I've asked about this before, but the idea kept getting pushed to the side. I think I am serious about it now and would like know if anybody has air bags on their cars? I would like to build the kit myself, rather than buying a prebuilt kit. I'm not after anything with fancy controls. Just front up/down and rear up/down. My questions are: Can someone give me the order in how it works? I know you hit the switch and the car goes down, or the car raises up, but what happens between there. For example, you hit the switch, the switch tells the what to do what? I'm just trying to get a better understanding of how all of the parts work together. Any informative links would be appreciated as well. Where did you get yours at? What size fitting for air lines, what size air lines, and how do I determine what size I need? Solenoids? What size compressor?
Brian there is tons of info on the net about air ride suspensions. Just google it and you"ll see. Opinions will vary on whats the best way to go, building your own, or buying a kit. The most important thing to remember is to make sure its safe and well thought out. Just like a conventional suspension, the air ride set-up does more than go up and down, its a major part of your car and your steering and stopping. Cornering does play a big part with air ride and is why its good to have seperate controls for each bag, it helps control air transfer and body lean. There are several bagged cars on here that our done or close to being done, I'm sure they'll chime in.
I found this one, but it doesn't have much info about it. It also has no mention of shocks. I know the front shocks will have to be relocated outside the springs(since the front bags will go there), but will the stock length shocks work? http://www.streetbeatcustoms.com/Ai...nsion-Kits/Premium-Air-Suspension-Kit/582028/
Here ya go http://www.ridetech.com/store/suspension-systems/vehicle-packages/1966-70-buick-riviera-level-1.html heres some info for you http://www.ridetech.com/info/air-suspension-overview/
Well, scratch that idea completely. These guys want me to chop up the frame. Not happening. http://www.streetsource.com/forum/1...ompletely-bolt-in-kit-for-GM-Xframe-cars.html
http://www.ridetech.com/store/suspension-systems/?subcats=Y&features_hash=V32 here is another option for you... they make a great quality product and it looks like there would be no frame mods required with the shock wave. I would avoid AIM products... I have had a lot of issues with thier stuff in the past as well as others I know. They are cheaper for a reason. I have bagged quite a few different cars / trucks and will be bagging my 72 riviera this summer. If you have any questions ask and I will do what I can to help.
I think you have to open up the front spring pocket on the ride tech system to prevent the bag from being torn.
I'm hoping to find something similar to the Impala setup, which has sleeves that go inside the spring pockets, and the bag sits underneath. http://www.ridetech.com/store/suspe...-packages/1965-1970-chevy-impala-level-1.html
The next info I am looking for is, what size air lines do I need? I see there's 3/8 and 1/2in. And, how do I determine what size I need? Will this be based on the bags I choose? Edit: Found the Air Ride Technologies Cool Ride kits. Completely bolt-on, with the exception of having to weld on a bracket to relocate the shocks. Part numbers are: Front: ARF-11900 Rear: ARR-21900
What size air lines depends on how fast you want it to lift and drop.... 3/8 will lift slower then 1/2", although most people that just want it to go up and down for looks / driveability (myself included) find 1/2" to be too fast. especially on the drop, it makes it tough to lower the car a little at a time without it just slamming to the ground. If you want the fast lift of 1/2" and slow down you can either run a flow control on the dump valve to allow you to adjust the down speed of the car. This can take a bit of tweaking to get both sides to drop at the same speed though. Another option would be to simply run a length of smaller air line off your dump valve to add some restriction. There is more to determining the air line size as well, like the size of valves you will be using. It would be pointless to use 1/2" lines off a 1/4" valve. The same applies to your bags, If they only have a 1/4" inlet then no sense using the 1/2" lines. Generally I would say you will be happy with 3/8" lines though.
Thanks for the info. Yeah, I don't want the car to just plop to the ground. I'd rather it go down slowly. Maybe I just need to actually look at a bag up close, but is air line size determined by the size of line the bag is made for? Or, is the bag threaded, and you can use different sized fittings in the bag to determine which size air line you want to run? I guess, basically what I am asking is, if I want to go with 3/8" then I should order everything in 3/8" correct?
yes most bags will have a 1/2 NPT fitting. You can use any size line you want ,you just buy fittings accordingly. If you buy as a kit it will likely come with most needed fittings. Keep in mind you will be dealing with 2 different methods of measuring fitting sizes. The threaded end will be NPT sizes the air line is not. With the air line the dimensions are the O/D of the line. There are a couple different fitting types as well. There is a compression fitting.... these have an insert that squeezes the air line as you tighten the fitting The other type is a PTC fitting (push to connect) this type of fitting you simply just push the air line into the fitting. There are "fingers" in the fitting that hold onto the air line. With this type of fitting making a clean square cut will help to ensure no leaks. There are a lot of cheap fittings available.... pay attention to what you get. Stick with DOT aproved fittings and you should have years of no issues. I use compression fittings in my car. I have had bags on it for about 6 yrs and have never had a failure of any type. Just take your time and be sure that your bags have plenty of clearance through thier full range of motion and that your lines are protected... especially any where there is a risk of abrasion. Test all your connections with a soap / water mixture to ensure there are no leaks.
Any update on this? I'm thinking of putting together a setup for the Electra and was wondering how it turned out for those who already run air suspension.
So... definitely look into local laws, before you add bags. Here in Utah, adding air bags counts as "altered suspension", which is illegal. If you're white, they'll write you a ticket, or look the other way. If you're brown, they'll drag you out of the car and handcuff you in front of your children, and impound the car. God Bless America...
Utah has those kind of laws because the mormons get confused easily. I know since one of them is running for Pres because he thought it would be less complicated than being our Governor here in Mass. Most states allow lowered/raised suspension as long as the bumper/headlights remain within a certain distance from the ground. I'm not looking for lowering anyway. Just a way to control the ride firmness on the fly. Soft for around town, firm for highway speeds to reduce sway, and firm rear with soft front for towing.
