I would just like to see some more stuff as options. Obviously with more moving parts, there are bound to be more problems. Oh and even though it's not designed to ride better than springs, the air dump system we have on the 450s rides better than the springs on the 350.
Has anyone ever seen or used the Telma electronic brake? Awesome system and really helps in the whoa dept.
Yep, I just had to replace the air bags on my 96 Windstar that has a lowered floor for a wheel chair. They are aftermarket (air lift) bags installed by the conversion company. They lasted 11 years before the elements caused the rubber to deteriorate enough to start leaking air. My next lowered floor van will have springs!!!
Right! I had a Pontiac 6000 STE in 1984. It was an 83 model. Air pump, powered by a little electric motor, and it filled a resevoir like you say. When the car was heavily ladden with five fat butts, it couldn't overcome the load. The back end still sagged. So in my thoughts it would have to be a pto from the engine with a more serious pump than what that STE had. BTW, it's air bags went out twice in the second year I owned it, and not from overloads. It was just one person in the car. So, adios Pontiac. Personal experience with air ride suspensions leads me to believe that they are more problematic than what they are worth. I like the ride, hate the non-reliability factor.
You can't compare anything with GM products of the mid 80s. They couldn't get anything right during that period of time. My Town Car is 10 years old with 115,000 miles and the bags and pump have given me no problems. I was concerned about the cost before I bought the car several years ago and aftermarket air bags were around $70 each and it doesn't take long to replace them. The little electric air pump has never had a problem with pumping up the bags. You just have to remember to turn off the suspension before you jack it up or it sits on the ground when you lower it and it takes it a while to pump back up.
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2004 XLT Regular Cab, Short Bed, 4X4 with 5.4 and 3.73.
What do I-beams have to do with coil springs on the rear of a truck besides nothing??
Everything. To someone with analretinaloculitis.
Hey LxMan- Your Windstar. Did your conversion changeout the front springs to airbags? And if so, did it eliminate the ballbearing saddle at the top where the springs mount? I ask because my brother had a couple Windstars and that was a problematic area. He had to replace that "saddle" twice in each minivan.
Last edited by Jonas1022 : 01-22-2008 at 01:29 PM.
I have no problems with an air-ride type system, just as I have no problems with the idea of using coil springs in the rear..... so long as it works! I have no doubt that coil springs in the rear, so long it's done right, would easily handle the capabilities and usage of 100# of half ton owners out there(at least the owners who expect 1/2 ton capabilities out of their 1/2 ton truck). I have never owned a truck with coils over the rear axle, It does sound very different to me, but it's also exciting that someone out there is trying something different. Maybe Dodge will take the cake from Chevy on the "car like ride"(i've never cared for Chevy anyways, or the car like ride) I do like my leaf springs, but leaf with an air assist is the way I would go. As for all air...Didn't the Navigator come with air ride for a short time? It would jack it up two inches when put in 4wd and lower it down at high speeds....I know I was excited to hear about that too(definetly a great cool factor) Sorry For the long Post.
- Adam
Why argue about a Dodge anyways? I know I don't care if a Dodge succeeds or fails. Blue Oval ALL THE WAY!!!
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