anybody invented an airbag between frame and overloads?

[geusterman]

Rather than a brick between the frame and axle (air bag) does anyone know of an airbag setup that would adjust the ride height between the frame and overloads? It would probably have to configure between the spring stops on the frame and the overloads themselves. I can imagine it but don't want to reinvent the wheel. Thanks in advance... George

 

[SRadke]

With the ease of install under the frame none of the manufacturers have taken the time to make a kit that mounts properly and allows axle travel so I'm afraid the answer to your question is not what you wanted to hear.



-Scott

 

[99Supercab]

Placing the bag between the frame and springs wouldn`t effect the ride height at all. Your leafs are going to limit the amount of travel the bags get because they only bend so far, and by put the bag on the springs, you will only limit that travel even more. These bag systems are only designed to be helpers, not a full air ride. This is what real adjustible height looks like



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[SRadke]

I understand how they are suppose to work. Fact of the matter is that the way they mount the "helper springs" (airbags) on the third gens only allso the suspension to compress about 2. 5" before the airbags bottom out on their bumpstops. There isn't enough room to mount them where they do and allow them to work properly.

 

[JCleary]

Somewhere I've seen a new system that replaces the leaf springs with a new air spring system.



You remove the spring, and attach this arm that goes from the front spring mount, rear past the axle (axle bolts up just like to a spring) and there's an airbag in the rear that mounts on the rear spring mount between the bar and the frame. I wish I could remember the name. It looks like a sweet setup for those who carry large loads. It completely eliminates leaf springs, so the ride should be exceptional.

 

[geusterman]

I have had the Kelderman air ride that operates off a swing arm on the rear hitch. It combines the overload springs and main springs (u bolts) into a "swing arm" that pivots on the forward mainspring mount. The rear mainspring mount is removed from the frame (ouch) and attached to the Kelderman swing arm that pivots at the rear of the frame. The Kelderman swing arm has an airbag between it and a integral stop and the ride is nice. It also adjusts for ride height for loads. I had it on a 2nd gen when the frame spring stops and pivots were removable.



I think SRadke understands my question: How do I stay suspended on real springs with an quickly adjustable "gap" filler between the frame and overloads. I use a metal tube "gap" filler now but it is primitive compared to an airbag setup between the frame stops and overloads. I believe that if it is designed right the overloads would still work if the air system failed. George PS... I may write Jeff Kelderman on this...

 

[scotty1]

The Firestone bags I have called for the removal of the bump stops in order for them to fit on.

Are there others out there that are different then this that leave the bump stops in place? That does not make it very functional leaving them in.



Scotty

 

[Lorenz]

I've used the 2nd gen Firestones on my 3rd gen with good luck. You'll have to get longer bolts and some type of shim so you don't crush the frame rail.

 

[SRadke]

I've used the 2nd gen Firestones on my 3rd gen with good luck. You'll have to get longer bolts and some type of shim so you don't crush the frame rail.

That is interesting news. I take it that that you just drilled the frame and attached as the second gens did? Provided the holes were drilled in a good place (I know DC says it's a no no) that may be a good answer. Were you able to reuse the longer bolt setup on the leaf pack that the second gen's used?



-Scott

 

[Lorenz]

Were you able to reuse the longer bolt setup on the leaf pack that the second gen's used?



-Scott

Longer bolts were used to slide through the boxed in frame on the 3rd gen for the top bracket on the airbags. I used the bolts that came with the air bags for the lower bracket that is bolted around the leafs. Is this what your asking?

 

[SRadke]

I used the bolts that came with the air bags for the lower bracket that is bolted around the leafs. Is this what your asking?

Exactly, thanks.

 

[geusterman]

Imagine a "bar" that spans the overloads... from one end to the other. Visualize the bottom of the airbag sitting attached to this "bar" which is also connected well to the overloads. Then visualize a crafted piece that connects under the rubber frame stops directly to the frame stops and immediately goes up and across to the other side. So a big upsidedown U with wings connected to the frame stop and inside the U is attached the top of the air bag. The U gives the airbag some room for height. This assembly is beside the frame and could be used to adjust ride height between the frame and overloads... while still providing real suspension. That is my thought. Anybody seen anything like this? George

 

[Cattletrkr]

Imagine a "bar" that spans the overloads... from one end to the other. Visualize the bottom of the airbag sitting attached to this "bar" which is also connected well to the overloads. Then visualize a crafted piece that connects under the rubber frame stops directly to the frame stops and immediately goes up and across to the other side. So a big upsidedown U with wings connected to the frame stop and inside the U is attached the top of the air bag. The U gives the airbag some room for height. This assembly is beside the frame and could be used to adjust ride height between the frame and overloads... while still providing real suspension. That is my thought. Anybody seen anything like this? George

So you're basically needing to re-bend your leaf springs also right???

 

[99Supercab]

Or you could always just go with this :



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[Hercules130]

Imagine a "bar" that spans the overloads... from one end to the other. Visualize the bottom of the airbag sitting attached to this "bar" which is also connected well to the overloads. Then visualize a crafted piece that connects under the rubber frame stops directly to the frame stops and immediately goes up and across to the other side. So a big upsidedown U with wings connected to the frame stop and inside the U is attached the top of the air bag. The U gives the airbag some room for height. This assembly is beside the frame and could be used to adjust ride height between the frame and overloads... while still providing real suspension. That is my thought. Anybody seen anything like this? George

Are you talking abouit a "kicker" shock, only you use an air bag instead?

 

[99Supercab]

Are you talking abouit a "kicker" shock, only you use an air bag instead?

Yeah, thats what it sounds like to me if I`m visualizing what he`s describing correctly.

 

[R C Cola]

Air Bags

Saw one recently on a one ton. Used semi-airbags very expensive (over $ 2,000 ) set-up and could be lowered about 6-8 inches from the cab. Driver said it rode like a caddy and would carry any weight needed. Removed factory springs completely. He got it at" Dan's in Elkhart ". R C