Air Lift RIDE CONTROL KIT 59501Air LiftOriginal price was $590.99. Current price is $428.99.In Stock
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Select your vehicle to confirm this part fits.
1983 - 2011 Ford Ranger
Confirmed to Fit
1994 - 1997, 2001 - 2009 Mazda B2300
Confirmed to Fit
1998 - 2001 Mazda B2500
Confirmed to Fit
1994 - 1996, 1998 - 2007 Mazda B3000
Confirmed to Fit
1994 - 2009 Mazda B4000
Confirmed to Fit
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Air Lift RideControl air helper springs are air-adjustable from 5 to 100 PSI and have up to 2,000 pounds of leveling capacity, right up to the manufacturer's recommended Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.
RideControl provides more safety, stability and ride comfort. The kit fits many popular vehicles with leaf springs, including half-ton and mini pickups, full-size and mini vans, and SUVs. Both front and rear applications are available for these vehicles. Each kit includes everything you need, and is easily installed in two hours or less. End caps are made of an ultra-strong nylon composite that is as strong as steel, but weighs less and is corrosion-proof. Air Lift RideControl adjustable air springs work with your existing leaf spring suspension. Just add air when towing or hauling a heavy load, and reduce air pressure when unloaded, the air bags are fully adjustable for a great ride. Air Lift air springs eliminate sag, sway, and bottoming out. Each kit includes everything you need, and is easily installed in two hours or less. End caps are made of an ultra-strong nylon composite that is as strong as steel, but weighs less than steel and is also corrosion-proof. These rugged, durable components mean that you get reliable service from the springs for the lifetime of the vehicle. Air Lift RideControl air helper springs are air-adjustable from 5 to 100 PSI and have up to 2,000 pounds of leveling capacity, right up to the manufacturer's recommended Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. They also come with a limited lifetime warranty and an exclusive 60-day ride satisfaction guarantee.
Air Lift Company has developed dependable air spring suspension products since our inception in 1949. Our original product, a rubber air spring inserted into a car’s factory coil spring, was created and patented in 1950. We’ve come a long way since 1949 and are proud to be a dedicated suspension specialist company.
Today, Air Lift load support products are sold worldwide and are engineered to fit over 540 vehicles. Our extensive product line offers air helper springs for trucks, RVs, SUVs, CUVs, and vans, as well as the most technologically advanced on-board air compressor systems for on-the-go air spring control.
Air Lift leads the industry in no-drill applications – kits that bolt onto your vehicle’s frame, speeding the installation process. Our teams work constantly to bring innovative products to you and upgrade existing products with the latest technology.
All of our efforts are spent ensuring your safety and comfort by designing, engineering, and manufacturing the highest quality suspension products. We are a family-owned business based in Lansing, Michigan, and make your family and cargo’s safety our top priority.
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5 compatible vehicles
| Year | Make & Model | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1983 - 2011 | Ford Ranger | — |
| 1994 - 1997, 2001 - 2009 | Mazda B2300 | — |
| 1998 - 2001 | Mazda B2500 | — |
| 1994 - 1996, 1998 - 2007 | Mazda B3000 | — |
| 1994 - 2009 | Mazda B4000 | — |
Yes, the Air Lift RIDE CONTROL KIT 59516 (Part #BBCG59516) is designed to fit the 1983-2011 Ford Ranger.
The Air Lift RIDE CONTROL KIT 59516 (Part #BBCG59516) fits 1983-2011 Ford Ranger models. The 2011 model year is the last year covered by this part number. For newer models, check for an updated version.
The Air Lift RIDE CONTROL KIT 59516 (Part #BBCG59516) fits the following vehicles: 1983-2011 Ford Ranger; 1994-2009 Mazda B2300; 1998-2001 Mazda B2500; 1994-2007 Mazda B3000; 1994-2009 Mazda B4000. Always verify your specific year, make, and model before ordering.
The Air Lift RIDE CONTROL KIT 59516 (Part #BBCG59516) Refer to the included instructions for installation details. Basic hand tools are typically all you need.
