Hendricson Airtek front informaton?

Get it, you will enjoy it. Sure, it will feel different and probably sway a little more, but once you adapt you won't notice. Your tire life will also greatly increase too.

 

Spring suspension is old and outdated, as are drum brakes. Get with the times.

 

I've used airtech for almost ten(model) years. Early ones with only one leveling valve were a pain for ride height. Drivers loved them,took the road shock out of the front. No alignment problems,even if you lose an airbag you can drive it in. Have disc's on the 2011,12,13's and only had to replace one set of pads. If the dealer works it right there is no additional cost for them.(KW & FL) Trailers are still up around 2k extra but still worth it. Run them in the mountains(T&T)and you won't ever go back. Get DOT'd and they roll under the truck and right back out,nothing to measure.

 

I've got news for you. Disc brakes are standard equipment, it is a requirement for all 2012 trucks. There are no more drum brakes. Disc brakes will outlast drum brakes. The stopping distance is remarkable. Look on youtube for Bendix disc air brakes. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v57K1WW41K8

There is the video. The distance it saves WILL SAVE you an accident, life, limb or injury one day, maybe even your job. The first test it saves 65 feet compared to drum brakes, that's almost the length of a tractor trailer combo. Watch the video further. You will change your mind about disc brakes, I'm serious. Watch the video and then tell me what you think of disc brakes and that they "don't stop that much" better.

Don't forget! The difference when drum and disc brakes heat up, which stops better? Which stops at all?

 

I got my 07 Century with an Airtek.

Your kingpin is an actual part of the axle. If they go bad, it's an additional $1500 to the repair. You have to replace the complete axle, not just the kingpin and bushings. Kingpin bushings just cost me $1000 to have repaired. I scrubbed off a set of steers in no time with bad bushings. Those were another $980.


Airride fronts sway a lot more. I almost wish there were an anti-sway bar on the front like on cars/pickups. You will notice in a heavy cross wind it feels like you are leaning. You can see it in the mirror on the truck to trailer line.

 

Do you have dual leveling valves? Single valves were bad for that.

 

Just a single. May look at putting a second on