Air ride
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Joined: Feb 2010
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Air ride
Has anyone installed an air ride suspension on their truck. Thinking about doing so on a F350 SRW to help the ride. I have seen factory kits or could make my own like on a semi. Is there a air ride for front axles?
Dan
Dan
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2009
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I think a while back on Extreme 4X4 on Spike, they installed an air ride suspension kit on a diesel pickup, front & rear axles. IIRC was not that complicated to install but then again nothing looks that complicated on that show, HA HA HA
You might want to check their website to get the name of the kit.
You might want to check their website to get the name of the kit.
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 3,339
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From: Smithers, BC, Canada
You could look at these guys, but I think they are for drw 450s and up.
Air Ride suspension or air bag suspension for pickups and heavy trucks
Or these guys:
Truck Air Suspension Systems for American Pickups from Talon
If I had the money and they didn't loose ground clearence, I would do an air ride kit.
Air Ride suspension or air bag suspension for pickups and heavy trucks
Or these guys:
Truck Air Suspension Systems for American Pickups from Talon
If I had the money and they didn't loose ground clearence, I would do an air ride kit.
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,564
Likes: 11
From: Wayyy NoCal, USA
I haven't, but if I had the $$ to do it, I wouldn't hesitate.
Being on severe salary cut, I have been thinking about a much lower dollar compromise: Removing a leaf or two from the stock pack and installing the common add-on HD air bag kit from Firestone or AirLift. Removing a leaf will definitely make the spring softer for a better ride, but will limit load capacity - basically making it a 1/2 ton spring. A quick squirt of air in the overload air bag will get it back when needed.
Oh, my old 1-ton tow van was set up this way. I put 1/2 ton springs in it with airbags all around. It was fantastic! Rode like, well, like a 1/2 ton should when empty. But when I needed to load up (usually about 1500 lbs + travel trailer with 500 lb tongue weight) when going out to the desert, I would squirt 30 psi up front and 80 psi in the rear and she rose right back up to original ride height AND drove like a dream. I did use RS9000's in the rear because I though the adjustable damping was a great idea - but I would just go with Bilsteins next time.
Being on severe salary cut, I have been thinking about a much lower dollar compromise: Removing a leaf or two from the stock pack and installing the common add-on HD air bag kit from Firestone or AirLift. Removing a leaf will definitely make the spring softer for a better ride, but will limit load capacity - basically making it a 1/2 ton spring. A quick squirt of air in the overload air bag will get it back when needed.
Oh, my old 1-ton tow van was set up this way. I put 1/2 ton springs in it with airbags all around. It was fantastic! Rode like, well, like a 1/2 ton should when empty. But when I needed to load up (usually about 1500 lbs + travel trailer with 500 lb tongue weight) when going out to the desert, I would squirt 30 psi up front and 80 psi in the rear and she rose right back up to original ride height AND drove like a dream. I did use RS9000's in the rear because I though the adjustable damping was a great idea - but I would just go with Bilsteins next time.
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 3,524
Likes: 2
From: CA Bay Area
Air HELPER bags are pretty common on motorhomes build on truck chassis.
They come as an insert for front springs as well so there is a design for almost any application. Great help not only for additional load, but anti-sway as well. For more info go to RV.net forum and most likely ClassC or TV section.
They come as an insert for front springs as well so there is a design for almost any application. Great help not only for additional load, but anti-sway as well. For more info go to RV.net forum and most likely ClassC or TV section.
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 585
Likes: 4
You might want to wander around on this site:
Talon Performance Towing Suspension Kit - www.truckcomponentsonline.com
Prices look pretty decent if you can do the install yourself.
Talon Performance Towing Suspension Kit - www.truckcomponentsonline.com
Prices look pretty decent if you can do the install yourself.
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 3,524
Likes: 2
From: CA Bay Area
There must be good reason why Talon dropped $5000 off their price. 
I love air suspension on my bus conversion, but this one looks overcomplicated.
Still might be excellent option for somebody carrying different loads.
Just imagine no need for resetting mirrors when you hook up heavy trailer.
I love air suspension on my bus conversion, but this one looks overcomplicated.
Still might be excellent option for somebody carrying different loads.
Just imagine no need for resetting mirrors when you hook up heavy trailer.
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