Air Suspension

[MHoge]

Has anyone tried the Kelderman air ride suspension in the first generation or have one to sell?

 

[pepecat]

I know a dude who has (had) a front kelderman twin bag setup. Not the kind right over the axle but the one with the bar that crosses underneath and acts as the rear spring perch

 

[MHoge]

Hello Pepecat-- I think I misundertood you and wrote an email that might be confusing. After reading your response more carefully, it sounds like Kelderman makes a front system very similar to their rear system where there is an air bag on each side, behind the axle, on a unit that replaces the rear spring perch on each side. They might even use the same system for the front and back--that would really be an air ride! Did your friend like his system? Did it improve the ride a great deal to where maybe it would compare to a later generation dually or better? Does he know who bought his truck or where it is now? I'm sure there are some of these units in junk yards or for sale somewhere if I could just find them. Anything you or your friend can tell me before I spend $2000+ labor will help! Thanks for your help!

Mickey--

 

[R C Cola]

Junk yards

Good luck, special items like this usually don't last long. the guys who work there get first dibbs or the owner will pull them off before it gets that far since the insurance companies usually will not pay for extras unless you just bought it etc. and scream real loud. Like a stereo, they just tell you to take it if you want it.

 

[jshumate]

I just installed the Kelderman 2-bag rear on my '06 with Rancho shocks - what a difference!!

 

[MHoge]

Thanks, John! That is what I wanted to know! Since my truck is a toterhome with a short frame and body I will have to stretch the frame a bit and add 18" to the body so I needed to know it would be worthwhile. I'll bet those Rancho 9000 shocks were worth the money too--I think I will try them first.

Thanks for your response and the info-Mickey

 

[MHoge]

You are exactly right, R C but I am feeling lucky and hoping for a miracle! A poor boy has to do what he can! Are the "Firestone Air Rides" tires or shocks? How do you like them? With a first generation 350 you know how my bad back needs relief! Thanks for responding! Mickey

 

[1stgen4evr]

There are earlier post (two or three years back) on the airbag systems. I had a kelderman but modified it placing the bags over the axle. Much more desireable for a nuimber of reasons.



James

 

[1stgen4evr]

I no longer have bags on my old faithful. Through a faulty decision, I removed them a couple of years back at the time of a full overhaul on the rear axle. I had planned to re re modify them and put them back on but - - - -



Originally they were built into that rube mechanism which fitted to the ends of the springs. Caused a lot of problems with u-joints as we loaded them quite heavy. They were mover to a location over the spring group (put the original hangers back on) at each side and this limited the travel somewhat. I had planned to remake the brackets (which were homemade) to improve the allowable travel. In fact, due to the soft nature of an air bag action, I believe they could be inboard some and mount to the tube as near as possible to the springs. I have a fabed cross menber that carries the goose neck ball that would work for the upper mount. I ran the (double convolute) original bags about 300k miles. One was touching the frame and it rubbed a hole. I bought new bags and that was another reason I removed them, thinking I would remount them and at least stop the contact with the frame.



If I could wiggle my nose and have them where I preferred, the frame would be narrower and they could mount to the tubes outside the frame. If I EVER get the crew done, that is what I plan.



James



The above is from a thread that Philip started. There are some good pics of other types.



James