Firestone Ride-Rite Air Helper Springs - Double Convoluted - Rear Axle
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2001 Ford Focus
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2001 Ford Focus
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When heavy loads or trailers make the rear sag, the Firestone Ride-Rite air helper springs pick up the slack. Rated for a 5,000-lb load-leveling capacity, these double-convoluted air springs sit between the frame and rear suspension to keep your vehicle level and stable under weight. That means steady steering, better braking, and headlights that stay aimed where they should—all while reducing strain on your rear axle and leaf springs.
Every load is different, and these air bags let you dial in the ride with manual inflation valves that adjust individually from 5 psi to 100 psi. Add air when you’re towing or hauling to firm things up, or drop pressure when unloaded for a smoother ride. The adjustable setup equalizes off-center loads to help reduce body roll and absorb road shock so you won’t bottom out over bumps or rough pavement.
Each Ride-Rite spring uses four layers of reinforced rubber and a braided wire girdle to form a heavy-duty double-convoluted shape that boosts burst pressure and durability. Corrosion-resistant metal end plates lock in place with a rolled crimp seal to keep the bags secure mile after mile. This rugged construction softens contact between axle and frame, reduces wear on tires, and helps prevent permanent sagging in the suspension.
The kit includes brackets, air springs, hardware, airline tubing, and separate valves for manual inflation—everything necessary for installation. The custom brackets mount to your axle and frame, providing solid attachment points for the air springs. Drilling may be required in some setups, but once installed you’ve got reliable load support that’s easy to adjust whenever duty calls.
Customer Satisfaction Score:
97% were satisfied with this product
3% of customers were not satisfied
Ratings & Reviews
I recommend this to anyone with a 3/4 ton that wants stability without adding springs. It works well at giving support when I hook up to the 5th wheel. Before adding the airbags the rear suspension would settle 4 inch or more when hitching up to the trailer. Now I can control how much it settles and I get more stability and a better ride. Good system and not too difficult to install. I would have given 5 stars but I had to make three attempts to get the airlines to seal. The airlines are plastic and are a tight coil and are tough to straighten and install. I had a leak that I finally was able to remedy after several attempts at connecting. This was frustrating but I am still a big fan of this system and highly recommend these airbags. I have run with as much as 60 psi in the bags and have decided that around 40 is about right for my setup. The truck settles about 1-2 inches with about 40-60 psi.
Been a great product for me has worked well for my application I chose to just run individual airlines out by the license plate to air up when needed with a little handheld compressor did not want to spend the extra money on onboard compressor pretty straightforward install
The only thing I changed was the plastic air hoses to braided lines with fittings
You would think braided lines would be standard equipment with these bags plastic hoses are junk
Hope this helps somebody down the road
The installation was pretty straightforward, and was managed at campsite with basic tools. It is filled with Milwaukee portable air inflator and has been keeping air pressure set at. We have had good use of it to level truck after loading 5th wheel. I elected to not join both lines together so I can keep individual air pressure in case one had leak but has been fine, I might join them with optional part etrailer offered.
After 1 year and 8,000 miles has been great purchase. All bolt on, no holes to drill, I even placed fill valves in license plate to conceal installation.
Alex at etrailer was excellent as helping us find the correct kit and shipping promptly with great communication and follow up.
A great product, works well. Had to remount an electrical plug with zip ties
Installation was really easy except for the lower brackets that attach to a lip of metal. There was another piece of metal on the axle that got in the way but i pried and then hammered the bracket into place, squeezing it in. If I didn’t I’d still be able to get the bolt through but I bet as I tightened it down it would move the base plate and wouldn’t be lined up as well. No air is leaking so far. I didn’t buy the compressor so I might screw on some Bluetooth tire pressure monitors so I’ll get notified if pressures drop below 5psi. I have a 2023 Chevy 2500 and surprisingly with 15psi and no load in the bed it rides much better! Doesn’t hop all over the place
Excellent customer service! Very knowledge staff and basically have anything you need!
I just unpacked my box filled with air bags for my truck! Great video showing how to install made it a breeze!!
This installation took twice as long as it should have! The top plate had to be modified to clear the leaf spring U bolts and shock absorber bracket.
