Abstract: A chuck member holds the end fitting of the air spring and inserts the fitting in the open end of a tubular sleeve of the spring. A housing is provided for axial movement toward and away from the chuck. An annular segmental clamping member is located in an opening in the housing and the segments are moved radially inward for positioning and crimping a ring member of the spring in response to controlled axial movement of the housing. Axial movement of the segments for positioning the ring member and inserting the end fitting may be provided by piston and cylinder assemblies. A crimping chamber in the housing is utilized to move the housing and actuate cam means engageable with the segments to provide the desired radial force which is applied by the segments during positioning and crimping of the ring member.