Air Lift RIDE CONTROL KIT 59547Air LiftOriginal price was $590.99. Current price is $428.99.In Stock
View productAsk a Question About This Product
Our in-house experts typically reply within one business day.
Our in-house experts typically reply within one business day.
Air Lift
Verify Fitment
Select your vehicle to confirm this part fits.
2002 - 2008 Dodge Ram 1500
Confirmed to Fit
Always the correct part
We know our products
Quality Products
Free Shipping!
Always the correct part
We know our products
Quality Products
Free Shipping!
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.
Experts available to answer your questions
Call 888-634-9494Limited Lifetime
1 compatible vehicles
| Year | Make & Model | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 - 2008 | Dodge Ram 1500 | Does not fit SRT10 Models Requires 6" between tire and frame |
The Air Lift kit 59551 is a rear air spring suspension load assist system that mounts behind the axle on leaf spring vehicles. It uses two air springs to help support additional load and maintain ride height. The system includes air springs, brackets, air lines, inflation valves, and all necessary hardware for installation.
The manual does not specify which vehicle makes, models, or years this kit fits. Contact Air Lift Company at 1-800-248-0892 ext. 2 or visit www.airliftcompany.com to confirm fitment for your specific vehicle before purchasing.
The manual states: 'Your vehicle may be equipped with a rear brake proportioning valve. Any type of load assist product could affect brake performance. We recommend that you check with your dealer before installing this type of product.' If your vehicle does not have a rear brake proportioning valve or is equipped with an anti-lock type brake system, installation will have no effect on brake system performance.
The kit requires a minimum of 6 inches of clearance between the frame and tire for a fully inflated air spring. Measure this distance before installation to ensure your vehicle has sufficient space.
Required tools include: 7/16" and 9/16" open-end or box wrenches, crescent wrench, ratchet with 3/8", 9/16", and 1/2" deep well sockets, 3/8" and 5/16" drill bits (very sharp), 3/8" nut driver, heavy duty drill, torque wrench, hose cutter or sharp knife, hoist or floor jacks, safety stands, safety glasses, air compressor or compressed air source, and a spray bottle with dish soap and water solution.
The kit includes: 2 air springs (P/N 58571), 2 upper brackets (P/N 07940), 2 lower brackets (P/N 03616), 2 air fittings (P/N 21837), 2 3/4" nylon nuts (P/N 18454), 2 1/2"-13 x 7/8" bolts (P/N 17124), 2 1/2" flat washers (P/N 18414), 2 clamp bars (P/N 01426), 2 3/8" x 3.5" x 4.5" U-bolts (P/N 10583), 11 3/8" nyloc nuts (P/N 18435), 4 3/8" flat washers (P/N 18444), 7 3/8" large flat washers (P/N 18447), 7 3/8" washer head bolts (P/N 17243), 1 3/8" x 1 self tapper (P/N 17129), 1 air line assembly (P/N 20086sub), 6 tie straps (P/N 10466), 2 valve caps (P/N 21230), 2 5/16" flat washers (P/N 18405), 2 rubber washers (P/N 21234), 2 star washers (P/N 18411), and 4 5/16" hex nuts (P/N 21233).
Normal Ride Height is the distance between the bottom edge of the wheel-well and the center of the hub with the vehicle in its 'as delivered' condition. You must measure and record this before installation because the air spring system is designed to restore and maintain this original ride height. After installation, you will inflate the air springs to the pressure needed to restore this measurement.
If your leaf springs are sagging badly, use a jack to raise the rear end so that the vehicle achieves the original 'as delivered' ride height before measuring. Once the vehicle is at the correct height, measure the distance between the center of the hub and the bottom edge of the wheel-well. This is your Normal Ride Height.
Raise the vehicle and remove the wheels. Ensure the vehicle is at the normal ride height recorded earlier. If using an axle contact hoist, place axle stands under the frame and lower the axle as needed. If using a frame contact hoist, place axle stands under the axle and lower the frame as needed. If using a jack and axle stands on the frame, use a floor jack to lower the axle. Always use safety stands.
