Air ride suspension

markowwes wrote:
Bedlam; I scale in at 5,490Kg.(12,078 lb.) on the drivers with the camper and boat loaded. Total is 12,836 Kg.(28,239 lb.).

OK so I found a company in Eastern Canada that manufactures a system that bolts right into the spring hangers,

https://www.autoflexsuspensions.com/

Called one of their customers, he says it works just great on their 550. They also have it on some 250’s. About $3000.00 cheaper than Kelderman and a lot less work to install, also includes compressors and controls unlike Kelderman. Called up “Link” they have discontinued there system that looked pretty good.

I have the Autoflex installed on my F350 DRW. Autoflex makes two different systems, a trailing arm and a true 4 (or 5) link. The trailing arm version gives you the advantages of air ride, but since all the drive and braking torque goes through the arms you will get suspension rise on acceleration and squat on braking. I installed the kit myself, it is within the limits of a DYI if you have the space and tools. Mainly big wrenches - some nuts have to be tightened to 400 ft lbs and that requires a torque multiplying wrench. The system is cleverly designed to bolt on, and feed the loads into the Ford factory designed suspension connections.

It is the best modification I have done to any truck suspension. I run about 30 psi empty and while not Cadillac plush, the ride is much improved and the front suspension is now responsible for the harshest bumps. With the camper on, 95 psi for the same ride height, the ride is even better with the camper. Ride remains level, headlights aimed properly, etc.

The roll and sway were reduced with the air suspension (Autoflex recommends simply removing the anti roll bar) but I refit the large bars that I had (Helwig bigwig) which in my opinion improves the handling.

One difference you may find between the Kelderman and Autoflex is that the Autoflex is truly bolt on and reversible (the Kelderman requires cutting torches and grinders). But another is the Autoflex has only one airbag per side vs. two on the Kelderman (they use the same bags). On a 550 you may run out of capacity in one bag per side. I can put about 4000 lbs in my bed at 100 psi, the recommended max for the bags.

Both of these systems are true air ride, no springs and rolling lobe bags, while the Ram factory system - at least in the 1T trucks - is kind of a warmed over air bag assist.

PM me for more details.