Air Lift RIDE CONTROL KIT 59501Air LiftOriginal price was $590.99. Current price is $428.99.In Stock
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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. 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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1 compatible vehicles
| Year | Make & Model | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1997 - 2004 | Ford F-150 | With 5th wheel hitch Requires 6" between tire and frame |
The Air Lift RIDE CONTROL KIT 59542 (Part #BBCG59542) fits the following vehicles: 1997-2004 Ford F-150. Always verify your specific year, make, and model before ordering.
The Air Lift RIDE CONTROL KIT 59542 (Part #BBCG59542) fits 1997-2004 Ford F-150 models. The 2004 model year is the last year covered by this part number. For newer models, check for an updated version.
Yes, the Air Lift RIDE CONTROL KIT 59542 (Part #BBCG59542) is designed to fit the 1997-2004 Ford F-150.
The Air Lift RIDE CONTROL KIT 59542 (Part #BBCG59542) Refer to the included instructions for installation details. Basic hand tools are typically all you need.
Kit 59542 includes two air springs (part 58571), upper and lower brackets, U-bolts, fasteners, a tall installation tool (part 10622), a hose sub-assembly with inflation valves, zip ties, and hardware for mounting. See the parts list on page 2 of the manual for complete details including all part numbers and quantities.
The kit requires a minimum of 6 inches of clearance between the frame and the tire for a fully inflated air spring. Measure this distance before purchasing or installing. Additionally, the air spring expands to 5.1 inches in diameter at maximum inflation pressure, so you must verify at least 2.50 inches of clearance all around the installation tool shaft horizontally.
Normal Ride Height is the distance between the bottom edge of the wheel-well and the center of the hub when the vehicle is in its original 'as delivered' condition. You must measure and record this before installation because the air spring system is designed to restore and maintain this height. Remove unusual loads, ensure the vehicle is on a level surface, and measure from the center of the hub to the bottom edge of the wheel-well. This measurement is critical for proper system setup and operation.
Yes. You must raise the vehicle and remove the wheels before installation. After raising, check that the distance between the center of the hub and the bottom edge of the wheel matches the Normal Ride Height you recorded. If not, adjust the frame or axle as needed to restore the original distance before proceeding.
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. A 3/4" wrench is also needed for final lower mounting bolt tightening.
Yes. You must drill four 3/8" holes in the frame rail 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. Any obstacles must be temporarily relocated to clear the drilling area. Use very sharp 3/8" drill bits and a heavy duty drill. The mounting holes must fall in the middle section of the frame rail, not on the rounded edges, with at least 1.5 inches left above the top of the upper bracket for air fitting clearance.
Yes. You must drill a 5/16" hole to install each inflation valve. Choose a convenient location such as wheel well flanges, the license plate recess in the bumper, under the gas cap access door, or through the license plate itself. Ensure there is enough clearance around the inflation valves for an air chuck to connect.
Cut the air line assembly (part 20086) into two equal lengths using a hose cutter, razor blade, or sharp knife. Make a clean, square cut to prevent 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. When cutting the final connection to the air fitting, leave approximately 12 inches of extra air line and make another clean, square cut.
The U-bolt lock nuts (part 18435) must be torqued to 16 ft-lbs. These secure the lower bracket to the leaf spring using the U-bolts (part 10583).
The 3/8" frame bolts (part 17159) that secure the upper bracket to the frame must be torqued to 44 ft-lbs. These bolts use large flat washers (part 18447) and nylon insert nuts (part 18435).
The nylon nut (part 21234) that secures the air fitting to the upper threadpost of the air spring must be torqued to 4 ft-lbs. This is a relatively light torque to avoid over-tightening the fitting.
The 90-degree air swivel fitting (part 21837) should be tightened 1.5 turns using a 7/16" open-end wrench. Tighten on the metal hex nut only, being careful not to over-tighten. The fitting is precoated with sealant. If a leak develops at this connection later, you can tighten it an additional 0.5 turn, or if it still leaks, remove it, re-coat the threads with thread sealant, and reinstall by hand-tightening as much as possible, then use a wrench for an additional two turns.
No. This is a passive air spring suspension kit with no electrical components. It uses manual inflation valves and does not require an on-board compressor or electrical connections. You will need an external air compressor or compressed air source to inflate the springs.
The maximum air pressure is 100 p.s.i. Never inflate beyond this pressure. However, the actual air pressure needed depends on your load and vehicle Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (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 in small quantities, checking pressure frequently, as air springs require less air volume than tires and inflate quickly.
The minimum air pressure is 5 p.s.i. This minimum pressure must be maintained at all times. If you need to raise the vehicle by the frame, reduce the system to minimum pressure (5 p.s.i.) to reduce tension on suspension and brake components. After initial installation, deflate the springs to the minimum pressure required to restore Normal Ride Height, but not less than 5 p.s.i.
No. Do not attempt to inflate the air springs until they have been properly secured to the vehicle. Compressed air can cause injury and damage to the vehicle and parts if not handled properly. The springs must be fully mounted to both the upper and lower brackets before any inflation.
Before road testing, you must complete the following checks: (1) Clearance Test—inflate to 60 p.s.i. and ensure at least 0.5 inches clearance around each sleeve from tires, brake drums, frame, shock absorbers, and brake cables; (2) Leak Test—inflate to 30 p.s.i. and check all connections with soapy water solution; (3) Heat Test—verify at least 6 inches clearance from heat sources like exhaust pipes, muffler, and catalytic converter; (4) Fastener Test—recheck all bolts for proper torque (3/8" frame bolts at 44 ft-lbs, U-bolt lock nuts at 16 ft-lbs); (5) Road Test—drive 10 miles at 25 p.s.i. (or 50 p.s.i. if loaded) and recheck clearance, fasteners, and leaks.
