Do you prefer air bags or coils
 

I am thinking of putting air ride suspension on my truck but still not sold on them. What are the pros and cons? I put this poll up to see what everyones thoughts are. Here is a couple of bad pictures of the truck. Has any raced there truck with it bagged? I have a big block in this and supercharched. It should run high 10's, but not sure how the air bags will handle this. Any thoughts? Thanks for your help.

Re: Do you prefer air bags or coils
 

Bag it. Why not have adjust-ability!

Re: Do you prefer air bags or coils
 

I have a truck magazine from sometime last year that discusses pros and cons of both hydraulics , coils and airbags.


The gist:

Coils have no adjustability (static drop) are cheap way to lower your vehicle but you can't go as low as bags and safely drive. The lower you go with coils, the stiffer your ride will be, which is not true with 'bags.

Airbags are adjustable so you can lift and lower the vehicle as you please but you will never attain the same ride height that your vehicle was aligned at which means your car will not be aligned properly ever again (but you can get it close if you drive at 'ride height' most of the time). Airbags are easier to install but slower to infate and deflate compared to hydraulics.

Hydraulics are pretty much the same story as airbags except they require welding, fabrication, fluid pumps and lots of batteries and they are more prone to breakage than airbags.

It's ultimately your call on what sounds best to you. I want adjustability without a lot of fabrication, so I'll probably be bagging my truck with some dropped spindles in front. I'm undecided as of yet.

If anyone notes anything I missed or wants to dispute any of those points, I'm all eyes.

Re: Do you prefer air bags or coils
 

If the air ride is installed correctly it will be able to handle what your truck will throw at it. check out www.ridetech.com or www.webrodder.com They have alot of info there.

Yes airbags are adjustable, and you can attain the same ride height that your vechicle was aligned at= Accu Air Control Systems. Many factory cars and SUV's come with air ride. They don't have problems aligning.

Alot of Airbag installs include welding. Airbags ride alot better then hydraulics.

Re: Do you prefer air bags or coils
 

I have already lowered mine (2.5/4.0), so it's a bit late at this part of the game for me. So, I prefer coils at this time. I haven't ridden on bags, short of the air-operated tag axle on the dump truck. What I'd really like, it to replace my rear coils, with the Air Lift rear spring system, that would let me air it out and get it level, yet still give me some load-carrying capability. That's my preference, but to each, his/her own.

Re: Do you prefer air bags or coils
 

BAGS! Remember, if you're worried if they can take the abuse... look at the suspension of every big rig you see... ALL BAGS! Adjustable, Smoother ride, and can still hack what you throw at it? Thats what im talking about... But remember, its easy to install but Dont cut corners, you may encounter some complications... (4 Valves for 4 Bags! Not 2)

Re: Do you prefer air bags or coils
 

Thanks. Keep the feedbacl cpming

Re: Do you prefer air bags or coils
 

Well, good topic to write about. I am in favor of bagging the truck with some minor body drop mods, and a notch for the rear suspension. If you have no intentions of using the truck for hauling then you should enjoy the adjustablity of an air ride truck. Just keep it clean and functional.

Re: Do you prefer air bags or coils
 

Air bags also help the hauling ability. If you drop a 1000lb in just pump it up and you have a level stance again.

If Bags were in my budget at the time my truck would have them in really quick. The only time there are problems is if they are a hack install and the lines are not tucked up and fastened properly.

Re: Do you prefer air bags or coils
 

Good topic.

I myself am pro-'bag, but I'd like to throw this out there.

I'm not sure what the law is where you are but here in Honolulu, we have a "safety check" system where they check your care if it has working lights, brakes, etc. They also check for ride adjustability which is a no-no here. We have to get one every year so that would mean I would need a "friend" or change out the bags once a year. (ok...flame suit on for being a wuss and obeying the laws)

I would personally be heavily involved in the installation of 'bags on my truck. I have seen expensive bag setups done by shops here without the owner being around. Sometimes little problems like air leaks etc happen and the owner has to bring it back to the shop for a fix. Look where all the lines go, have a good understanding of how the wiring was done etc etc. That way, you can fix it yourself and not be stuck in the middle of nowhere.

I think that's it.

Jay

Re: Do you prefer air bags or coils
 

My '71 is a toy, when completed it will probably only get driven 2-3,000 miles a year. For that kind of vehicle I want maximum fun and air bags are part of that equation imo. Bag it!

Re: Do you prefer air bags or coils
 

After riding in a bagged truck then hopping back in mine, i was sold on air ride. I just didnt know the extent of the work and thought involved with doing it the right way the first time. I am installing a step notch, kp- components 4 link and a drop cross member with strong arms up front. Over 3k in parts and tons of hours wrap up into it.

Re: Do you prefer air bags or coils
 

Was this based on ride quality, handling, adjustability, fun factor, etc.?

Re: Do you prefer air bags or coils
 

Watch me cause a fight....

coil springs are more reliable than airbags. Period.

Re: Do you prefer air bags or coils
 

I'll agree with you on that statement, but let's face it. If we wanted reliability, this board wouldn't exist. We'd all be driving Civics. I'm saving my pennies for a paintjob. After that's done, it's getting backhalfed and bagged. :metal:

Re: Do you prefer air bags or coils
 

If you are running bags in the front, how do you keep the front end aligned when it is constantly changing?