The installation tool assists in proper setup and alignment of the air spring and positions the upper bracket for drilling the bolt holes. It attaches to the upper and lower brackets and is rigid so it self-aligns the upper bracket. The threaded section ensures the air spring is mounted at the correct height. The air spring will work throughout the entire threaded range on the tool.
Set the assembly on the leaf spring behind the axle. Place the hook end of the lower bracket over the edge of the spring retaining plate. Secure the lower bracket to the leaf spring using the provided U-bolt (P/N 10583), clamp bar (P/N 01426), flat washers (P/N 18444), and lock nuts (P/N 18435). Torque the lock nuts to 16 ft-lbs. The bracket will pull down flat to the leaf spring when the lock nuts are tightened.
The air spring will expand to 5.1 inches in diameter at maximum inflation pressure. You must check horizontally along the shaft of the installation tool for sufficient clearance of 2.50 inches all around the tool. This ensures the air spring has adequate space and will not rub against surrounding components.
Using the slot in the lower bracket, push the upper bracket against the frame rail. Use the two nylon nuts on the threaded portion of the tool to adjust the upper bracket so that the legs are flat against the frame rail and all four holes are in the middle section of the frame. The mounting holes must not fall on the rounded edges of the frame rail. At least 1.5 inches must be left above the top of the upper bracket for air fitting clearance.
Yes, drilling is required. You must drill holes in the frame to mount the upper bracket. Before drilling, you must check the back side of the frame for clearance issues such as brake lines, gas lines, and electrical lines. All obstacles need to be temporarily relocated to clear the area. The specific holes to drill depend on whether you are installing the driver side or passenger side.
For driver side installation: drill two 3/8" holes for the lower mounting holes, one 5/16" hole for the forward upper hole (which receives a self tapper), and one 3/8" hole for the remaining hole. For passenger side installation: drill three 3/8" holes and one 5/16" hole. The 5/16" hole is used for the forward upper hole on the driver side only; the passenger side uses a 3/8" hole at that location.
The main difference is the forward upper hole. On the driver side, drill a 5/16" hole and install a 3/8" self tapper (P/N 17129), tightened to 16 ft-lbs. On the passenger side, drill this hole to 3/8" diameter and install a 3/8" washer head bolt (P/N 17243), large flat washer (P/N 18447), and nyloc nut (P/N 18435). No self tapper is used on the passenger side. All other mounting procedures are the same.
Install the 90-degree air swivel fitting (P/N 21837) to the top of the air spring (P/N 58571). Use a 7/16" open-end wrench, being careful to tighten on the metal hex nut only. Tighten 1.5 turns. Do not over-tighten. The fitting is precoated with sealant. Guide the fitting through the center mounting hole in the upper bracket.
Attach the air spring to the lower bracket using a 1/2" flat washer (P/N 18414) and 1/2" bolt (P/N 17124). Carefully hand-turn the air spring onto the lower mounting bolt. Leave it loose for later adjustment. Also loosely install a 3/4" nylon nut (P/N 18454) over the air fitting and onto the upper threadpost of the air spring.
With the bottom and top of the air spring still loose, inflate the air spring to approximately 10 p.s.i. Use the slotted adjustment in the lower bracket to correctly align the air spring between the upper and lower brackets by lightly tapping it inboard or outboard. There should be a symmetrical cushion of air around the base of the air spring when correctly positioned. Then tighten the lower mounting bolt with a 3/4" wrench (hand tight is sufficient; do not use tools to hold the air spring). Finally, tighten the nylon nut to 4 ft-lbs.
Choose a convenient location for mounting the inflation valves. Popular locations are: the wheel well flanges, the license plate recess in the bumper, under the gas cap access door, or through the license plate itself. Make sure there is enough clearance around the inflation valves for an air chuck to be applied easily.
Drill a 5/16" hole to install the inflation valves.
