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Truck & Trailer Parts - News & Information

Do you need an on-board air compressor system for your air bag kit?

air compressor kit for suspension air bags

So, your thinking about purchasing an air bag kit and are seeing on-board air compressor kits in all different price ranges and with a ton of different options. Do I need one? Can I use my air bags without an air compressor? 


Do I need an an air compressor kit?

The short answer for all air bag manufacturers is "No". All Air Lift, Firestone and Hellwig air bag kits come with manual inflation valves which allow you to inflate the air bags the same way you would a car tire.

The inflation valves can be installed anywhere on your vehicle. The most common place for trucks and SUV's is on the back bumper or front bumper for motorhome front kits. The air bag kits come with 2 inflation valves that allow you to inflate your air springs individually. It is vary common to use a "T" fitting and run one inflation valve so both bags are inflated individually. All air bag kits use 1/4 inch air line tubing, part 3025 is the go to "T" fitting for single inflation.

air bag inflation fitting

Is it recommend to use an air compressor kit with my air bags?

Air compressor kits are not required to run air bags, but are a very nice convenience and in many cases extend the life of your air bag kit. The number one cause of failure for air bag kits is running them without the minimum air pressure. Not towing for awhile or hauling a heavy load? It's common for people to forget about the air bags and in doing so, forget about the minimum air pressure they require. An air compressor kit gives you constant monitoring from inside of your cab which takes the 'work' out of maintaining the optimal air pressure in your air bags.

 

Hellwig Big Wig Air Springs for Heavy Haulers

Looking for an air bag kit for your heavy duty truck? Hellwig’s Big Wig Air Springs are designed for the heavy hauler and offer better handling and control under loaded conditions.  

 Each kit is designed to maximize safe load carrying capacity and offers simple installation for years of heavy duty control.  The larger air springs also provide better off-highway performance as the air
springs in the Big Wig kits will extend up to 15 inches for articulation that can’t be matched with smaller air bags.  With up to 3 inches more free height, these air springs have more air volume to provide ride quality and performance that can't be beat with a heavy load in the bed.  

Hellwig Big Wig

Hellwig's Big Wig Air Kits only require 60 psi of air pressure to level the vehicle while most kits require 90 psi or more.  Lower air pressure provides a better spring rate for ride quality you can feel.  The Big Wig kits feature a 2800 lbs. air bag for each side and heavy duty brackets for a total 5,600 lbs. load capacity.

Each kit comes complete with double convoluted heavy duty air springs, brackets, airline and mounting hardware.  

So the next time you need to update your air springs, look to Hellwig Big Wig Air Springs and TruckSpring.com.  If you have any qeustions about Hellwig Big Wig Air Springs, call 1-800-358-4751.

Firestone Ride-Rite Air Bag Kit 2520 Review

Does your camper weigh down your truck’s back end? Does your camper cause your rear suspension to sag noticeably or bottom out as you pass over pot-holes, bumps and other road hazards? Even a super duty pickup can use some extra help when hauling that extra weight. If you are noticing these types of problems, it’s possible that your rear leaf springs could use some extra help. The Firestone Ride-Rite Air Helper Spring Kit could be the perfect solution to these problems.

Fireston Air Srings

We had a 2011 Ford F-350 Super Duty Pick-up in the shop that had a 2010 Palomino Maverick 8801 slip in Truck Camper. The F-350’s rear springs held the camper well enough while it was sitting in the garage. But once it hit the road the pick-up’s ride was noticeably rougher and the extra weight caused the springs to excessively bounce when rebounding from large bumps. The camper also made the pick-up much more top heavy which caused sway as it negotiated corners. The obvious solution to this problem was to support the leaf springs with a Ride-Rite Air Bag Kit from Firestone.

The Firestone 2520 – Ride-Rite Rear Air Spring Kit is the perfect answer for this situation. The addition of these air bags can help in several ways. First, it reduces the amount of sway by reducing the amount of travel in the leaf spring. By keeping the spring from collapsing the pick-up is held level through turns, even with the uneven weight distribution. Second, these air bags smooth out the ride of the pick-up by allowing the driver to adjust the inflation of the air spring. This adjustment allows the driver to specifically match the cushioning of the spring to the weight of the load.

