Abstract: An air ride suspension assembly or kit is provided for converting a leaf spring suspension arrangement on a motor vehicle having a solid rear axle to one supported by an air ride suspension assembly is disclosed in order to leverage the benefits of such air ride suspension systems to the conversion suspension assembly is disclosed. A leaf spring is removed and replaced with an upper support arm which is secured to the pre-existing leaf spring attachment sites on the chassis. A mount is then attached to the rear solid axle to which multiple connections are made from the upper support arm including an air bladder. The air ride conversion system can be supplied as a kit for installation by owners of vehicles where they routinely move heavy loads directly with the vehicle or by towing.

Abstract: An air ride suspension assembly or kit useful when converting a leaf spring suspension arrangement on a motor vehicle having a solid rear axle to one supported by the conversion suspension assembly is disclosed. The two sets of leaf springs which are attached to both sides of the vehicle chassis and the axle are removed and replaced by first and second upper support arms which are secured to the pre-existing leaf spring attachment sites on the chassis. The leading end of first and second lower trailing arms are each pivotally connected to a corresponding upper support arm proximate the front end of each support arm, and in the intermediate section of each trailing arm, are attached to the underlying axle by pivot connection means which permits the axle to pivot at right angles to the trailing arms. First and second inflatable air bladders are disposed between each support arm and trailing arm combination at a location rearward of the pivot connection means.

Abstract: An air ride suspension assembly or kit useful when converting a leaf spring suspension arrangement on a motor vehicle having a solid rear axle to one supported by the conversion suspension assembly is disclosed. The two sets of leaf springs which are attached to both sides of the vehicle chassis and the axle are removed and replaced by first and second upper support arms which are secured to the pre-existing leaf spring attachment sites on the chassis. The leading end of first and second lower trailing arms are each pivotally connected to a corresponding upper support arm proximate the front end of each support arm, and in the intermediate section of each trailing arm, are attached to the underlying axle by pivot connection means which permits the axle to pivot at right angles to the trailing arms. First and second inflatable air bladders are disposed between each support arm and trailing arm combination at a location rearward of the pivot connection means.

Abstract: A kit for providing an air suspension as a retrofit to an existing trailer using a leaf spring suspension makes use of hanging brackets, support arms and air bladders connected to a control system that determines whether the bladders require inflation or deflation to level the bed of the trailer.