Cut the air line assembly (P/N 20086sub) in two equal lengths. When cutting or trimming the air line, use a hose cutter, razor blade, or sharp knife. A clean, square cut will ensure against leaks. Do not use wire cutters or scissors, as these tools may flatten or crimp the air line, causing it to leak around the O-ring seal inside the elbow fitting.
Place a 5/16" nut (P/N 21233) and a star washer (P/N 18411) 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 (P/N 21234), flat washer (P/N 18405), and another 5/16" nut (P/N 21233) and cap (P/N 21230). 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 nut to secure it in place. Tighten the nuts to secure the assembly.
Route the air line along the frame to the air fitting on the air spring. Keep 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 (P/N 10466) to secure the air line to fixed, non-moving points along the chassis. The tie straps should be tight but 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. A clean square cut will ensure against leaks. Insert the air line into the air fitting. This is a push-to-connect fitting. Simply push the air line into the 90-degree swivel fitting until it bottoms out. Approximately 9/16" of air line should be in the fitting.
Install the minimum/maximum air pressure decal in a highly visible location. The manual suggests placing it on the driver's side window just above the door handle.
Inflate the air spring to 30 p.s.i. Spray all connections and the inflation valves with a solution of 1/5 liquid dish soap and 4/5 water. You should be able to 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 Normal Ride Height, but not less than 5 p.s.i. Check the air pressure again after 24 hours; a 2 to 4 p.s.i. loss after initial installation is normal. Retest for leaks if the loss is more than 5 lbs.
Perform the following checks: (1) Clearance Test – Inflate air springs to 60 p.s.i. and ensure at least 1/2" clearance around each sleeve from anything that might rub (tire, brake drum, frame, shock absorbers, brake cables). (2) Leak Test – Inflate to 60 p.s.i., check all connections with soapy water solution. All leaks must be eliminated before road testing. (3) Heat Test – Ensure at least 6" clearance from heat sources (exhaust, muffler, catalytic converter). (4) Fastener Test – Recheck all bolts for proper torque: 3/8" frame bolts to 16 ft-lbs, U-bolt lock nuts to 16 ft-lbs. (5) Road Test – Inflate springs to 25 p.s.i. (50 p.s.i. if loaded), drive 10 miles, and recheck for clearance, loose fasteners, and air leaks.
The minimum air pressure is 5 p.s.i. and the maximum is 100 p.s.i. Never inflate beyond 100 p.s.i. Always maintain at least 5 p.s.i. to prevent bottoming out and suspension/brake component damage. Failure to maintain correct minimum pressure will void the warranty.
Check the air pressure weekly. Always maintain Normal Ride Height by adjusting pressure as needed. When increasing load, always adjust the air pressure to maintain the Normal Ride Height.
Use a soapy water solution to check all air line connections and the inflation valve core before deflating and removing the air spring. If there is a problem with the swivel fitting, check the air line connection by deflating the spring, removing the line, trimming 1" off the end with a clean square cut, and reinserting it. If it still leaks, tighten the swivel fitting another 1/2 turn. If it still leaks, deflate, remove the fitting, re-coat the threads with thread sealant, and reinstall by hand-tightening as much as possible, then using a wrench for an additional two turns. If there is a problem with the inflation valve, tighten the valve core with a valve core tool. If the air line connection is the issue, remove the air line by pulling the collar against the fitting and pulling firmly (do not cut it off, as this will nick the barb). If problems persist, call Air Lift Technical Service at 1-800-248-0892.
Recheck the air spring system after 30 days or 500 miles, whichever comes first. If any part shows signs of rubbing or abrasion, identify and move the source if possible. If relocation is not possible, the air spring may need to be remounted. Check all fasteners for tightness. Also, recheck air pressure after the vehicle has been used for 24 hours. If pressure has dropped more than 5 p.s.i., you have a leak that must be fixed.
Do not exceed the maximum Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) as indicated by your vehicle manufacturer. Although the air springs are rated at a maximum inflation pressure of 100 p.s.i., the air pressure actually needed depends on your load and GVWR, which may be less than 100 p.s.i. Check your vehicle owner's manual and do not exceed the maximum load listed for your vehicle.
