TheMrAMack

Hello guys!

So I have been thinking about installing an air ride suspension on my truck. The leaf springs are wore out,(the front have no arch, and the rear are sagging due to years of towing and hauling) and I kind of like the idea of an air ride, as I could control my ride for comfort, or for heavy hauling and towing. Should I just go with replacement leaf springs? There is a chance Big Red will be my daily driver shortly, so I need it to be comfortable, yet rugged enough to haul some pretty heavy weight.


Thanks!
Andrew

Ikes91

I have a older Klederman single bag rear air ride on my 92, it really smooths out the rough stuff. Kelderman makes front and air rides, but they are wicked spendy when new. A good set of softer riding front springs like Alcans, and a rear air ride would really help out in the ride department and have the ability to tow/haul heavy.

TheMrAMack

Yeah I looked on Keldermans website. A rear suspension kit is well over 1000 dollars. Thats a little to pricey for me. Ill keep looking around. Would it be cheaper just to go with leaf springs?

Ikes91

Yup. And then you can go to a used Kelderman unit later. I got about $375total in the unit I bought used, $200 for the structure, $125 for a new air bag, and $50 in hardware and shackle bushings. But new, quality springs are not cheap either.

TheMrAMack

Ill keep looking around. What about the air " helper" spring kits sold by places like Summit racing? Would they help or hurt the ride?

Ikes91

I don't know how they could help the ride as they go on top or beside the original spring pack. They might help with a heavy load, so the truck won't squat as bad in the back...

AirLiftCompany

While not hauling any load helper springs can help and sometimes hurt the ride quality. By definition it will stiffen the rear suspension some. If your current springs are that shot and bouncy some stiffness may become a relief.

I have seen both opinions, where some say it improved, others saying it is harsher. Most people don't seem to notice it. When you are not loaded you still need to maintain 5psi in the bags, which keeps the bag from deforming or moving from its mounts.

One thing I've never heard though is that it makes the ride worse while towing. Quite the opposite in fact, many love the new ride while towing or hauling a load.

Just for reference, the kit we offer for your vehicle is 57215. I'm basing that off the assumption that this would be for your 93, and it is a W-250 or 350.

TheMrAMack

Thank you for the information. I will definitely check your product out!