The RideControl air spring kit is a load-leveling suspension system that uses sleeve-style air bags to provide up to 2,000 pounds of load-leveling support. Each air sleeve is rated at a maximum of 100 PSI. The kit is designed to help maintain vehicle ride height when carrying heavy loads. Air springs are manufactured like tires with layers of rubber and cords that control the bag's growth and direct it in one direction. The bags do not require a coil spring for control.
The RideControl kit 59516 is designed as a universal fit side-mount kit for trucks with rear leaf springs. However, because it is a universal fit product, some vehicles may not have sufficient clearance. Before installation, you must verify that there is a minimum of 7 inches of clearance between the frame rail and either the tire or the brake drum, whichever is closest to the frame. Clearance of less than 7 inches could result in damage to the tire and/or air spring and will void the warranty.
Measure the opening from the frame rail to the brake drum or the tire, whichever is closest to the frame. The measurement must be a minimum of 7 inches. If the spacing is less than 7 inches, the kit cannot be safely installed as clearance of less than 7 inches could result in damage to the tire and/or air spring and will void the warranty.
Your vehicle may be equipped with a rear brake proportioning valve. Any type of load assist suspension product could affect brake performance. Air Lift recommends that you check with your vehicle's dealer before installing this type of product. If your vehicle does not have a proportioning valve or is equipped with an anti-lock brake system, no adjustment or modification is required.
No. The installation of the RideControl kit does not alter the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or payload of the vehicle. You must check your vehicle owner's manual and not exceed the maximum load listed for your vehicle. Exceeding the GVWR is dangerous and voids the Air Lift warranty.
Required tools include: hoist or floor jacks, 2 safety stands, safety glasses, torque wrench, 5/16" open-end or box wrench, 7/16" open-end or box wrench, 9/16" open-end or box wrench, crescent wrench, ratchet with 9/16", metric and 1/2" deep well sockets, 3/8" and 5/16" sharp drill bits, heavy duty drill, hose cutter or sharp knife, air compressor or compressed air source, and spray bottle with dish soap/water solution.
The kit includes: 2 air springs (part 58987), 2 upper brackets (07475), 2 lower brackets (03102), 1 installation tool (10591), 2 1/4" elbows (33606), 4 3/8" U-bolts (10583), 2 1/2" flat washers (18414), 2 hex head cap screws (17124), 4 spacers (01525), 16 3/8"-16 nylon lock nuts (18435), 8 3/8" oversize flat washers (18444), 1 jam nut (18454), 2 lock washers (18450), 8 3/8"-16 x 1-1/2" frame bolts (17159), 8 3/8" oversize flat washers (18447), 1 air line assembly (20086), 2 valve caps (21230), 2 5/16" flat washers (18405), 2 rubber washers (21234), 2 star washers (18411), and 4 5/16" hex nuts (21233).
Normal ride height is defined as the distance between the bottom edge of the wheel well to the center point of the wheel with the vehicle in an 'as delivered condition' (without a load such as a tool box or camper). Measure this distance before beginning installation and record it. The vehicle must be at normal ride height before installing the upper bracket. All RideControl kits are designed to be installed and operated at normal ride height. To achieve normal ride height, raise the axle or lower the frame until the leaf spring is in the normal ride height (no load) position, then verify the distance from the center of the hub to the bottom edge of the wheel well matches your original measurement.
The installation tool (part 10591) is designed to help you properly install the kit for correct height and alignment. Assemble the upper and lower brackets to the alignment tool. Place the upper bracket 'legs down' onto the threaded end of the tool resting on the bottom nylon nut, then thread a second nylon nut onto the tool to hold the bracket in place, leaving it loose for later adjustment. Use the 1/2" x 7/8" hex head bolt and flat washer to attach the lower bracket to the bottom of the installation tool with the open edge of the lower bracket toward the legs of the upper bracket, leaving it loose enough to adjust in and out. The range of adjustment to attain the correct mounted height is determined by the upper threaded section of the tool.
