Rear Air Suspension

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My '94 2500 4X2 is a great truck but it will beat your gizzard out unloaded on rough roads!! Anyone have any experience with air bag systems offered by Fleetco, Air-Ax or Kelderman?

 

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The air bags shouldn't smooth out the ride much, unless you plan on removing the leaf springs. In fact, the airbags on my truck seem to make the rear a little bit bouncier.

If you looking for something to smooth out the ride in the, I hear the Roadmaster active suspension does an excellent jub of this. I will be looking to purchase a set this spring when the snow melts away.

 

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Also, take a hard look at the Velvet Ride kit from BFG. Maybe 150 bucks well spent.

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2001 2500 QC, ETH/DEE,4:10s, LSD, VA Magic Box, Boost/Pyro Guages, 4" Turbo back, BD Brake,Mag- Hytec Cover, Kleen Wheels, Energy Release, 70 gal. fuel, 20K Reese. 22,000 miles on 12/19/00 (RV Dealer)

 

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93 3500 4x4 Dually Installed Kelderman rear air suspension and now rides like a cadillac,well worth the money.

 

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Ah... How much money? I do like the idea!

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2001 HO 6 speed Regular Cab SLT 4x4 3. 54 anti spin 2500. Used for the daily grind and sneaking away to some secret Baja beaches toting a cabover

 

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Welcome aboard HarleyD

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Y2K, 2500, 4x2, QC, 3. 54 LSD, Auto, patriot blue. K&N, silencer ring put back in. 14000 miles as of 1-05-01. best milage:28. 5 mpg. transmission reflashed

[This message has been edited by sdalton (edited 01-11-2001). ]

 

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I have Airlift Heavy Duty air bags on my 2000 4X4 truck and like 'em lots. I kept the stock overloads on, which Airlift warns can cause a stiffer ride empty. With 12lbs in them and running empty, the rear feels like it's floating on air. I put around 60lbs in 'em when I'm towing my 15K lb 5th wheel. Nice ride there too.

I have Helwigs on my '96 2wd and like them equally well.

I know you didn't list either of these in your question, but thought I'd provide my experience.

Good luck w/ whatever you pick

Wiredawg #ad


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2000 4X4 SLT QC 8' bed; 6 spd, 3. 54 ; BD exhaust brake and 4" exhaust syst; TST PM2; Airlift Super Duty rear air bags; RS 9000 shocks; pyro/boost gauges in 2 gauge a-pillar mount; back preasure gauge mounted under dash; KN air filter; Brown's Welding brush/grill guard, rear bumper & headache rack; nerf bars and aluminum roll top rear cover, Warn front receiver and Hadley air horns, 20K Reese hitch.

[This message has been edited by Wiredawg (edited 01-11-2001). ]

 

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W. E is not talking about add on air bags, he's referring to a rear suspension that has the factory springs removed and replaced with air springs. The air springs are a type of air bags... Right W. E. ?

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2001 HO 6 speed Regular Cab SLT 4x4 3. 54 anti spin 2500. Used for the daily grind and sneaking away to some secret Baja beaches toting a cabover

 

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Wiredawg,
I have a '97 4x4 with helper springs and a utility bed. Because the bed is heavier than stock, it's almost on the springs when unloaded. WHen I drive down a bumpy road, I get a loud BANG from (I assume) the helper springs.

I'm going to be adding airbags, and am wondering if I shoul remove the helpers first. Any thoughts?

Thanks,
Tackett

Originally posted by Wiredawg:
I have Airlift Heavy Duty air bags on my 2000 4X4 truck and like 'em lots. I kept the stock overloads on, which Airlift warns can cause a stiffer ride empty. With 12lbs in them and running empty, the rear feels like it's floating on air. I put around 60lbs in 'em when I'm towing my 15K lb 5th wheel. Nice ride there too.

Wiredawg #ad

 

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I notice a few 1st Gen trucks with the Kelderman. Has anyone installed this setup on a 2nd Gen truck, or do they even make the kit for the newer trucks? I looked at their web site, and frankly it does look like a cool setup, have even considered it myself for my 01, if they make it.

Shelby

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2001. 5 2500 QC LB 4WD, ETH (Built 09-10-00), DEE, 3. 54 gears, Laramie SLT, Camper Special, Trailer Tow, Travel Convenience Group, Power Driver Seat, Alarm System, Remote Keyless Entry, Fog Lamps, Cab Clearance Lamps, HD Transfer Case, Bright White with a Gray Interior. Built 09-15-00, took delivery on 10-06-00, 3873 miles as of 01-04-01. Custom aluminum work body / flat bed. Coming soon: E-Brake and gauges.