Fireston Air Srings
Fireston Air Srings

The OEM bump stop did not properly cushion the F-350's leaf springs while the Maverick Palomino Truck Camper was in place. Nearly twice the size of the OEM bump stop, the Firestone 2520 Air Springs removed a significant amount of travel from the leaf springs. Removing this travel smooths out the ride and increases the lifetime of the leaf springs by keeping them from bottoming out over rough surfaces. By investing in the Ride-Rite Air Spring kit, this customer saved himself the cost of future repairs.

 

 

 

 

The Firestone 2520 truck suspension air bag kit fits a 2011 Ford F-250 or F-350 Super Duty pick-up trucks, 2WD or 4WD applications. These air springs are to be used on vehicles with a gasoline engine only. This kit fits trucks with factory installed 5th wheel or Gooseneck hitches.

Buy a Firestone Ride-Rite Air Spring Kit for the 2011 Ford F-350 from Truckspring.com, your source for truck suspension parts.

Fireston Air Srings

Firestone Ride-Rite Air Spring Kit – Rear

  • Part #: 2520

Buy online at Truckspring.com or call 1-800-358-4751 to order Firestone air bag kits.

Nine Easy Steps to a Long Life for your Air Springs


Air BagPeriodically inspecting your suspension air bags can increase their life and make operation safer. Luckily, there are nine easy steps to making sure that your air springs are undamaged and operating correctly. These steps can be taken while the vehicle is in for periodic maintenance. The total inspection takes a matter of minutes to complete. Finding and correcting problems with your air springs before you hit the road will save you time and money.

Air Spring

  1. Inspect the outside diameter of the air spring. Make sure to check the bellows for signs of irregular wear or heat cracking.

  2. Air SpringInspect the airlines to make sure there isn’t contact between the air line and the outside diameter of the air spring. While in operation, contact between these parts can create friction and rub holes in the spring very quickly.
  3. Ensure that there is sufficient clearance around the total circumference of the air bag while it is inflated to its maximum size.
  4. Look for debris buildup around the air bag's piston. The piston is the bottom component that plunges the air from the bellows on reversible sleeve style air bags.
  5. Make sure the correct ride height can be maintained. Any vehicle featuring air bags have an established ride height specified by the original equipment manufacturer. The ride height should be specified in the vehicle’s service manual. Make sure that the ride height is within ¼ inch of the specified height. This measurement can be taken while the vehicle loaded or empty.
  6. Air SpringInspect, clean, and if necessary, replace leveling valves or height control valves. These valves play a large part in ensuring that the total air spring system works as required.
  7. Make sure your shock absorbers and end connectors are not worn or broken. Be on the look out for leaking hydraulic oil, as this can be a sign that your shocks are damaged. If this is the case, you must replace your shock absorbers immediately. Your air bag can overextend and become damaged if the shock absorber does not limit its rebound.
  8. Air SpringCheck all mounting hardware to make sure that they are tightly fastened. If nuts and bolts are loose, you should re-torque them to the tightness specified by the manufacturer, being careful to not over tighten.
  9. Clean the air spring with the approved cleaning products, such as soap and water, isopropyl alcohol, ethyl alcohol, and methyl alcohol. Non-approved cleaners include abrasives, open flames, all organic solvents and direct pressurized steam cleaning.

Important: Never service the air suspension on a truck or trailer with the air springs inflated. 

Air Spring
Firestone Air Bags and Air Spring Kits

  • Firestone Coil Rite Air Springs for Coil Spring Suspensions
  • Firestone Sport-Rite Air Helper Springs
  • Firestone Ride-Rite Air Helper Springs for Leaf Spring Suspensions
  • Firestone Level-Rite Air Spring & Damper

Firestone Air Bags for Light Duty Trucks, Pickups and SUVs

Firestone Air Springs for Buses

  • Single Convoluted Bus Air Springs
  • Double Convoluted Bus Air Springs
  • Reversible Sleeve Bus Air Springs

Firestone Air Springs for Heavy Duty Trucks and Trailers - Class 6, 7, 8

  • Reversible Sleeve Air Springs
  • Single Convoluted Air Springs
  • Double Convoluted Air Springs
  • Triple Convoluted Air Springs

Replace your worn and damaged air bags with Firestone Air Bags and Replacement Air Springs from Truckspring.com, your source for truck suspension parts. Call Michigan Truck Spring 1-800-358-4751 if you have any questions about Firestone air springs. They have been installing them for years and are authorized warehouse distributors for Firestone air springs and air bags. 