Attach the lower bracket using U-bolts, flat washers and nylon lock nuts. Tighten the nuts to 20 lb.-ft. The lower bracket must be installed with the flat edge inboard. The frame has an indented area directly over the axle; normally the upper bracket will span this indented area. If the flange of the upper bracket falls onto or just inside the radiused edges of the indent, it is acceptable to drill and fasten tight to that rounded surface.
Yes. You must drill 3/8" holes through the frame to mount the upper bracket. Before drilling, you must move aside any hydraulic lines, gas lines and electrical wires on both sides of the frame rail. Using the upper bracket as a template, centerpunch one of the lower mounting holes and drill a 3/8" hole through the frame. Install one mounting bolt loosely with the oversized flat washer and locknut. Centerpunch and drill a 3/8" hole at the other lower mounting hole location. Do not insert the mounting bolt at this time. After removing the installation tool, install the frame bolt, oversized flat washer and locknut through the second hole you drilled. Tighten both fasteners to 20 lb.-ft., then drill the other two holes and install the fasteners, torquing to 20 lb.-ft.
Before drilling any holes into the frame, you must move aside any hydraulic lines, gas lines and electrical wires on both sides of the frame rail. Failure to do this could result in damage to critical vehicle systems.
Install the 1/4" elbow fitting (part 33606) into the air port of the air sleeve. The fitting is precoated with thread sealant. Tighten it finger tight plus two turns. Use a 7/16" open-end wrench, being careful to tighten on the metal hex nut only. Do not overtighten.
Set the assembly on the leaf spring centered over the axle. Using the slot in the lower bracket, push the upper bracket against the frame rail. Use the nylon nuts on the threaded portion of the installation tool to adjust the upper bracket so that the flanges of the upper bracket are flat against the frame rail and at least four mounting holes are on the flat middle section of the frame rail. Do not drill any holes on the upper or lower radiused edge of the frame rail. You must also allow at least 1-1/2" above the upper bracket for air fitting clearance. The brackets can be mounted anywhere within the threaded range of the installation tool.
Attach the air spring to the lower bracket by carefully hand turning the air spring onto the lower mounting bolt. Leave it loose for later adjustment and alignment. Guide the upper thread post/fitting through the center mounting hole in the upper bracket. Install the nylon nut onto the upper thread post of the air spring, leaving it loose for final adjustment and alignment. Repeat this procedure for the other side of the vehicle.
The upper and lower brackets are slotted to assist in aligning the air spring correctly. With the top and bottom still loose, inflate the air springs to approximately 10 PSI. Tap the air spring inboard or outboard to achieve proper alignment. There should be a symmetrical cushion of air around the base of the air spring when correctly positioned. Once the air springs are aligned correctly, torque the upper mounting bolt to a maximum of 4 lb.-ft. (5 Nm) and the lower mounting bolt to a maximum of 20 lb.-ft. (27 Nm).
Choose a convenient location for mounting the inflation valves. Popular locations include: the wheel well flanges, the license plate recess in the bumper, under the gas cap access door, or through the license plate. Whatever location you choose, make sure there is enough clearance around the inflation valves for an air chuck to be easily applied.
Drill two 5/16" holes to install the inflation valves. Place a 5/16" nut and star washer on the air valve. Leave enough of the inflation valve in front of the nut to extend through the hole and have room for the rubber washer, flat washer, and 5/16" nut and cap. There should be approximately 1/2" of valve exposed after installation to easily apply a pressure gauge or air chuck. Push the inflation valve through the hole and use the rubber washer, flat washer and another 5/16" nut to secure it in place. Tighten the nuts to secure the assembly.
Cut the air line assembly in two equal lengths. When cutting air lines, use a sharp knife or hose cutter and make clean, square cuts. Do not use scissors or wire cutters as these tools may deform the air line, causing it to leak around fittings. Do not cut the lines at an angle. Route the air line along the frame to the air fitting on the air spring, keeping at least 6 inches of clearance between the air line and heat sources such as exhaust pipes, muffler or catalytic converter. Avoid sharp bends and edges. Use plastic tie straps to secure the air line to fixed points along the chassis, ensuring the tie straps are tight but do not pinch the air line. Leave at least 2 inches of slack to allow for any movement that might pull on the air line. Cut off the air line, leaving approximately 12 inches of extra air line. Insert the air line into the air fitting, which is a push-to-connect fitting. Simply push the air line into the 90° swivel fitting until it bottoms out (9/16" of air line should be in the fitting).
