Kelderman Air Ride Suspension

[John - K5AWO]

I have watched the video and am hungry to buy the Kelderman air suspension system. Oo.



The video only shows the rear link/air bag version. I understand that they now offer a four link full floating system that is kind of pricey for my blood.



However, I have a bad back and the stock spring setup is bouncing my spine too much.



Those of you who have installed a Kelderman, do you still feel like it was worth the expense?



Would you do it again.



Have you had any issues with it at all? Advise for the new guy looking to buy one?



Thanks,

John

 

[CIverson]

Haven't tried the rear, but I will tell you after only a few miles of driving w/ the front kit, the rear springs really need to go. I'm planning on the rear kelderman next spring, once I have some more cash.

 

[John - K5AWO]

CIverson,



Looked at your turck pics. Was your truck always level? Or did you adjust the air pressure to make it that way?

 

[yogibear]

I've had the Kelderman Air Ride on my trk. for more than 100K, and it is great.

I started out with the 2 bag system, but went with the 4 Link System because of the self leveling. The 2 bag system actually rides better than the 4 Link, but for what I do the 4 Link is best. I haul pretty heavy sometimes, and like I said, the self leveling works best for me. Either one, you can't go wrong getting Kelderman Air Ride, Jeff and all the guys up there are great. You will not find better service anywhere.



Larry

 

[CIverson]

The pics in my readers rig are of my truck with 2. 5" SJ springs up front and a 2" superlift block out back.



I finally got pics of the truck w/ the new suspension and cut bumper.



Here is the link.



http://www.cardomain.com/memberpage/351113/2

 

[John - K5AWO]

Originally posted by yogibear

The 2 bag system actually rides better than the 4 Link,

Larry

I take it then, for a casual haul/tow or tow situation, that I would be just as happy, if not more so with the two bag system like I saw in the video?



The price is a lot more friendly than the 4 link system. I don't know why, but I thought the 4 link would ride better because the springs are taken completely off and replaced by the airbags.



have you already sold off the old two bag system? or was it traded in when you got the 4 link system?

 

[Beast2B]

With the two bag system, do you have to manually adjust the air pressure if you add a heavy load? How much range is there for levelling with/without a load? I have 5k lb airbags that I used to replace the overloads. Rides a bit better, but I'd like to make it even mo better running empty...

 

[yogibear]

You can't do very much leveling with the 2 bag system, a little, but not very much, maybe an inch or 2. The bag goes between the frame and the rear spring shackle. The bag just improves the ride of the spring, you still have the sag of the spring with the load. The 4 Link system replaces the springs, so you can level the load, and have the improved ride of the air bag, and it is a much improved ride, but not quite as smooth as the 2 bag system.

Yes, for just a casual tow/haul tow, and a much better empty ride, the 2 bag system will give you the best results. I traded my 2 bag system back, as he had a buyer for it. The air pressure was manually controlled in cab, with a guage, just like helper bags.

I had Air Ride helper bags on 2 trks. before this one, they helped, but not near as much as the 4 Link System, and didn't ride as good as either of the Keldermans systems.

My 4 Link is controlled by a special valve on each side, I adjust the rear height, and no matter how heavy the load, within reason of coarse, what ever the bags will carry, it will keep that height.

Sorry this is so long, but I tried to answer your questions, and explain the 2 systems as best I could.



Larry

 

[Beast2B]

Thanks Larry. I'm convinced, now just to find some money laying around... I plan to convert my truck to dually sometime this year, more stable towing and cheaper than buying a new truck!

 

[John - K5AWO]

Thanks Larry for your input.



The empty ride is what I am looking for. I want the ride of my 1/2 ton Suburban in a 4x4 1 ton dually. Not an unreasonable thing to ask, is it? )



You have greatly helped me in my decision. I will go the 2 bag system and if the load gets to heavy for the air pressure I have, well, the spring hangers bottom out and the springs go to work just like before...



I think I will order the big air compressor/tank combo. I am going to install train horns anyway. Might just as well do it right the first time.

 

[Matt400]

Originally posted by yogibear

Yes, for just a casual tow/haul tow, and a much better empty ride, the 2 bag system will give you the best results.

Hi Larry,

I am trying to visualize how that could be and my guess is that the 2 bag system would need enough air to unload the tension on the factory spring so the spring becomes a link rather than a load devise... . am I correct there?

 

[yogibear]

John, your damn near asking for a miracle! I have never ridden in a 1/2 ton Sub. My Dually is a 2 wd, those 4X4's ride pretty rough. I rode in Jeff Keldermans 03 4X4 Dually that is lifted 10", and it rode better than mine, but he has the Air Ride up front also, now that makes a big difference. You can only put the Air Ride up front on a 4X4.



Larry

 

[Beast2B]

brief description

Matt, check out www.keldermanmfg.com for pics and more info. The two bag system replaces the tow hitch mount and the rear shackles. The bags mount on a hinged platform that has a new hitch receiver and creates an air cushion for the rear spring eye to attach to. Pretty bad description? I TOLD YOU TO CHECK OUT THEIR WEBSITE!!

 

[John - K5AWO]

Originally posted by yogibear

John, your damn near asking for a miracle! I have never ridden in a 1/2 ton Sub.

Larry

Hi Larry,



Well, visualize riding in a Lincoln Town Car of the '70s and '80s vintage. My Suburban rides like my '95 and '82 Town Cars did. Soft squishy feeling, lots of side lean, etc...



Of course some good shocks will minimize the lean somewhat at the expense of making the ride stiffer.



My wants are sometimes at extremes with reality.

 

[Matt400]

Re: brief description

Originally posted by Beast2B

Matt, check out www.keldermanmfg.com

Thanks, it took a little time but I did find that 2 bag system here



Too bad they don't make it for us short bed owners

Looks like a neat system.