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What does Air Lift suspension do?

In brief, Air Lift suspension uses inflatable air springs to raise or lower a vehicle’s ride height, level heavy loads, and improve overall ride quality and handling. By adjusting air pressure with an on-board compressor, drivers can tailor performance for towing, hauling, or daily driving.

Air Lift systems range from simple retrofit kits for coil-sprung suspensions to advanced electronically controlled setups that maintain a level stance automatically. This article explains how air-spring suspensions work, the benefits they offer, common product options, and what to consider when choosing a system.

How it works

Air springs replace or augment traditional coil springs with flexible airbags that can be inflated or deflated to change spring rate and ride height. The system includes an on-board compressor, air lines, and a control mechanism that lets you set the desired pressure. As you add weight or towing load, the air pressure increases to support the load and keep the vehicle level, while deflating can lower the ride height for better aerodynamics or ground clearance when needed.

Key components

The following core parts work together to deliver adjustable ride height and load leveling:

Air springs (air bags) mounted near the axle, replacing or augmenting factory springs

On-board air compressor and fittings to inflate and deflate the bags

Air reservoir to store compressed air for quick inflation

Electronic controller, switch, or gauge to set and monitor pressure

Optional sensors or automatic leveling logic in higher-end kits

These elements enable a vehicle to ride higher or lower on demand, maintaining stability under varying loads and speeds.

Benefits for drivers

To illustrate why many drivers choose air suspension, here are the main advantages commonly cited across different use cases.

Load leveling and stability: keeps the vehicle level when carrying or towing heavy loads

Adjustable ride height: raise for clearance or lower for highway efficiency and appearance

Improved ride comfort and reduced bottoming out on rough roads

Enhanced towing performance and reduced sag in the rear end

Customizable handling characteristics through pressure adjustments

Potential improvements in braking stability and overall road feel

Overall, the system aims to maintain consistent ride quality and safety regardless of payload variations.

Product options and how to choose

Air Lift offers a range of kits designed for different vehicles and needs, from light-duty to heavy-haul applications, as well as electronically controlled performance systems. Understanding your vehicle type, budget, and how you plan to use the setup helps narrow the choices.

Light-duty or OEM-retrofit kits for daily drivers with occasional light towing

Load-oriented kits for trucks and SUVs that regularly haul heavy loads

Electronic/air-management systems (manual switches, automatic leveling, or app-controlled) for frequent adjustments

When selecting a kit, consider payload capacity, installed height range, compressor power, and compatibility with your vehicle's suspension and wheels. If towing or heavy hauling is common, a more robust kit with auto-leveling features is typically worth the investment.

Practical considerations and installation notes

Installing air springs typically involves mounting brackets, airbags near the axle, air lines running to a compressor, and a power feed. While many kits are designed for DIY installation, some setups require professional installation to ensure proper clearance, ride height, and safety, especially on trucks and vehicles with adjacent components like exhausts and fuel lines.

Conclusion

Air Lift suspension provides a versatile, adjustable approach to vehicle suspension that can improve ride quality, stabilize loads, and optimize towing performance. By selecting the right kit for your vehicle and needs, you can tailor ride height and firmness to match different situations—from daily commuting to heavy-duty hauling.

Summary

Air Lift suspension uses inflatable air springs controlled by a compressor to level a vehicle, support loads, and improve comfort and handling. It offers a range of kits from light-duty to performance electronic systems, with benefits including load leveling, adjustable ride height, and better towing stability. Buyers should match their kit to vehicle type, payload needs, and installation considerations for best results.

What are the disadvantages of airlift suspension?

Airbags take a pounding. Unless they're high-quality, they will eventually leak. If they decide to burst on a road trip, it could compromise your brakes, reduce control of your vehicle and lead to an accident. You need to think twice about using an air bag on your vehicle if you're the type to 'set it and forget it'.

Does Airlift affect ride quality?

So no, air suspension does not ruin your ride quality. What it does is make it adjustable, which means it can ride as smooth or as firm as you like. If you're looking to upgrade your suspension, or you just have questions about the kinds of air suspension kits there are out there, just hit us up.

Is air suspension good for daily driving?

Yes, air suspension can be good for daily driving, offering enhanced comfort by allowing you to soften the ride and providing the ability to adjust ride height for clearance issues. Its suitability for daily use heavily depends on a professional, high-quality installation and consistent maintenance, as poor installation or lack of care can lead to reliability issues over time.
Advantages for daily driving

Enhanced comfort: Air suspension absorbs bumps for a smoother, more comfortable ride, which is ideal for daily commutes over rough roads.
Adjustable ride height: You can raise the car to clear speed bumps, steep driveways, or bad roads, and lower it for an aggressive look or better handling on the go.
Versatility: Some systems offer presets to save ride height settings for different situations, making adjustments quick and convenient.

Considerations and potential drawbacks

Installation quality is crucial: A poor installation is the biggest cause of reliability problems. Proper installation ensures reliability, while a rushed job can lead to leaks or component failures.
Maintenance is necessary: Like any automotive system, air suspension requires maintenance to prevent issues, especially in cold weather where condensation can freeze.
Cost: Air suspension systems and their installation can be more expensive than traditional suspension options, and repairs can also be costly.
Complexity: These systems have more components than a standard suspension, increasing complexity and the number of parts that could potentially fail.

Best practices for daily driving with air suspension

Choose a high-quality kit and have it installed by a professional.
Perform regular maintenance, including checking for leaks and using a water trap to prevent freezing in cold climates.
Avoid running at extremely low or extremely high air pressures for long periods, as this can stress components.
For daily drivers, a system like the GT Series from Bag Riders is designed to be a good all-around option that balances comfort and performance.

What are the benefits of air lift suspension?

The benefits of an air lift suspension include enhanced comfort and handling, the ability to adjust ride height for different conditions, and increased load capacity. Air suspension systems can provide a smoother ride over bumps, improve handling and stability by reducing body roll, and allow for a vehicle to be lowered for better aerodynamics or raised for ground clearance.
Comfort and handling

Smoother ride: Air springs absorb impacts better than traditional springs, providing a more comfortable ride on rough or uneven surfaces.
Better handling: By adjusting air pressure, the system can stiffen the suspension for better handling during cornering and braking, and reduce body roll for more stability.

Adjustable ride height

Versatility: You can raise or lower the vehicle's height on demand. Lowering it can improve aerodynamics and stability at high speeds, while raising it can help clear obstacles like speed bumps or protect the undercarriage on rough roads.
Customization: The ability to adjust height and stiffness makes it a highly customizable option for various driving styles and conditions.

Load capacity and stability

Increased load capacity: Air springs can be inflated to provide extra support for heavy loads, which is beneficial for towing and hauling.
Level load distribution: By keeping the vehicle level, air suspension ensures better weight distribution, which improves braking and steering control and can prevent the headlights from aiming too high.

Other benefits

Reduced wear and tear: The system's ability to absorb bumps and distribute weight evenly can reduce stress on other suspension components and can lead to less wear on tires.
Improved fuel efficiency: By maintaining a consistent ride height and reducing drag, air suspension can contribute to better fuel economy.

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.