Kelderman 4 link air ride

[SilverFox]

I'm thinking of having Kelderman install a 4 link air ride on my truck. Has anybody had this system installed on their '03 and do you like it? I ran a search and didn't find anything. This is the system that requires the removal of your leaf springs (rear). We just returned from a 5000 mile fishing and RVing trip and the Timbren's have to go. The truck rides so rough our body weight is actually destroying the front seats. I weigh 175 and my wife weighs less. The reason I'm thinking Kelderman over the Firestone's is I believe they give the truck more travel before it bottoms. Also wonder if the system is compatible with the Mag-Hytec cover.

 

[Jeff Clark]

The Firestone bags are designed to add carrying capacity. They don't smooth the ride. The Kelderman system is designed to smooth out the ride. I tried a similar, but different brand, 4 link system on a F550 and it didn't help, but I think the front end needed airbags too, and I didn't try that. I really like the looks of the Kelderman system and I'm really leaning toward it for my 04.



Look up member yogibear. He has a Kelderman system and may give you an un-biased opinion about his.

 

[SilverFox]

I sent yogibear an email AND a PM so maybe he will post something here on the system.

 

[yogibear]

The 4 link system gives you an awsome ride, and also gives you automatic leveling, wherever you set the height, it will come back to that setting as you load down your trk. You won't believe the ride till you try it!!

I started with the 2 stage system, and it gives a great ride, but does not give you the lift choices, does not level your trk.

I also had them install an Oasis compressor, with air conn. on rear bumper so I can use impact wrench.

Steve M asked if it would work for leveling side to side with a slide in camper, that I don't know, better ask Jeff about it.

I hope I've helped some of you, if not let me know, or better yet call Jeff Kelderman, 800-334-6150.

I know there's no way I'll put the springs back on!!!



Larry

PS. Hank, I have the Mag-Hytec cover on my trk.

 

[Todd G]

Or see this thread:



https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=70023&highlight=kelderman

 

[SilverFox]

yogibear,



Thanks, that's all I needed to know. I'm going to call Jeff tomorrow afternoon. Hank

 

[SilverFox]

Todd G,



Sorry I didn't thank you for the link! I just now noticed your post. Somehow must have missed the automatic email. Anyway when I originally ran a search I found the thread. It's mostly about the front suspension but did have valuable information on the rear as well.



I didn't get a chance to call Jeff today but definitely should Monday. Hank

 

[Matt400]

Originally posted by SilverFox

The truck rides so rough our body weight is actually destroying the front seats.

Have you looked at the T-Rex suspension?

 

[SilverFox]

Matt400,



I did briefly look at the T-Rex but I'm not looking for an off road capability. Not even sure if the system is for a dually. I'm just looking for a reasonably smooth ride with the truck loaded to 10000 lbs with no trailer and 23000 lbs including trailer. Another thing I'm not thrilled about, the T-Rex is new and Kelderman is an old company that will be here tomorrow. Maybe I'll get the T-Rex on my next truck after it's been around for a while. It sounds like an awesome system.

 

[Matt400]

Originally posted by SilverFox

Matt400,



I'm not looking for an off road capability. Not even sure if the system is for a dually.

They are pretty heavy into the "on-road" improvements also with all the discussion about smoothing out highway expansion joints. The Kelderman should give a nice ride too!

 

[Jeff Clark]

The one advantage that Kelderman has is that they can incorporate a lift into the kit (which I want). If I wasn't looking for a lift, then the T-Rex system would probably suit my needs better.

 

[SilverFox]

I talked to Jeff Kelderman today and made an appointment to have the 4 link system installed along with the Oasis compressor Sept. 18 and 19. He even told me I could park my travel trailer in his lot and I'd be able to plug in.



Apparently the system does level side to side now because the price went up $100 to cover the cost of installing adjusting valves on both bags. That's my understanding anyway. With the addition of the Oasis compressor this is one expensive add-on.



I'll have Kelderman remove my Timbrens and will give them to anyone that would like to try them with the understanding that if you can't get used to the rough ride, you give them to another TDR member and maybe someone down the line will like them. The Timbrens I have are strictly for the '03 Dually. Timbren part number DR3500C. These Timbrens are rated to 9000 lbs. and since I didn't shop around, I must have paid full retail because they cost me $260. 88. All I ask is that you pay the shipping and pass them on to another TDR member if you don't like them.

 

[Matt400]

Originally posted by Jeff Clark

If I wasn't looking for a lift, then the T-Rex system would probably suit my needs better.

They add 2. 5" to the front and fit 36" tires, did you need more? If it was tall enough why do you think the T-Rex could suit your needs better? Just curious...

 

[Matt400]

Originally posted by SilverFox

I talked to Jeff Kelderman today and made an appointment

Cool, hope you post back on how you like the change. Will you be doing the front also?

 

[dieselpilot1969]

what's the price on the kelderman system?

 

[SilverFox]

Matt400,



Not the front, just the rear. The front rides fine and the rear did too before I put the Timbrens on. I only put the Timbrens on to stop what I considered to much "sag" and that destroyed the ride as far as I was concerned.



dieselpilot1969,



I don't remember exactly but very close to $3500 with the Oasis compressor.

 

[Jeff Clark]

Originally posted by Matt400

They add 2. 5" to the front and fit 36" tires, did you need more? If it was tall enough why do you think the T-Rex could suit your needs better? Just curious...

I re-read the article in issue 41 about the T-Rex system and it says it is not a lift kit. If it adds height, it doesn't mention it in the article. I think the T-Rex might work better if I didn't want a lift becasue it is simpler. I still plan on going with the Kelderman because I like the idea of adjustable height.

 

[Matt400]

Originally posted by Jeff Clark

I re-read the article in issue 41 about the T-Rex system and it says it is not a lift kit.

Here is the thread where I picked up on the 2. 5" for the front with their replacement progressive coils. One thing nice about this system is the thought put into the DC trac bar and how it locates the bump stops. Lift it higher and you need a longer trac bar but then on compression the longer trac bar pushes the axle over too far.