Firestone 2600 Ride Rite Ford F250/F350 ’17 Review

How I Used the Firestone 2600 Ride Rite Ford F250/F350 ’17 and What I Found

The Firestone 2600 Ride Rite Ford F250/F350 ’17 represents a significant upgrade for any owner of a Super Duty Ford truck who frequently hauls heavy loads or tows. As an equipment specialist with over a decade of experience across diverse environments, I’m always looking for solutions that enhance vehicle performance and safety under stress. My 2017 F-350 was starting to show its age under the strain of regular towing duties, often carrying substantial payloads for my workshop projects.

The primary issue I was facing was noticeable rear-end sag when the truck bed was loaded, and a pronounced ‘tail-wag’ when towing my loaded equipment trailer. This not only felt unsafe but also made steering and braking feel less precise, especially on uneven terrain. I needed a way to level the truck and provide better support without sacrificing too much ride comfort when empty.

My initial impression of the Firestone kit was one of robust construction. The air springs themselves felt substantial, and the included hardware appeared to be of good quality, designed to withstand the rigors of a heavy-duty truck. I briefly considered a heavier-duty leaf spring setup, but the adjustability of air springs offered a clear advantage for my varied needs. This system promised a significant improvement in load-carrying capability and ride quality, and I was eager to put it to the test.

Real-World Testing: Putting Firestone 2600 Ride Rite Ford F250/F350 ’17 to the Test

First Use Experience

I installed the Firestone 2600 Ride Rite system on my 2017 Ford F-250 in my personal garage, a space I’m intimately familiar with for all my vehicle maintenance. The installation process, while not overly complex for someone with moderate mechanical experience, did require careful attention to detail, especially when routing the air lines and mounting the inflation valves. I tested the system first with no load, then with a standard load of tools and materials in the bed, and finally with my fully loaded 10,000-pound equipment trailer.

The immediate difference was palpable even with an empty bed; the truck felt more planted and less prone to the typical empty-bed bounce. When loaded, the sag was virtually eliminated, and the truck maintained a level stance, which was a significant improvement. The most dramatic change, however, came with the trailer attached. The ‘tail-wag’ was gone, replaced by a stable, controlled ride.

My only initial quirk was ensuring the air lines were properly secured to prevent any potential rubbing against moving parts of the suspension. This is a common concern with any add-on system, and careful routing was key. The adjustability of the inflation valves, located conveniently near the rear bumper, made fine-tuning the pressure for each load scenario straightforward.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent use, including hauling everything from lumber and construction materials to my boat trailer, the Firestone 2600 Ride Rite Ford F250/F350 ’17 has proven to be incredibly reliable. The air springs show no signs of leaks or degradation, maintaining their pressure perfectly between adjustments. The protective air cushion effect is still as noticeable as day one, absorbing road imperfections that used to send jarring impacts through the chassis.

Durability has been excellent. Even after encountering dusty construction sites and driving through moderate rain, there’s no visible corrosion on the components, and the rubber air springs remain pliable and show no signs of cracking or stiffness. Maintenance has been minimal; an occasional visual inspection of the air lines and a quick wipe-down of the components are all that’s needed. Compared to past experiences with stiffer aftermarket suspension components that would compromise empty ride quality, this Firestone system offers a fantastic balance.

Breaking Down the Features of Firestone 2600 Ride Rite Ford F250/F350 ’17

Specifications

The Firestone 2600 Ride Rite Ford F250/F350 ’17 kit utilizes a pair of convoluted air springs, each capable of handling a load-leveling capacity between 3,200 to 5,000 lbs. These air springs are designed to work with the existing leaf spring suspension system of your 2017 Ford F250 or F350, accommodating both 2WD and 4WD models. The system includes individual inflation valves, allowing for independent adjustment of air pressure on each side, which is crucial for compensating for uneven loads.

These specifications mean you can precisely dial in the support your truck needs. For instance, if you have a load that’s heavier on one side, you can simply add more air pressure to that specific spring. This capability is invaluable for maintaining a level ride height and improving overall vehicle stability, preventing the frame from bottoming out under heavy stress. The convoluted design allows for significant expansion, providing ample air volume for substantial load leveling.

Performance & Functionality

In terms of its primary function – load leveling and ride enhancement – the Firestone 2600 Ride Rite Ford F250/F350 ’17 excels. When properly inflated, it significantly reduces rear-end sag, keeping the truck’s headlights aimed correctly and improving braking effectiveness by maintaining optimal suspension geometry. The system effectively creates a protective air cushion between the axle and frame, absorbing shocks and vibrations that would otherwise transmit into the cabin.

