Troubleshooting Installing Firestone Air Bags on a 2012 Ford F-250

Updated 09/06/2022 | Published 09/03/2022

Question:

I am trying to install Firestone Ride-Rite Red Label Extreme Duty Air Helper Springs - Rear Axle Item # F2703 on my 2012 Ford F-250 Diesel. On the very first step on the left side, you are to remove the Jounce Stop which will be no problem and secondly a bolt right above it. Well on the outside all I see is like a 3/4 inch bolt which has a nut on the inside which doesnt appear to be the one you are talking about. On further examination on the inside, I see what appears to be the end of the bolt that is supposed to be removed but is not visible on the outside due to some type of plate on it, Do I need to remove the plate and secondly will the bigger bolt interfere with the installation of the bracket? I have attached some photos to show what I am talking about.

asked by: Richard W

Expert Reply:

Thanks for the pictures! The plate you are needing to get behind is for your gooseneck ball in bed hitch. You will have to remove that to reach the bolt. This will allow you to install the Firestone item # F2703 air bags on your 2012 Ford F-250. I have attached an installation video below you will want to skip ahead to the 2:32 point. This shows a hole in whatever in bed hitch that yours does not have. These airbags are compatible with in bed hitches so you should not have any problem once you get that bolt removed.

Some of these kits use the same mounting holes in your trucks frame. If this is that kind of situation make sure you use the bolt from your gooseneck hitch as it is a higher grade bolt.

expert reply by: Jerred H