Air Lift Load Lifter 5000 Air Spring Kit for 2011 GMC and Chevy Heavy Duty Trucks

AirLift

Even heavy duty trucks need a little help sometimes when pulling a large load. Take advantage of the brute strength offered by the AIL57338 - Air Lift Load Lifter 5000 Air Spring Kit for 2011 GMC Sierra 2500 HD & 3500 HD trucks and Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD & 3500 HD trucks.

AirLift Air Springs

Air Lift Load Lifter 5000 Air Spring Kits are the heaviest-rated spring kits offered by Air Lift and are great for towing or hauling the heaviest of loads. The Load Lifter 5000 spring kit utilizes commercial grade convoluted bellows. These bellows are crafted with multiple layers of rubber, capped with ultra-high strength Zytel nylon and held together by Air Lift’s exclusive Shur-Grip crimp for long lasting durability. These parts combine to form a superior leaf spring leveling kit that is strong enough to cushion the heaviest load and tough enough to resist the damage caused by corrosion, vibration and road wear and tear.

With a maximum of a 5,000 pound leveling capacity the Air Lift 57338 will keep your truck riding comfortable and level, even while pulling the heaviest loads (the vehicle’s manufacturer’s recommended gross vehicle weight should not be exceeded). By allowing adjustable air pressure, from 5 to 100 psi, the Air Load Lifter 5000 provides the freedom to ride comfortably, whether loaded, towing or just out riding.

 

AirLift Air Springs

The Air Lift 57338 load lifter air bag kit is easy to install. It is designed to be installed in about two hours and contains all necessary parts, including: bellows, air lines, quick connect fittings, brackets, mounting hardware, and fully illustrated instructions.

The Air Lift 57338 is designed for 2011 Chevrolet/GMC 2500 HD & 3500 HD trucks with 2WD or 4WD.

 

 

AirLift Air Springs

The Load Lifter 5000 air spring suspension kit will keep the heaviest loads riding smooth and level even on the roughest roads. Truckspring.com is an authorized dealer of Air Lift air bag kits.

Manufacturer Suggested Sales Price: $460.40
Buy online at Truckspring.com or call 1-800-358-4751 to speak with a suspension expert.

Firestone Ride-Rite Air Bags for 2011 F-250, F-350 now available!

Firestone has released its new kits for the 2011 Ford F-250 Superduty and 2011 Ford  F-350 Superduty pickups. Firestone has introduced 2 new kits for you campers that need to tow a fifth wheel or gooseneck trailer, one for gas SuperDutys and one for diesel pickups. Both kits are in stock and ready to ship.

Firestone Ride-Rite kit 2520 fits all 2011 F-250 SuperDuty and 2011 F-350 SuperDuty gas engine models that plan on towing a fifth wheel or gooseneck trailer.  The kit is a bolt on installatoin and does not require drilling of the frame. Ride-Rite kit 2520 has a load leveling capacity up to 5,000 lbs. 

Firestone Air Spring

Have a diesel engine? No worries. Firestone kit 2535 is specifically designed for your heavy hauling 2011 F-250 Superduty and 2011 F-350 Superduty with diesel engines and a gooseneck or 5th wheel hitch.  2535 also has a 5,000 lb load leveling capacity.

Todd Green from Firestones Ride-Rite division said "Our latest Ride-Rite air helper spring kits, which are available for gas and diesel versions of the new Ford Super Duty, are designed to meet the needs of today's drivers who often use their trucks for both work and play, to haul equipment or tow the family camper.  By using air pressure, we are able to offer such benefits as increased vehicle stability, brake effectiveness and reduced tire wear. Varying the air pressure in our air springs allows the driver to keep the vehicle level under a load while maintaining the ride quality"

Below is a quick reference on the air bag kits Firestone has to offer for the 2011 Ford F-250 and F-350 pickup trucks.

Kit used on trucks With a 5th wheel or Gooseneck Hitch

2011 F-250, F-350     Gas Engine                           2520        No Drilling

2011 F-250, F-350     Diesel Engine                       2535        No Drilling

Kits used on trucks Without a 5th wheel or Gooseneck Hitch

2011 F-250, F-350     Gas Engine                            2452        No Drilling

2011 F-250, F-350     Gas or Diesel Engine          2071        Drilling Required

All above kits fit 2 or 4 wheel drive models. You can Firestone Ride-Rite kits by calling Michigan Truck Spring at 1-800-358-4751 or 989-755-0561.