Air Suspension for a 1949–1953 Buick: Front and Rear Kits
Air suspension on a 1949–1953 Buick lets you set the ride height with air instead of living with whatever the springs give you. BOSS makes two kits for these cars, one for the front and one for the rear. Both bolt to the car's existing mounting points, so nothing on the original car has to be cut or drilled. This guide covers what each kit does, how it mounts, and how to set it up.
Always follow the fitting instructions that come with your kit. This article is an overview. The instructions are also on each product page as a PDF.
The two kits
| Kit | Air bags | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Front kit (BOSS LA-136) | 2 × BOSS Extreme Series 2500 double bellow, 2,500 lb each | $445 |
| Rear kit (BOSS LA-137) | 2 × BOSS Extreme Series 2600 double bellow, 2,600 lb each | $445 |
Each kit includes the two air bags, upper and lower brackets, mounting hardware, SAE J844 air line, two Schrader valves on a stainless steel panel and fitting instructions. Both kits run between 5 and 45 psi.
Will it fit my car? Both kits are listed for 1949–1953 Buicks. Send us your year and model and we'll confirm the fit before you order.
How the front kit mounts
Each front air bag has a bolt on top and a bolt underneath. The top bolt fits into the car's original threaded hole. The bottom bolt goes through the control arm, and a plate supplied with the kit fits under the control arm, held by a washer and nut.
How the rear kit mounts
The rear bags mount the same way at the top: the bolt fits into the original threaded hole. Underneath, the bolt goes through the hole in the Panhard mount and is held by a washer and nut.
BOSS also posts installation videos on its YouTube channel, youtube.com/bossairbagsuspension.
Before you start
- Work on flat, solid ground, with the car supported on rated jack stands. Never work under a car held up only by a jack.
- Look for brake lines, fuel lines and wiring near each mounting point, and plan to keep the air line well away from the exhaust and anything that moves.
- Cut the air line square with a sharp cutter, push it fully into each fitting, and secure it with cable ties.
- After fitting, add a little air and spray soapy water on every fitting and valve. Bubbles mean a leak.
Setting the pressure
Both kits work between 5 and 45 psi. Add air in small steps until the car sits at the height you want, with your usual load on board. Keep at least 5 psi in the bags at all times so they hold their shape, and let air out when you unload.
The two Schrader valves fill like a tire, so any tire air line works. To adjust the height from the driver's seat, add a BOSS compressor or an in-cab control kit.
Front, rear or both?
The rear kit supports the back of the car when the trunk is loaded or you're towing. The front kit lets you set the front height. Fit both to set the height at each end of the car.
Common questions
Do I have to drill or cut the car? No. Both kits use the original threaded holes, and the control arm (front) or the Panhard mount (rear).
How much weight do the bags carry? The front bags are rated at 2,500 lb each and the rear bags at 2,600 lb each. That's what each bag can support, not what the car is allowed to carry.
Is there a warranty? Yes. BOSS products bought from Arch Country Auto are covered for one year against manufacturing defects.
Shop both kits in our Buick 1949–1953 collection, or ask us about your car.