leaf to air spring conversion

[Doc Weaver]

I have been doing a bit of investigation on the possibility of converting to some type of air ride. I have looked online at the Hendrickson, Tuthill as well as the American Carrier Engineering hybrid system. Anybody got experience with this.......okay....anybody got an opinion on this?

Doc Weaver

[Big Mike]

Doc Check with local truck salvage thay could install a long bag freightliner suspension. the long bag is a smooth ride & very eazy to maintain should be able to buy used at a good price

[Radman]

Doc,
Here is something I am considering for our truck. I am more interested in reducing the sway and improving the ride quality which is actually pretty good to begin with.

I would be interested in your thoughts as well as others regarding this product.

Thanks,

Rad

[Doc Weaver]

Big Mike, I hadn't thought about the salvage thing. Thanks for idea. I am supposed to get pricing for two of the units today (new).

Radman, the local suspension shop described the two units as such:
1) hybrid air ride conversion = cheaper, uses stock springs and replaces rear shackles with air bags. much less labor equals cheaper. He says the ride will be comparable to a pickup truck.

2)Full air bag conversion = more money, replaces rear suspension completely. Much more labor intensive and even fabrication. He says the setup is key, and if set up correctly, it will ride like a car. This choice also equalizes front/back and left/right.

The problem with my truck is that the load is not enough to depress the leaf springs in the rear. I had it loaded down once before conversion, and it rode fine. I wondered about removing a leaf or two out of the springs to re-engage the rear suspension.

Keep 'em coming
Doc Weaver

[Radman]

Doc,
The link I tried to post didn’t make it last time. Probably because I forgot...but that’s another story.

http://www.donvel.com/steeraxle.htm

Considering your last post this may not work with your current leaf spring set up but perhaps a solution to controlling the motion if you remove a leaf and add the air bags up front.

Just a thought. These guys seem to be pretty knowledgeable and may be a good source of additional information on the topic.

Rad