The strength of this system lies in its ability to adapt. While it doesn’t increase your vehicle’s gross load capacity, it dramatically improves its ability to safely carry the intended load by distributing weight more effectively. The only minor limitation is that the ride quality can become slightly firmer when the air pressure is set very high for maximum load support, a trade-off inherent in load-leveling systems. However, for typical towing and hauling scenarios, the performance is outstanding.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Firestone Ride Rite air springs emphasizes durability and functionality. The air springs themselves are constructed from robust, reinforced rubber, designed to withstand the constant flexing and pressure changes they endure. The mounting brackets and hardware included in the kit appear to be precision-cut steel, offering a sturdy foundation for the air springs and ensuring a secure fit to the vehicle’s frame and axle.

Ergonomically, the system is designed for user convenience. The individual inflation valves are positioned for easy access from the rear of the truck, typically mounted to the frame or a convenient spot near the bumper. This placement allows for quick adjustments before and during trips without needing to crawl under the vehicle. The overall feel of the components suggests a product built for the long haul, intended to be a semi-permanent, beneficial addition to the truck’s suspension.

Durability & Maintenance

Firestone has a long-standing reputation for building durable air suspension components, and the Firestone 2600 Ride Rite Ford F250/F350 ’17 kit upholds that standard. These air springs are designed for continuous use, and with proper care, they should last for many years, likely outliving the truck itself. The rubber compound is resistant to ozone, UV exposure, and road contaminants, all common culprits in premature component failure.

Maintenance is refreshingly straightforward. The primary concern is ensuring the air lines remain free from damage and kinks, and that the inflation valves are kept clean. Periodically checking air pressure before heavy loads is good practice, and it’s recommended to slightly deflate the springs when the vehicle is empty for extended periods to reduce constant stress on the components. There are no complex moving parts to wear out, making this a low-maintenance solution for significant ride improvement.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Firestone 2600 Ride Rite Ford F250/F350 ’17 kit comes with all the necessary mounting hardware, air lines, and inflation valves required for installation. The individual inflation valves are a key feature that allows for side-to-side adjustment, which is crucial for balancing loads. While this kit doesn’t include an onboard air compressor or gauge system out of the box, it is designed to be compatible with such aftermarket additions.

Many owners opt to add a small 12V air compressor and a dash-mounted gauge for on-the-fly adjustments, which greatly enhances the usability of the system, especially if loads vary frequently. This level of customization allows users to tailor the system to their specific towing and hauling habits, turning a great product into an even more integrated and convenient solution. The ability to connect to standard air compressor fittings makes recharging the springs simple.

Pros and Cons of Firestone 2600 Ride Rite Ford F250/F350 ’17

Who Should Buy Firestone 2600 Ride Rite Ford F250/F350 ’17?

This air spring system is ideally suited for owners of 2017 Ford F250 and F350 trucks who frequently tow heavy trailers, haul significant weight in the truck bed, or encounter uneven road surfaces regularly. If you experience noticeable rear-end sag when loaded or feel your truck is unstable when towing, this product will likely be a game-changer. It’s perfect for contractors, fleet owners, RVers, or anyone who uses their Super Duty truck for demanding tasks.

Those who primarily drive their trucks unloaded and prioritize a factory-soft ride at all times might find the adjustments slightly cumbersome. However, the ability to adjust pressure down for an empty ride makes this less of a concern. I would highly recommend considering an aftermarket onboard air compressor system to pair with these springs; it dramatically improves convenience for frequent load adjustments.

Conclusion on Firestone 2600 Ride Rite Ford F250/F350 ’17

The Firestone 2600 Ride Rite Ford F250/F350 ’17 has proven to be an essential upgrade for my Super Duty truck, fundamentally transforming its capabilities and driving dynamics under load. The robust construction, combined with the remarkable load-leveling capacity and precise adjustability, makes it an indispensable tool for anyone pushing their truck to its limits. While the initial installation requires some effort, the benefits in terms of safety, stability, and ride comfort are well worth the investment.

Considering the $632.12 price point, this kit offers exceptional value for the performance gains. It doesn’t just mask the problem of heavy loads; it provides a genuine solution that enhances the truck’s inherent capabilities. I would unequivocally recommend this Firestone air spring system to any 2017 Ford F250 or F350 owner who values a stable, level, and more comfortable ride when hauling or towing heavy loads. It’s a smart investment that pays dividends in performance and peace of mind.