Always add air to springs in small quantities, checking the pressure frequently. Sleeves require less air volume than a tire and inflate quickly.
Make sure the system is at minimum pressure (5 p.s.i.) to reduce the tension on the suspension and brake components. Use of on-board leveling systems do not require deflation or disconnection.
Failure to maintain correct minimum pressure (or pressure proportional to load), bottoming out, over-extension, or rubbing against another component will void the warranty. Always maintain at least 5 p.s.i. minimum pressure and never exceed 100 p.s.i. maximum pressure.
The manual does not specify vehicle makes or models. Contact Air Lift at 1-800-248-0892 ext. 2 or www.airliftcompany.com to confirm fitment. Your vehicle must have at least 6 inches of clearance between the frame and tire.
You need: wrenches (7/16", 9/16"), ratchet with 3/8", 9/16", 1/2" sockets, 3/8" and 5/16" drill bits, 3/8" nut driver, heavy duty drill, torque wrench, hose cutter or sharp knife, hoist or floor jacks, safety stands, safety glasses, air compressor, and spray bottle with dish soap solution.
Yes. You must drill holes in the frame to mount the upper bracket. Before drilling, check the back side of the frame for brake lines, gas lines, and electrical lines and relocate them if necessary. Drill sizes vary: 3/8" for most frame holes, 5/16" for the driver side forward upper hole (which receives a self tapper).
U-bolt lock nuts: 16 ft-lbs. 3/8" frame bolts: 16 ft-lbs. Driver side forward upper hole self tapper: 16 ft-lbs. Air spring nylon nut: 4 ft-lbs. Air spring lower mounting bolt: hand tight only. Air fitting: 1.5 turns on the metal hex nut only.
Inflate to 60 p.s.i. and check clearance (at least 1/2" around sleeves). Check for leaks with soapy water. Verify 6" clearance from heat sources. Recheck all bolt torque. Then inflate to 25 p.s.i. (50 p.s.i. if loaded), drive 10 miles, and recheck clearance, fasteners, and leaks.
Check air pressure weekly. Recheck the entire system after 30 days or 500 miles, whichever comes first. Check for leaks, clearance, rubbing, and fastener tightness. Recheck pressure after 24 hours of use; a 2–4 p.s.i. loss is normal.
First, check if the loss is normal: 2–4 p.s.i. after initial installation is normal. If loss exceeds 5 p.s.i., you have a leak. Use a soapy water solution to test all air line connections and the inflation valve. For swivel fitting leaks: check the air line connection by deflating, removing the line, trimming 1" off the end with a clean square cut, and reinserting it. If still leaking, tighten the swivel fitting another 1/2 turn. If still leaking, deflate, remove the fitting, re-coat threads with thread sealant, and reinstall by hand-tightening, then using a wrench for two more turns. For inflation valve leaks: tighten the valve core with a valve core tool. For air line connection leaks at the valve: remove the air line by pulling the collar and pulling firmly (do not cut it off). If problems persist, call Air Lift at 1-800-248-0892.
Possible causes include: (1) Leak at air line connections or threaded connection of the elbow into the air spring—test with soapy water and repair as needed. (2) Leak at the inflation valve from a dirty or debris-filled valve core or air line connection—tighten the valve core or remove and reinsert the air line. (3) Air line pinched by tie straps that are too tight—loosen or replace the strap. (4) Holes or cracks in the air line—replace as needed. (5) Kink or fold in the air line—reroute as needed.
On Sale Today
Original price was $590.99. Current price is $428.99.You save $162.00 (27%)
Free Shipping
Ships free on all orders
Authorized Dealer
Quick Ship
In stock and ready to ship — order now!
FREE ShippingFREE SHIPPING
Estimated delivery Sun, Aug 9 - Wed, Aug 12
Order before 2 PM EST Monday–Friday for same-day processing
Guaranteed safe & secure checkout
No reviews have been added for this product.