 

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I have the two bag Kelderman system installed on my 98. 5. I went to their facility to have it installed in july of 98. I am happy with the ride.

 

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Dane:

I learn something everyday whether i want to or not. #ad
Now (senior moment) I remember seeing an advertisment in one of the TDR issues
Tackett:

I decided to keep mine as a failsafe in case the airbags filed. I'd keep the factory overloads and add the Airlifts. They give you 5,000 capacity. You'll be able to keep off the factory overloads, no problem and can regulate the airbags depending on load. I think my RS 9000s help too.

Hope this helps,

Wiredawg

 

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Would someone mind posting a link to their web site?

Thanks
Daniel

 

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It is't the most convenient way to adjust your ride, but I can make mine very managable by adjusting air pressure in the tires. I go from as low as 50/45 F/R to as high as 80/80. It makes a whale of a diff.
I do believe before I pay for camper springs next time, I will consider air bags.

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Y2K 2500, QC, 4X4, 3. 54LS, ST, 5 speed, SWB,Cummins E-brake,Westech Pyro and Boost Dual guage, 12 Disk JVC CD

 

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Originally posted by danandme:
Would someone mind posting a link to their web site?

Thanks
Daniel

http://www.keldermanmfg.com/airride.htm



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2001. 5 2500 QC LB 4WD, ETH (Built 09-10-00), DEE, 3. 54 gears, Laramie SLT, Camper Special, Trailer Tow, Travel Convenience Group, Power Driver Seat, Alarm System, Remote Keyless Entry, Fog Lamps, Cab Clearance Lamps, HD Transfer Case, Bright White with a Gray Interior. Built 09-15-00, took delivery on 10-06-00, 3873 miles as of 01-04-01. Custom aluminum work body / flat bed. Coming soon: E-Brake and gauges.

 

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I had air lift bags with the overloads and felt it destroyed the ride. My wife hated the way it rode and my son with new steel plates in his neck was unable to ride in it. This was empty, with a load it wasn't bad. My new truck I readjusted the equilizer hitch and have been happy. If this dosen't work I will be upgradeing the overloads but I will never put airbags on this truck.

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2001 2500 tow, camper, SWB, ETH, Bright white.

 

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Have to agree with the air bag ride for it can get a little "bouncey" when unloaded. I put Firstone air bags on my '99 3500 and left the helper springs on. With 10 poounds of air in each side the ride is firm. More that 10#'s is a rattler for sure.

As for a plus with the air bags I will say, No more axle rap! My helper spring has not touched the stop since putting them on. Really like it with a load, and getting use to it without. Dave

 

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Try this link...
www.air-ax.com

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2000 Ram 2500 SLT, 2wd Regcab, Driftwood/Agate, 6spd, ETC Diesel. Rickson 19. 5s, Simulators, Michelin 225/70R19. 5 tires, Reunel double break rear bumper, van Aaken CPC, TST Competition PowerMax, RV injectors, HX40-16cm2, 5" exhaust

 

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Originally posted by Paul Primeaux:
I have the two bag Kelderman system installed on my 98. 5. I went to their facility to have it installed in july of 98. I am happy with the ride.

Guys,
Correct me if I'm wrong but the Kelderman sys retains all of your original suspension components. If a bag blows you go back to stock ride acording to the info on their site.

Paul can you shed any light on this since you are running one on your ride. Does this suspension interfere with the reciever hitch as I'm concidering this setup also.



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99,QC,3500,Sport Black,4x4,Auto,3. 54,Anti-spin,Camper pkg,Carpet delete,all options except leather.
Silencer ring?? We don't need no stinking silencer ring!!!
Self installed goodies,
OEM Running boards,Mud flaps&Bed liner, Tinted windows,Jacobs E-Brake,BD Torque Loc. Whimpy stock class 4?? hitch fell off-replaced it with a Super Hitch(1200# tongue,15000# trailer) on the house from DC thanks for the recall!!

 

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Mike, In the Kelderman 2 bag system the rear spring shackles are replaced with air bags. The 2 air bag system has a built in receiver. The stock receiver is removed. You should contact Kelderman, I am sure they would be happy to answer all your question. Paul

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98. 5,2500,Quad Cab, 2WD, A/T, 3. 55, Boost,EGT,Trans/Diff guages, Mag-Hytec Diff cover,Amsoil everywhere, 98 gal Transfer flow fuel tank, Kelderman Air Ride, A. R. E. truck cap, Hensley Arrow Hitch, Mobile Scot TT