Inflate the air springs to 30 p.s.i. and spray all connections and inflation valves with a solution of 1 part liquid dish soap and 4 parts water. Look for bubbles in the soapy water to identify leaks. After the test, deflate the springs to the minimum pressure required to restore Normal Ride Height, but not less than 5 p.s.i. Check air pressure again after 24 hours; a 2 to 4 p.s.i. loss is normal. If the loss is more than 5 p.s.i., retest for leaks.
Check the air pressure weekly. Always maintain Normal Ride Height by adjusting pressure as needed. When increasing load, adjust air pressure to maintain the recorded Normal Ride Height for optimal ride and handling. Remember that loads carried behind the axle (including tongue loads) require more leveling force (pressure) than those carried directly over the axle.
You must recheck the air spring system after 30 days or 500 miles, whichever comes first. Inspect for any signs of rubbing or abrasion on the air springs. If found, identify and relocate the source of abrasion. If relocation is not possible, the air spring may need to be remounted. Check all fasteners for tightness. If professionally installed, consult the installer if issues are found.
First, check the air pressure after 24 hours. A 2 to 4 p.s.i. loss is normal. If the loss is more than 5 p.s.i., you have a leak. Use a soapy water solution to test all air line connections and the inflation valve core. Check for pinched air lines (tie straps may be too tight), holes or cracks in the air line, and kinks or folds that need rerouting. If these steps do not resolve the problem, call Air Lift Technical Service at 1-800-248-0892.
If there is a leak at the swivel fitting: (1) Check the air line connection by deflating the spring, removing the line by pulling the collar against the fitting and pulling firmly on the air line, trimming 1 inch off the end with a clean square cut, and reinserting into the push-to-connect fitting. (2) If still leaking, tighten the swivel fitting another 0.5 turn. (3) If it still leaks, deflate the air spring, remove the fitting, re-coat the threads with thread sealant, reinstall by hand-tightening as much as possible, then use a wrench for an additional two turns.
If there is a leak at the inflation valve: (1) Check the valve core by tightening it with a valve core tool. (2) Check the air line connection by removing the air line from the barbed fitting. Do not cut it off, as this will nick the barb and render the fitting useless. Instead, cut the air line a few inches in front of the fitting and use pliers or vice-grips to pull or twist the air line off the fitting. If these steps do not resolve the problem, call Air Lift Technical Service at 1-800-248-0892.
This kit is designed for leaf spring equipped vehicles. The manual does not specify which vehicle models are compatible. Contact Air Lift at 1-800-248-0892 or visit www.airliftcompany.com to confirm fitment for your specific vehicle before purchasing.
You need a minimum of 6 inches of clearance between the frame and tire for a fully inflated air spring. Measure this before installation to confirm compatibility.
You will need wrenches (7/16", 9/16", 3/4"), a ratchet with deep well sockets (3/8", 9/16", 1/2"), sharp drill bits (3/8", 5/16"), a torque wrench, a hose cutter or sharp knife, jacks and safety stands, safety glasses, and an air compressor. See page 2 for the complete tools list.
Frame bolts (3/8"): 44 ft-lbs. U-bolt lock nuts: 16 ft-lbs. Air spring nylon nut: 4 ft-lbs. Lower mounting bolt: hand tight only. Swivel fitting: 1.5 turns with 7/16" wrench.
Minimum: 5 p.s.i. (must be maintained at all times). Maximum: 100 p.s.i. (never exceed). Actual pressure needed depends on your load and vehicle GVWR, which may be less than 100 p.s.i. Always maintain Normal Ride Height.
Inflate to 60 p.s.i. and check clearance around sleeves (0.5" minimum). Inflate to 30 p.s.i. and test for leaks with soapy water. Verify 6" clearance from heat sources. Recheck all bolt torque. Drive 10 miles at 25 p.s.i. (50 p.s.i. if loaded) and recheck clearance and fasteners.
Check air pressure weekly. Recheck the system after 30 days or 500 miles for rubbing or abrasion. Recheck air pressure after 24 hours of initial installation (2-4 p.s.i. loss is normal). Retorque all fasteners after the first road test.
Follow this systematic troubleshooting sequence: (1) Leak test all air line connections and the threaded connection of the elbow into the air spring using soapy water. (2) Leak test the inflation valve for leaks at the air line connection or dirt/debris in the valve core. (3) Inspect air lines to ensure they are not pinched by tie straps; loosen or replace straps if needed. (4) Inspect air lines for holes and cracks and replace as needed. (5) Check for kinks or folds in the air line and reroute as needed. If these steps do not resolve the problem, the issue is likely a failed air spring (factory defect or operating problem). Call Air Lift at 1-800-248-0892 for assistance or a replacement.
Air line leaks are caused by: (1) improper cutting—use a hose cutter, razor blade, or sharp knife to make clean, square cuts; do not use wire cutters or scissors, which flatten or crimp the line; (2) pinched lines—ensure tie straps are tight but do not pinch the line, and leave at least 2 inches of slack for movement; (3) sharp bends and edges—avoid these when routing; (4) proximity to heat—maintain at least 6 inches clearance from exhaust pipes, muffler, and catalytic converter. A clean, square cut is essential to prevent leaks around the O-ring seal inside the elbow fitting.
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