, and I will rig up the compressor and relief so that I can control the bags from the cab.

 

control from the cabin is nice, but more important is clean installation with no leaks. I had initially small leak, that required once a week air addition and even it was only once a week it got annoying. I cut the bad ends on the tubings and reinstalled them. Now my bags hold the air for months.

 

If you like ease of use nothing to think about, the auto adjust system is a no-brainer. I use that system on both my trucks and once you've set your desired right height you can forget about it. It won't matter if you put 400lbs or 4,000 lbs in the bed, it will adjust itself back to the set ride height. When you take the weight off it will bleed itself off to compensate. Mine adjusts as I burn fuel out of the tank.

I see no particular reason, or need, to have the ability to manually adjust anything. As far as I'm concerned it's just one more thing to do. The only thing I care about is my truck rides level, always, and if it can do that automatically I'm happier than a pig in slop.

 

Mine bag fitting are air tight but I do notice when it gets real cold out that I will loose a little pressure sometimes. Just a reminder after you get your bags king snake that there is a 10 p.s.i. Minimum pressure needed to run in the bags at all times so they hold there shape and don't get cracked.

 

Excellent! Thanks so much for linking that!

 

Yeah...even with that video it wasn't quite as easy as he makes it look. I installed the exact same system he did. The big differences are, he has a lift. I would have killed for a lift. He had access to all his tools right there. Mine were in the garage, and I had to go around a 5th wheel to get to them. And I always am missing one tool. This was no exception. But I did finally prevail and get it all done. I really like the remote wireless air system. It works great, even going 65mph down the road.

 

I'm running the Air Lift Air bags and Wireless AIR compressor with remote and absolutely love them. They lift the rear of the truck to level the ride with any load I have applied and I can adjust the pressures on the fly as I'm driving down the road to compensate for road surface conditions where it's too bumpy or if the trailer starts to sway.

The air bags are great by themselves but are Outstanding! with the compressor and wireless remote. This is my second truck that I have installed them on. If you tow at all, I highly recommend them. Either brand (Firestone or Air Lift) works great. Just get them and you won't regret it.

 

where did you get your air bags firefighter?