The Jounce doesn’t allow the installation of the 3/8@ bolts close the leaf spring that holds the brackets together. I’m not sure what to do with this now. I saw in other reviews where other people had similar issues. Not sure if it’s the universal bracket design vs having slotted holes like your video.
Any help would be appreciated.
Also both valve inserts had to be replaced!
I purchased this Firestone Air suspension and installed it myself on my 2017 Toyota Tacoma Access Cab 4x4. Not having a lift, I had to use a creeper and tarps under and beside the truck to do the installation. Installation was pretty straight forward after viewing the video from etrailer a few times and using the provided diagrams. You will need good 3/4" drive hand tools for the installation. An electric or air impact wrench and ratchet also speeds things up. I then installed a mini onboard compressor with remote control for in cab or outside operation. The system has never leaked air but if it did, any time the vehicle is started, the compressor will refill the system. I keep 10 lbs. air pressure in it and raise it to 20 when I haul my dirt bike on my hitch carrier and it compensates nicely and keeps the vehicle level. All good so far.
This the 3rd truck I've used and installed myself of the Firestone 5,000lb rated airbags on, and not one has ever failed on me. I used them on a 2007.5 Chevy LMM 2500 LT Silverado, a 2020 Chevy 2500 LTZ Silverado, and yesterday I put them on my 2025 GMC 2500 Denali. I did pair my new bags with an Airlift wireless compressor, which is an awesome addition to the bags. I like the fact that etrailer did a comparison video on the Firestone and AirLift bags, and they found the Firestone bags are of better quality and can support the weight of the axle if you lift the truck off the ground by the frame. If you have never installed these bags, you do not have to lift the truck off the ground or remove your rear tires. If you're like me, and do not have access to a lift, I suggest removing your spare tire, which will give you more seating area, and you will not bonk your head into it. Two thumbs up on this kit
excellent product, very easy (uncomplicated) install. anyone who is somewhat mechanically inclined can install themselves. It took me about 3.5 hours by myself with simple tools and a jack on my garage floor. Hardest part was me getting up and down from the creeper.
On my truck, (2015 GMC) i had to remove Ebrake cable brackets on both sides and reroute, not a big deal. also, did not find it necessary to remove spare tire heat shield, worked around it just fine. Routed my schrader valves through the plate screw holders for easy access.
VeryGood
Fast shipping always a great place to order from thanks jeff
Great service……. Very fast delivery
Thanks eTrailer…….
I ordered this kit on feb 2nd recived it on feb 7th, with very little fabrication the kit was on in about 3 hrs. I can haul twice the amount of weight with no stress on my springs now . Etrailer was the best price on the web with excellent and fast service
All the parts were there but, the upper bracket had to be modified so the holes would line up with the bottom of the frame rail, and other holes had to be drilled through the side of the frame rail. The instruction sheet needs a more user-friendly redo.
The communication from trailer was excellent. From the beginning to delivery, I knew exactly where my oder was. My order arrived quickly and in great shape. I recommend etrailer for all your trailering needs.
Firestone is pretty stingy with their air line. I had to go and buy some because they didn't send enough with the kit. So plan on spending another 20 dollars for air line when you buy this kit.
Great product awesome quality!!!
Ordered the Firestone air bags for my 1996 dodge ram 2500 4wd they came in 3 days. The install went well took me about 1hr to do. I had to modify the upper bracket because I have a gooseneck hitch but other than that was very easy to do thanks etrailers.
A bad product can be salvaged with great customer service, but a great product is of no value if you don't have customer service. The great thing with Etrailer, is that here alone do you find both. What an awesome company to deal with. I will never look else where. Michelle and Tommy were outstanding in helping me choose the right kit and resolving a few install issues!!! Thank you both!!
They make all the difference. Truck rides better
Works perfectly! It's so nice not having the truck sag and sway after installing the ride rite air bags. I built my own hard side pop up camper on my flatbed dually and it turned out a little heavier than I wanted but with the airbags I hardly know the camper is there.
Install only took about 3 hours, modified top bracket to fit around my gooseneck, picked the rear of the truck up 3 inches and leveled it back out. It's a welding rig so it has about 3000lbs of weight in the bed, plus it pulls an rv. They seem to be holding up good so far, I'll order an on board air compressor and control soon to make it easier to adjust.
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