Buy Ford F-150 Air Suspension Springs

The Ford F-150's rear air suspension spring-also called an air bag, helper spring, air-ride bag, or pneumatic cushion-is a tough rubber-and-fabric bladder that slips between the pickup's frame and axle. When you pump air inside, it props the truck back to a level stance, keeps headlights aimed straight, eases strain on leaf springs, and smooths the bumps. Brands like Firestone Ride-Rite and Air Lift pioneered these kits, and Ford's own towing guide shows they let the truck haul its full 13,500-pound rating without rear-end "squat." (firestoneairide.com, airliftcompany.com, Ford VDM)

Air springs are reinforced neoprene bellows joined to steel end-caps. Firestone patented the first automotive air spring in 1938, and modern units are built to burst at triple their rated working pressure. (Turn 14 Distribution, Mason Industries)

• Inflation: An onboard or portable compressor sends air through nylon lines into each bag.
• Leveling valves: Optional dual-path valves let you fine-tune each side so the truck stays even when loads are off-center. (Turn 14 Distribution)
• Pressure range: Most kits specify a 5 psi "keep-alive" minimum when empty and up to 100 psi when heavily loaded. Community F-150 owners confirm that baseline figure. (Reddit)

• Load support - Air pressure counteracts rear sag, bringing the chassis back to factory ride height without changing factory tow ratings. (Turn 14 Distribution)
• Ride comfort - Adjustable cushions soak up potholes better than rigid leaf springs, a point echoed in MotorTrend's discussion of Ford's latest shock upgrades. (MotorTrend)
• Safety gains - A level truck restores brake balance, steering geometry, and headlight aim, reducing stopping distance and tire wear. (airliftcompany.com)

Ford's 2024 towing chart shows a properly equipped F-150 can pull up to 13,500 lb and carry 2,455 lb in the bed; air helper springs don't raise those limits, but they let you reach them confidently by keeping the truck flat. Download the official PDF here.

• One corner sitting low after parking overnight (slow leak).
• Compressor cycling often or running continuously.
• Audible hiss near the bag or cracked airline.
• "Squat" that worsens when you add weight. (airliftcompany.com)

1. Weekly pressure check-use a tire gauge.
2. Keep clearance: At least ½ in. around each bag so it never rubs the frame or exhaust.
3. Leak hunt: Mix dish soap with water and spray all fittings; bubbles point to a leak.
4. Clean gently: Wipe dust off the rubber, but avoid oils or tire shine that attract grit.

Always chock the wheels and support the frame on sturdy stands before starting.

1. Remove factory bump stop.
2. Clamp upper bracket to frame and lower bracket to axle (most kits require no drilling).
3. Bolt the bellows between brackets; torque as specified.
4. Route airlines away from heat and sharp edges, then inflate to 5 psi for leak test.
5. Add the compressor kit or Schrader-valve filler. (Turn 14 Distribution)

Mason Industries notes that quality air springs use nylon-reinforced neoprene and are lab-tested to a natural frequency near 3 Hz, giving them the soft, floaty feel people expect from "air-ride" seats in semis. (Mason Industries)

For drivers chasing desert trails, Ford's Raptor now pairs long-travel coils with Fox Dual Live Valve dampers-technology that shares the same "active" control logic as premium air suspensions and shows where future F-150 air-ride systems could head. (MotorTrend)

Before installing, check the NHTSA recall page to be sure there are no open suspension-related campaigns on your VIN. Air helper kits are legal in all 50 states, but gross weight and hitch ratings printed on the driver-door label still apply.

Replacing sagged leaf springs with adjustable air bags lets owners keep their original steel hardware in service longer, reducing scrap metal and the energy needed to forge new parts. Firestone highlights this sustainability angle on its site. (firestoneairide.com)

Q: What exactly is an air suspension spring?
A: It's a tough rubber bellows that fills with compressed air to hold up the truck, like a balloon-shaped shock absorber.

Q: Does it replace my leaf springs?
A: No; it works with the stock leaf pack, adding extra lift only when you need it. (Turn 14 Distribution)

Q: Will it raise my tow rating?
A: It levels the truck but never increases the factory tow or payload numbers printed by Ford. (Ford VDM)

Q: How much air pressure should I run empty?
A: Keep at least 5 psi in each bag so they don't fold and chafe. (Reddit)

Q: How high can I go when loaded?
A: Most kits top out around 100 psi (check the kit manual). Going higher risks burst or ride harshness. (Mason Industries)

Q: Can I add air at a gas-station pump?
A: Yes-kits include Schrader valves that fit any tire chuck.

Q: What's the life span of the bags?
A: With proper care, 75,000 miles or more; Firestone and Air Lift back many kits with lifetime warranties. (firestoneairide.com, airliftcompany.com)

Q: Will they hurt off-road articulation?
A: No; you can drop pressure to let the axle flex, then reinflate for the highway. (Turn 14 Distribution)

Q: Do I need a compressor?
A: A simple hand-held pump works, but an onboard compressor lets you adjust from the cab or phone app.

Q: Why does my compressor run constantly?
A: Likely a small leak-spray soapy water on fittings and watch for bubbles. (airliftcompany.com)

Q: Can air lines freeze in winter?
A: Moisture can ice up; drain the compressor tank occasionally and use an air-line antifreeze spray if you live where temps drop below freezing.

Q: Is installation reversible?
A: Yes. Most kits use clamp-on brackets, so you can revert to stock without cutting or welding.

Q: Will it void my warranty?
A: Under U.S. law (Magnuson-Moss), Ford must prove the air bag caused the failure to deny coverage.

Q: How often should I inspect the system?
A: Give it a quick look every oil change and a pressure check each week.

Q: Where can I learn more?
A: Dive into Firestone's Airide history page or Air Lift's maintenance workshop for detailed how-tos and engineering tests. (firestoneairide.com, airliftcompany.com)