Air ride suspension ??

[Gonzo 1066]

Does anyone out there have a real airride suspension installed? Not just the air bag assist. I am very interested in how well they work. Are they only on the rear axle? I assume so. Is there added sway? Approximate price? Web site? Thanks.

 

[tgbol]

I ran into a CTD owner in a Long Beach fuel stop that had a Fleetco Products set up on his 3500 and huge camper. He loved it, was trying to find a way to air-ride the front too.

the website is http://fleetcoproducts.com price is around $2100

Chisolm Suspensions of Santa Fe Springs, Ca had a set up for GM trucks.

 

[bigkid59]

Check out http://keldermanmfg.com to see what they offer. Their system retains the rear springs but replaces the rear spring shackles with either a single center mounted air bag or with an air bag in place of each shackle. This retains the springs to control axle torque and location but places the load on the air bag(s) at the rear of the spring. They use a fabricated steel frame structure to mount this system. By using the original springs for location and torque control they have kept the cost down.



Hope this helps!

 

[SLang]

Had a 91 ext. cab. Chevy with 4 wheel air. Loved the ride. Most said it was better than a Caddy. And the truck handled alright for as good a ride it gave.



Bought my Cummins with intentions of bagging it. But after running the #'s I do not think it's a good idea. And for a primary truck I know its not a good idea. If it was my second or third vehicle maybe. But not my primary. Any how if ya wanna heres some info. from my experience. I did this before kits were really widely available and was my own design and R&D station.



My Chevy weighed 5200 Lb. including the 1000Lb. in stereo equipment. It had 2600# (226) bags all around. The front axle weighed in around 2200 Lb. I originally had 2500# (55) on it. It took 100-120 PSI to get the front spoiler off the ground. And the ride quality was poor to say the least. Switched to 2600# bags and it too 80 PSI to get the spoiler up. The rear has a 4-link on it. The 2600# were fine and what I ordered from the beginning.



My Cummins weighs 7000 Lb. with front axle weight of 4000 Lb. (guess). To support this truck would take 3400# (26C) bags. These bags are about 8. 5" dia. That is huge to get into any suspention. Plus to fill a bag that large you'll either need 3/8-1/2" hose or a high pressure shop compressor. So this end is difficult and not enough room.



The rear has a 7500 Lb. axle which means ya need 8000 Lb. of bags. Double convoluted like the ones for the front have better capacity to dia. ratio but tend to give a harsher ride. Reverse sleeve or tappered sleeve have a better spring ratio for the rear. Now you have some options



1) Put on 4200# (do not know #) double convoluted bags to save dia. and loose ride quality.



2) Put on 3500# (F2107) rolling sleeve bags that are 9. 5" dia. and keep your ride quality.



3) Use a I-beam lower link on your 4-link and put a half rated double convoluted bag half way up the I-beam.



Now for the fun part. If the ride is to bouncy the suspension needs tuned with accumulators. This takes even more air then the 4 huge bags. Which means finding a huge tank and compressor. Then routing the line.



If all of this sound to hard call Air Ride Specialties they are the best in the business. But they sell almost complete air ride suspensions. Either they charge some money for the install or you take matters into your own hands and make sure nothing rubs. If you are going to put your truck on air do the work yourself. Don't let anyone touch your suspension unless you are absolutely sure of his/her abilities. If the suspension break/fails you'll have a fun ride. I should know. I bounce my front skid plate off the highway at 70 MPH when a bag busted. It was quite the hard hit.



If you need more info on bagging your truck let me know. I'd be glad to help.