Smoother Ride, Fuller Load With Beefed-Up Suspension

2005 - Volume #29, Issue #4, Page #29

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As pickup frames have gotten lighter, load capacity has dropped. A new add-on suspension booster from TLC Suspensions increases capacity and also promises a smoother ride under full load.
  "Our kit lets you add the benefit of coil and air springs to the original leaf springs," explains Jeff Mullican, TLC chief executive officer. "One kit fits all Ford, Chevy and Dodge 1/2-ton trucks. It adjusts easily to different frame widths and heights."
  TLC uses two 9-in. Goodyear Super-Cushion Air Springs, each capable of lifting 2,000 lbs., positioned on top of 5-in. coil springs. There's a lifetime warranty on springs and all metal parts with dealer installation. The 200-psi Reitschle Thomas air compressor comes with a two-year warranty.
  The entire package weighs about 130 lbs. It is expected to retail for close to $2,000. Initial sales will be limited to California as the company gears up production.
  "We are just now setting up dealers and so far everyone loves it," acknowledges Mullican. "You really have to ride a truck equipped with one to appreciate it."
  Mullican acknowledges that the system isn't cheap but he says the top-quality they were going for doesn't come cheap. Installation is designed to have no impact on truck warranty and the kit can be transferred to a new truck at trade-in.
  The bottom support is an I-beam that connects to existing U-bolts on the leaf springs. The upper member bolts to the frame through existing holes. The add-on springs ride freely between the two. This eliminates the stress under load that can tear apart rigidly mounted air springs.
  Pressure can be adjusted on-the-go with an in-cab switch that inflates or deflates pressure.
  In the works are kits for 3/4-ton and 1-ton trucks, as well as an adapter kit that will allow the air compressor to be used with an accessory airline. While initial offerings are for domestic trucks, the company is also working on a kit for imports.
  Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, TLC Suspensions, LLC, 11693 San Vicente Blvd. #150, Los Angeles, Calif. 90049 (ph 866 788-5273; email: tlcs3@tlcsuspensions.com).

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Smoother Ride, Fuller Load With Beefed-Up Suspension PICKUPS Miscellaneous 29-4-29 As pickup frames have gotten lighter, load capacity has dropped. A new add-on suspension booster from TLC Suspensions increases capacity and also promises a smoother ride under full load. "Our kit lets you add the benefit of coil and air springs to the original leaf springs," explains Jeff Mullican, TLC chief executive officer. "One kit fits all Ford, Chevy and Dodge 1/2-ton trucks. It adjusts easily to different frame widths and heights." TLC uses two 9-in. Goodyear Super-Cushion Air Springs, each capable of lifting 2,000 lbs., positioned on top of 5-in. coil springs. There's a lifetime warranty on springs and all metal parts with dealer installation. The 200-psi Reitschle Thomas air compressor comes with a two-year warranty. The entire package weighs about 130 lbs. It is expected to retail for close to $2,000. Initial sales will be limited to California as the company gears up production. "We are just now setting up dealers and so far everyone loves it," acknowledges Mullican. "You really have to ride a truck equipped with one to appreciate it." Mullican acknowledges that the system isn't cheap but he says the top-quality they were going for doesn't come cheap. Installation is designed to have no impact on truck warranty and the kit can be transferred to a new truck at trade-in. The bottom support is an I-beam that connects to existing U-bolts on the leaf springs. The upper member bolts to the frame through existing holes. The add-on springs ride freely between the two. This eliminates the stress under load that can tear apart rigidly mounted air springs. Pressure can be adjusted on-the-go with an in-cab switch that inflates or deflates pressure. In the works are kits for 3/4-ton and 1-ton trucks, as well as an adapter kit that will allow the air compressor to be used with an accessory airline. While initial offerings are for domestic trucks, the company is also working on a kit for imports. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, TLC Suspensions, LLC, 11693 San Vicente Blvd. #150, Los Angeles, Calif. 90049 (ph 866 788-5273; email: tlcs3@tlcsuspensions.com).

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