Firestone Ride-Rite Air Helper Springs Comparison and Fitment for 2012 Ford F-150

Updated 05/18/2016 | Published 05/14/2016

Products Featured in This Question

Firestone Ride-Rite Air Helper Springs - Double Convoluted - Rear Axle

(3017)

$612.35

Firestone Ride-Rite Air Helper Springs - Double Convoluted - Rear Axle

(3017)

$629.90

Firestone Ride-Rite Air Helper Springs - Single Convoluted - Rear Axle

(12)

$748.32

Question:

What is the difference between f2535 and f2299? We were also told by a store that sells other kits, that the Firestone ones have a problem with leaking so were concerned as to whether that is true.

asked by: Gail

Expert Reply:

The difference between the F2299 and F2535 Firestone Ride-Rite Air Helper Kits is which vehicles these kits will fit. The F2299 fits certain Dodge/Ram pickups while F2535 fits certain Ford pickups. Neither of these kits is the kit you will want for your 2012 Ford F-150.

All air spring suspension enhancement systems are somewhat susceptible to leaking. This can be caused by installation hardware that wasn't tightened down enough, an air line that wasn't cut straight enough before being installed in the air bag, or a bag that was damaged and has a hole. The most common cause for leaks that we see are the result of a nut not being tight enough or an air line being cut at a diagonal.

Firestone is held as the industry leader by far in the suspension enhancement industry and offers high quality products. I highly recommend Firestone Ride-Rite kits as they are the best choice for a quality product to enhance your vehicle's suspension.

If your F-150 is stock height and not an SVT Raptor, you will want the Firestone Ride-Rite Air Helper Springs # F2525. These air bags are not intended for FX2 models, and you will need to make sure the distance from the outside of the frame to the inside of the tire must be at least 8 inches. The # F2525 air spring kit will work to level loads up to 5,000 pounds, but keep in mind this kit will not increase your vehicle's carrying capacity. I've attached an installation video of this kit on a 2011 F-150 for you.

If you have stock height on your vehicle, it is not an SVT Raptor, and you have a B&W hitch installed on your F-150, you will want to use the # F2542 kit. Firestone developed this kit to work only on trucks with a B&W hitch. The installation instructions for this kit are linked for you.

If your F-150 is the SVT Raptor, you will want to use the Firestone kit # F2565. This kit will also require that there is 8 inches between the outside of the frame and the inside of the tire. These air bags are single convoluted and are specially designed to fit the SVT Raptor. This kit's installation instructions are also linked.