What RideTech air suspension is
RideTech air suspension is an aftermarket suspension system that replaces your vehicle's factory springs with air-filled bags. Instead of metal coils or leaf springs holding up your car, pressurized air does the work. You control the air pressure — and therefore your ride height and stiffness — from inside the vehicle using a switch or digital controller.
RideTech is one brand among several that make air suspension kits. The company manufactures complete systems for classic cars, trucks, and some modern vehicles. The air bags connect to an air compressor, which pumps air into them on demand. A control system monitors pressure and adjusts it to keep your car level and at the height you want.
People install air suspension for three main reasons: to lower a vehicle for appearance, to improve ride comfort on rough roads, to haul heavy loads without sagging, or some combination of all three. Unlike lowering springs, which are permanent, air suspension lets you raise or lower your car whenever you want.
Key Takeaways
- RideTech air suspension replaces factory springs with air bags that you inflate or deflate using a dashboard controller.
- The system includes an air compressor, air lines, bags, and a control module that work together to adjust your vehicle's height and stiffness.
- Air suspension can lower your car for style, raise it to clear obstacles, or keep it level when towing, all without stopping the vehicle.
- Installation requires removing the factory suspension and welding or bolting new components to your frame, which typically takes a professional several days.
- Maintenance includes checking air pressure, inspecting bags for leaks, and replacing the compressor or bags if they fail after several years of use.
How the air suspension system works
The system has four main parts: the air bags, the compressor, the air lines, and the control module. The air bags sit where your factory springs were. They are rubber and fabric cylinders that expand and contract as air enters or leaves them. The more air inside, the stiffer and higher the suspension becomes.
The compressor is an electric pump, usually mounted in the trunk or under the car. When you turn the controller dial or press a button, the compressor runs and pushes air into the bags through rubber lines. If you want to lower the car, a valve opens and lets air escape. The whole process takes seconds to a few minutes depending on how much height change you want.
The control module is a small computer that monitors the air pressure in each bag and tells the compressor when to run. On RideTech systems, you can choose manual control — where you adjust height yourself — or automatic leveling, where the system keeps the car at a set height even if you load it with cargo. Some kits include a wireless remote or smartphone app so you can adjust height without being in the car.
Installation and what to expect
Installing a RideTech air suspension kit is not a weekend project for most people. The work involves removing your factory suspension completely, which means disconnecting springs, shocks, sway bars, and brake lines. Then the new air bags, brackets, and lines get bolted or welded to your frame. The compressor and tank mount in the trunk, and wiring runs to the controller.
A professional shop typically needs three to five days to finish the job, depending on your vehicle and how much custom fabrication is needed. Classic cars often require more welding and custom brackets than newer trucks. The cost varies widely — from around $3,000 to $8,000 or more for a complete kit and labor, depending on the vehicle and the complexity of the installation.
Before you commit, check whether RideTech makes a bolt-on kit for your specific vehicle or whether the shop will need to do custom work. Bolt-on kits are faster and cheaper. Custom fabrication takes longer and costs more but may be your only option for older or unusual vehicles.
Ride quality and handling changes
Air suspension generally rides softer than factory springs because the air absorbs bumps more gradually. Many people report that their car feels smoother on highways and rough roads after switching to air suspension. However, the ride quality depends heavily on how you set the air pressure. Too little pressure and the car will feel mushy and bounce. Too much and it will feel stiff and harsh, similar to a lowering spring setup.
Handling can improve or worsen depending on your setup. A well-tuned air suspension system with proper shock absorbers can handle corners as well as or better than factory suspension. But if the air pressure is set wrong or the shocks are worn, handling will suffer. RideTech kits usually come with quality shocks matched to the air bags, so handling is typically good if you follow the setup instructions.
One advantage is that you can adjust stiffness on the fly. If you are hauling a heavy load, you can increase air pressure to keep the car level and prevent sagging. If you are cruising on a smooth road, you can lower the pressure for a softer ride. This flexibility is one reason people choose air suspension over fixed springs.
Maintenance and common issues
Air suspension requires more maintenance than factory springs because there are more parts that can fail. The most common problem is a slow air leak in the bags or lines. You might notice your car sitting lower than usual in the morning, or the compressor running more often than it used to. Small leaks can often be found and sealed, but if a bag develops a large tear, it will need to be replaced.
The compressor itself usually lasts five to ten years before it wears out and stops pumping air. When it fails, the system will not raise or lower anymore, though the car will stay at whatever height it was at. Replacement compressors are available from RideTech and cost between $500 and $1,500 depending on the model.
Air lines can crack or separate at the fittings, especially if they are routed near hot engine parts or sharp frame edges. Check your lines during regular maintenance and have any damaged sections replaced. The control module and switches rarely fail, but if they do, they can be replaced without removing the suspension.
Regular maintenance means checking air pressure monthly, inspecting bags and lines for visible damage, and cleaning the compressor intake filter if your kit includes one. Most RideTech systems come with a manual that explains the maintenance schedule for your specific vehicle.
Air suspension versus other suspension options
Lowering springs are cheaper and simpler than air suspension — they bolt on in a day or two and require almost no maintenance. But they are permanent. Once installed, your car stays at that height. You cannot raise it to clear a speed bump or lower it further for a show. Springs also do not adjust for load, so a heavy cargo will make your car sag.
Coilovers are adjustable springs that let you change height by turning a collar on the shock. They cost less than air suspension and are easier to install, but adjusting height requires getting under the car with a wrench. You cannot adjust on the fly while driving. Coilovers also tend to ride stiffer than air suspension at the same height.
Hydraulic suspension, used on some classic cars and luxury vehicles, works similarly to air suspension but uses fluid instead of air. It is smoother and more responsive but much more expensive and harder to find parts for. RideTech air suspension is usually the best balance of cost, ease of use, and adjustability for most people.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still use my car's trunk if I install air suspension?
Most of the trunk space remains usable, but the air compressor and tank take up some room. RideTech kits are designed to fit in the corner or side of the trunk, leaving space for luggage or tools. Some vehicles have more trunk space than others, so check the installation manual for your specific car to see how much room will be left.
What happens if the air bags leak while I am driving?
A slow leak will cause your car to gradually sink lower over hours or days. You will notice it is lower than usual and the compressor may run more often. A sudden large leak is rare but would cause the car to drop quickly. Either way, the car will still be drivable — you just cannot adjust height until the leak is fixed. Drive carefully to a shop and have the bags or lines inspected.
Does air suspension work in cold weather?
Air suspension works in cold weather, but air pressure drops as temperature falls. Your car may sit slightly lower on a cold morning than on a warm day. RideTech systems account for this, and most modern kits include automatic leveling that compensates for temperature changes. Manual systems may require you to add a bit of air in winter.
Can I tow a trailer with air suspension?
Yes, and air suspension is actually ideal for towing. When you hook up a trailer, the weight pulls down the rear of your car. With air suspension, you straightforward increase the air pressure in the rear bags to keep the car level. This protects your frame and suspension geometry. Make sure your RideTech kit is rated for the weight you plan to tow.
How long does it take to raise or lower the car?
A small height change — one or two inches — usually takes 10 to 30 seconds. A larger change from fully lowered to fully raised can take a minute or two. The speed depends on your compressor size and how much air needs to move. RideTech kits with larger compressors are faster than smaller ones.