'Velvet Ride' Springs

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Ever heard of these things? At a RV show in Vancouver two weeks ago, a company had these devices for sale, $C285 plus tax.
Near as I can tell, the fixed link between the aft end of the rear spring and the truck frame is replaced with a two piece assy. on each side of the spring. At the pivot point there might be an elastomeric bearing. Lightly loaded the elastomeric bearing flex's and makes for a better ride. Under load, the links straighten out and the regular springs act as per usual.
Anyone with experience/comments?
Thanks,
Ian.


93 2wd Ext Cab, injector upgrade, 3. 5" exhaust, K & N, Xmsn oil cooler and fan.

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Hi Ian
I bought a set a few years ago but found that if your truck was assembled in Mexico - they wouldn't work. There is no way to install them short of droping the whole rear diff including the shackle mounts which are riveted in place. The shackle bolts were installed with the bolt heads on the inside so the whole mount needs to be removed. Take a look at yours - if you can pull the bolts out away from the frame the installation would be easy otherwise it would be quite a project. As to how well they work - sorry I sent mine back for a full redund.
Happy Trails

'93 K&N, Banks Power Pack, BD injectors and a tweaked pump - 27lbs boost unloaded.


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BF Goodrich also sells a similiar product. I've seen the BF Goodrich spring ad in the register, although I can't recall off hand the issue number. I have not heard from anyone regarding either brand. Another brand to look at if mounting becomes an issue...

 

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Ian, I've had a set on for 2 years now. While they did help smooth things out a bit, it wasn't as much as pulling the overload springs off.

Sleeper

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98 QC 2WD 5 Sp 3. 54 with "stuff from the elves at BD"

 

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I was just looking in the product section, and tlippy replied to the worst aftermarket item with a list including the velvet ride shackle kit... .

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Bill Red 90 4x4 5 spd, 4. 10s, banks stinger, K&N, Racor remote filter

 

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Hey Guys,
Many thanks for the 'velvet ride' info. Yes Bob, my truck was assembled in Mexico, dark here at the moment but will check tomorrow re which way the shackle bolts are fitted.
Thanks again,
Ian.

Yup, the bolts are fitted head inboard, ie against the frame. Short of slackening the nuts and driving them as far in as possible, cutting the heads off with a hacksaw then trying to pull the bolts out by latching onto the threads with vice grips and other instruments of force, I think the originals might be there to stay. Info/offers anyone? Thanks,
Ian.

[This message has been edited by Ian (edited 04-08-2000). ]

 

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I have had two of the velvet ride kit on two differant Fords. I bought mine directly from BFG. corp. in Jacksonville, Florida. Cost was about $135 UPS to my dealership. It was a vast improvement to the ride of the
Ford 3/4 ton. I would recommend the product to anyone. It was first designed for ambulances then marketed to the general public. Have not tried it on my Dodge yet. If you need the direct 800# let me know and I will have my off/mgr pull the file. Good luck. Barry