Do not bend the 1/4" hose at a radius of less than 1 inch or bend the 3/8" hose at a radius of less than 1.5 inches. Do not put side load pressure on the fitting. The hose should be straight beyond the fitting for 1 inch before bending.
Keep at least 6 inches of clearance between the air line and heat sources such as exhaust pipes, muffler or catalytic converter. If a heat shield was included in the kit, install it. If there is no heat shield but one is required, call Air Lift customer service at (800) 248-0892.
Lower bracket U-bolt nuts: 20 lb.-ft. Upper bracket frame bolts: 20 lb.-ft. (initial installation). Upper mounting bolt (air spring to upper bracket): maximum of 4 lb.-ft. (5 Nm). Lower mounting bolt (air spring to lower bracket): maximum of 20 lb.-ft. (27 Nm).
Each air sleeve is rated at a maximum of 100 PSI. Never inflate beyond 100 PSI. Although the air springs are rated at a maximum inflation pressure of 100 PSI, the air pressure actually needed is dependent on load and GVWR.
The minimum recommended pressure is 5 PSI. However, the air springs can safely be run at zero air pressure. Operating the vehicle below the minimum air spring pressure of 5 PSI will void the Air Lift warranty.
The RideControl kit provides up to 2,000 pounds of load-leveling support. Each sleeve is rated at a maximum of 100 PSI. The springs in this kit will support approximately 40 pounds of load (combined on both springs) for each 1 PSI of pressure. The required air pressure will vary depending on the state of the original suspension.
Loaded vehicles require at least 25 PSI. A 'loaded vehicle' refers to a vehicle with a heavy bed load, a trailer or both. Never exceed GVWR, regardless of air spring, air pressure or other load assist. When increasing load, always adjust air pressure to maintain normal ride height. Loads carried behind the axle (including tongue loads) require more leveling force (pressure) than those carried directly over the axle. It may be necessary to maintain different pressures on each side of the vehicle; as much as a 50 PSI difference is not uncommon.
Inflate the air spring to 30 PSI. Spray all connections and the inflation valves with a solution of 1/5 liquid dish soap and 4/5 water. Spot leaks easily by looking for bubbles in the soapy water. After the test, deflate the springs to the minimum pressure required to restore the system to normal ride height. Do not deflate to lower than 5 PSI. Check the air pressure again after 24 hours. A 2-4 PSI loss after initial installation is normal. Retest for leaks if the loss is more than 5 PSI.
Inflate the air springs to 75-90 PSI and make sure there is at least 1/2" clearance from anything that might rub against each sleeve. Be sure to check the tire, brakes, frame, shock absorbers and brake cables. If any part shows signs of rubbing or abrasion, the source should be identified and moved if possible. If it is not possible to relocate the cause of the abrasion, the air spring may need to be remounted.
Recheck the air spring system after 30 days or 500 miles, whichever comes first. If any part shows signs of rubbing or abrasion, the source should be identified and moved if possible. If it is not possible to relocate the cause of the abrasion, the air spring may need to be remounted. If professionally installed, the installer should be consulted. Check all fasteners for tightness.
Recheck air pressure after the vehicle has been used for 24 hours. If the pressure has dropped more than 5 PSI, then there is a leak that must be fixed. Either fix the leak yourself or return to the installer for service. A 2-4 PSI loss after initial installation is normal.
Check air pressure weekly. Always maintain normal ride height. By following this maintenance step, vehicle owners will obtain the longest life and best results from their air springs.
Check air pressure weekly. Always maintain normal ride height. Never inflate beyond 100 PSI. Periodically check the air spring system fasteners for tightness and check the air springs for any signs of rubbing. Realign if necessary. On occasion, give the air springs a hard spray with a garden hose to remove mud, sand, gravel or other debris. If you develop an air leak, use a soapy water solution (1/5 liquid dish soap and 4/5 water) to check all air line connections and the inflation valve core before deflating and removing the air spring.
