Can You Lift A Truck Equipped With Firestone Ride-Rite Air Helper Springs For Maintenance

Published 12/23/2021

Question:

I think I want a set of the Firestone airbags for my 1500 SIlverado to help level and stabilize the truck when towing, but my mechanic had a concern with being able to lift the truck at his shop, because the airbags are designed to be in compression, not tension. So the question is, can the airbags tolerate the weight of the rear axle hanging off them when the truck is on a lift? Thank you.

asked by: Greg H

Expert Reply:

Per Firestone "Once the air helper springs are installed, it is recommended that the vehicle not be lifted by the frame, as over-extension may occur, resulting in damage to the air helper springs. However, should it become necessary to raise the vehicle by the frame, deflate both air helper springs completely".

So while it's not recommended to lift your 2018 Chevy Silverado 1500 once the Firestone Ride-Rite Air Helper Springs - Double Convoluted - Rear Axle # F2430 are installed you can still do so if you completely deflate the air springs first.

expert reply by: Kevin C