2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Air-Ride Seat Modification

[Silver Ratler]

Do to back issues I am looking for an air-ride seat base that can be installed in my '01 Ram. I would really like to find something that will allow me to continue to use the power adjustments... is this possible??



Has anyone done this kind of mod to there 2nd Gen truck??



I've already replaced 5th wheel hitch with an air ride hitch to help eliminate some of the jarring while towing.

 

[mickeyblueyes]

I have asked for a price quote twice and havent gotten one.

you try buy just the pedestal and keep your seats.

Custom Truck Seats - Ford, Chevy, GMC & Dodge Pickup Seats

 

[mickeyblueyes]

The pedestals are $305 each a compressor is about $300 if you do not have air already. They did reply and said the pedestals do not work, new seats are needed Complete fronts et up is about $2200 in cloth and $500 more in leather. Arm rests and heaters are available.

 

[HHhuntitall]

I installed a spring ride seat a few years back. The guy said he got the lower ride part from a tractor house. Looking at it, I think it was a Case lower part. We modified it with metal tabs in the back to align with the current tracks on the Dodge seat, and bolted it in. As far as air ride, I've not seen one that used the electric option, unless it was custom made.

 

[mickeyblueyes]

well how does it feel ? doed it take the bumps out of the road? easy on the back and neck? Should I buy one

 

[SRath]

My suggestion would be to find a salvage yard that specializes in semi parts and get the whole assembly. A small 12v electric compressor and air tank is all you need.

Seats vary widely in quality, but most airrides require more underseat height than you have available, though you might get one to fit. Most modern ones also about 6 different air valves for adjusting lumbar, side bolsters, etc.

Be warned: I have yet to find an airride seat that did not need some serious lubrication to get rid of the squeaks! The best feature on a semi's airride seat is actually the fore-and-aft motion. It does more to cushion the more common small bumps than the up-and-down airbag.

A big plus will be the fold down arm rests I wish my pickup had.

 

[dr1019]

Truck Seats, Truck Seat, New Truck Seats, Tractor Seating, Heavy Equipment Truck Seats, Pick-Up Truck Seats Bus Seats | Suburban Truck Seat Co.

 

[mickeyblueyes]

My suggestion would be to find a salvage yard that specializes in semi parts and get the whole assembly. A small 12v electric compressor and air tank is all you need.



Seats vary widely in quality, but most airrides require more underseat height than you have available, though you might get one to fit. Most modern ones also about 6 different air valves for adjusting lumbar, side bolsters, etc.



Be warned: I have yet to find an airride seat that did not need some serious lubrication to get rid of the squeaks! The best feature on a semi's airride seat is actually the fore-and-aft motion. It does more to cushion the more common small bumps than the up-and-down airbag.



A big plus will be the fold down arm rests I wish my pickup had.

I am sure its been a real long time but do any names come to mind as far as parts go?

 

[SRath]

Brand names for seats or salvage yards?

 

[mickeyblueyes]

Just the name of mechanisms that fit in a Dodge. Ex: maybe a case would fit but a Mack would not Do you know what company made your pedestal?

 

[SRath]

Let me do some checking for manufacturer tags on the seat and the air ride mechanism, Mickey. It will be Monday before I can get back to you on it. I can also check at the truck supply store across the road from our terminal. They stock a lot of different seats and, I'm sure, mechanisms.

 

[mwilson]

You will need a low-rider seat base with a short vertical travel or you will have a dent in your roof and your head everytime you hit a bump. :{



There are low bases available for Class 6-8 trucks, Peterbilt drivers get them from us so they can sit way down for whatever reason. I think they still have too much travel for a pick-up cab.



The seat bases shown on the site early in this post are National Seating, but they are not part numbers that show up in any of my pricing media so probably not available to us Class 8 guys. Using the suspension that the mentioned site sells would give the greatest satisfaction as putting a Class 8 base in a pick-up is gonna' be a project and could be down right dangerous. Not to mention getting the seat belts to be safe again. Please proceed carefully, there is a reason that these are not readily available, it is called LIABILITY.



There is a low mount, short travel base that I have seen in the 5500 series GM trucks that would most likely work as that is roughly the same dimensions as a pick-up cab. Has a lever pump to adjust the height but that may be because they have juice brakes. If you have an air source then maybe it could be valved in. Something to look at, anyhow.



Whatever you decide on, please keep safety in mind. Just imagine a seat breaking loose from it's mounts in a turn at speed, or getting in an accident and having the seat break free. Be SAFE.



One more thought ****Don't forget the air bag**** On a Class 8 with an air suspension seat and an air bag, there is a mechanism that locks the seat in place before the air bag deploys. Just think that through for a minute.

 

[mickeyblueyes]

mwilson thanks for the heads up I will bear them in mind when proceeding, srath thanks for your continued help. I want to get it right. I do not know why National advertises them but go on to say they will not work? I would like the forward action also.

 

[HHhuntitall]

Also, don't forget most air ride seats like what would come out of a wrecking yard will be way too tall to fit in a pickup. That was why the guy wanted to use the tractor spring ride seat. It was flat on bottom and top, so we had to make bushing for it to fit in the Dodge. It would work great in an old first gen. extended cab or four door! Also might look at Truck Accessories - Truck Stuff, SUV & Auto Accessory They show a listing for Fords and Chevys. Air Ride Truck Seats for Pickups & Medium Duty Trucks



Worth looking into. If you find something, keep us updated.