If the air springs are properly installed and maintained, they can last indefinitely.
The vehicle can be lifted on a hoist for short-term service work such as tire rotation or oil changes. However, if the vehicle will be on the hoist for a prolonged period of time, support the axle with jack stands in order to take the tension off of the air springs. When it becomes necessary to raise the vehicle by the frame, make sure the system is at minimum pressure (5 PSI) to reduce the tension on the suspension/brake components.
One of the air lines may be improperly installed or a line may have a hole or crack. Start by leak testing the air line connections using a soapy water solution (1/5 liquid dish soap and 4/5 water). If no leaks are found, look for leaks in the rest of the air lines. If there is a problem with the swivel fitting, check the air line connection by deflating the spring and removing the line by pulling the collar against the fitting and pulling firmly on the air line. Trim 1" off the end of the air line, ensuring the cut is clean and square. Reinsert the air line into the push-to-connect fitting. If it still leaks, deflate the air spring, remove the fitting, and re-coat the threads with thread sealant. Reinstall by hand tightening as much as possible and then use a wrench for an additional two turns. If the problem persists, call Air Lift customer service at (800) 248-0892.
Look for a kink or fold in the air line going to that air spring. Replace any line that has been kinked.
Check the air line connection by deflating the spring and removing the line by pulling the collar against the fitting and pulling firmly on the air line. Trim 1" off the end of the air line. Be sure the cut is clean and square. Reinsert the air line into the push-to-connect fitting. If it still leaks, check the threaded connection by tightening the swivel fitting another half turn. If it still leaks, deflate the air spring, remove the fitting, and re-coat the threads with thread sealant. Reinstall by hand tightening as much as possible and then use a wrench for an additional two turns.
Check the valve core by tightening it with a valve core tool. If that does not resolve the leak, check the air line by removing the air line from the barbed type fitting. Cut the air line off a few inches in front of the fitting and use a pair of pliers or vice grips to pull/twist the air line off of the fitting. Do not cut off the air line completely as this will usually nick the barb and render the fitting useless. If the preceding steps have not resolved the problem, call Air Lift customer service at (800) 248-0892.
Pressure determination comes down to three things: level vehicle, ride comfort and stability. For a level vehicle, if the vehicle's headlights are shining into the trees or the vehicle is leaning to one side, raise the air pressure to correct either of these problems. For ride comfort, if the vehicle has a rough or harsh ride it may be due to either too much pressure or not enough; try different pressures to determine the best ride comfort. For stability, which translates into safety and should be the priority, stability issues include roll control, bounce, dive during braking and sponginess. Tuning out these problems usually requires an increase in pressure. Start with the vehicle level or slightly above. When in doubt, always add air. Always add air to springs in small quantities, checking the pressure frequently.
If the front of the vehicle dives while braking, increase the pressure in the front air bags, if equipped. Stability issues including dive during braking usually require an increase in pressure.
If it is ever suspected that the air bags have bottomed out, increase the pressure.
If the vehicle rocks and rolls, adjust the air pressure to reduce movement. Stability issues including roll control usually require an increase in pressure.
The RideControl kit 59516 is a universal fit side-mount kit for trucks with rear leaf springs. Before purchasing, verify that your vehicle has a minimum of 7 inches of clearance between the frame rail and either the tire or brake drum. Check with your dealer about brake proportioning valve compatibility.
Yes. You must drill 3/8" holes through the frame to mount the upper bracket. Before drilling, move aside any hydraulic lines, gas lines and electrical wires on both sides of the frame rail.
Torque the upper bracket frame bolts to 20 lb.-ft. The upper mounting bolt (air spring to upper bracket) should be torqued to a maximum of 4 lb.-ft. (5 Nm).
Check air pressure weekly. Always maintain normal ride height and never exceed 100 PSI.
No. The RideControl kit does not alter your vehicle's GVWR or payload. You must not exceed the maximum load listed in your vehicle owner's manual.
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