Re: Do you prefer air bags or coils
 

Only reason I thouched on the reliability is that I saw a guy get into a bind over airbags.

He had a great installation, the problem was, he hit a porcupine and one of the quills stuck in his bag and caused a leak. He was hundreds of miles from home when it happened.

I know it's a long shot though. Who hits a porcupine? I'm more worried about getting struck by lightning.

Re: Do you prefer air bags or coils
 

fun factor, adjustability and ride quality, havent hung it out on any turns yet :lol: . I agree the springs are more reliable, but they are boring to me. Not an insult to anyone running them, im just wanting more.

Re: Do you prefer air bags or coils
 

Good point, i was browsing one of the many truck magazines at the grocery store this past week. They had a full blown assult on air bags. The lingo, the how to's and the what if's.
Also they recomended taking an emergency kit full of misc air ride stuff with you. Now i doubt a road side air bag swap is gonna be easy, but what about duct tape? j/k a blown bag would be no fun.

Re: Do you prefer air bags or coils
 

True.... but bags are cheap enough that if that was a concern you could deflate & carry an extra in a 3x8" space ;) . Try doing that w/a coil or leaf spring :lol: .

I use both on my beater but only because that got the job done. My 74 is currently static dropped because even w/bags it wouldn't be any lower (my truck sits lower than N2TRUX'x 77 @ ride height & his is 4whl air-ride). I do plan to switch to 4whl air-ride on the 74 though because it is adjustable & I plan to use my 74 as a tow vehicle like my 68.

Re: Do you prefer air bags or coils
 

The way I understand it is, you find the sweet spot for ride quality/height. Get it aligned there, and set it back to that psi when driving. Should be very close...

Re: Do you prefer air bags or coils
 

Thanks for the input. It looks like bags is the way to go.

Re: Do you prefer air bags or coils
 

I just ordered my kit from Air Ride. I will let you know how it turns out.:bowtie:

Re: Do you prefer air bags or coils
 

My Brother bought the Air Ride Technologies Ride Pro E setup. He can set his "drive height" by programming it into the "Ride Pro E" control box. So if he has it set a certain way for a show, or has all the air out of it at the store, all he has to do is turn the ignition "on" and it will go back to that pre programmed "drive height". It is pretty cool. This way he can have the alignment done to his "ride height" and should have minimal problems.

I would like to eventually go to the same system, but for now I am just concerned with getting the body work finished up so I can paint it.

Mike

Re: Do you prefer air bags or coils
 

[QUOTE=big.mike]My Brother bought the Air Ride Technologies Ride Pro E setup. He can set his "drive height" by programming it into the "Ride Pro E" control box. So if he has it set a certain way for a show, or has all the air out of it at the store, all he has to do is turn the ignition "on" and it will go back to that pre programmed "drive height". It is pretty cool.

I ordered this with mine as well. I can't wait to get it all installed.

Re: Do you prefer air bags or coils
 

I guess i would have to say coils with a good air shock. The reason i say this and i only heard this from one person and hes got them on a 30s sedan is that if u are cruisin around they ride as nice as u can ask for but if u get on the highway and do 80,85 they shake and vibrate a little bit now wether they are out of adjustment or something i dont no but if u bag a 67-72 and want to drop it alot u will need to c-notch the frame but they are getting more popular everyday so they might be alright.

Re: Do you prefer air bags or coils
 

Both my rides are bagged with air ride technologies ride pro systems and they ride sweet.. I just run 1/4'' line no hopping BS... Ride in a truck with bags...and then decide..

Re: Do you prefer air bags or coils
 

Agreed.

Re: Do you prefer air bags or coils
 

What about handling in the corners. I know these are trucks.. but I'm a bit of a predictability freak and my sport bike days lend me to consistancy with speed and endurance. A spring is not affected by temp and elevation drops to the levels a rubber bag with air mix gas has. I'm old school and doing a static drop myself but inherently a spring/shock combo should be more reliable and predictable than an air shock combo with more of a variable for change and mal-adjustment throught operation, without operator adjustment. From my function over form perspective wouldn't you rather round the next bend than plant your bumper corner into the asphalt and induce an oversteer situation? This is just conjecture and possibly a lesson for me in light vehicle air bag technology but truly your pride and joy should perform at level above that of a Freightliner. Keep on truckin'

Re: Do you prefer air bags or coils
 

From what I have read and what the guys at Air Ride have told me is that this will handle better than it has before. I also have the big sway bars front and rear and the truck. They said that helps make a big difference. I will be doing a "c" notch in the frame and here is what I just ordered.

Web site for air ride. http://www.ridetech.com/productinfo/coolride.asp

Front kit is the CoolRide ARF 11800
Rear kit is the CoolRide ARR 21800

and for the tank and compressor kit I went with the RidePro e

ARC4700e BigRed 4 way system - same as above, only with 1 compressor, 1 tank, and 3/8" airline and fittings. Rise Time: approximately 2 seconds

Re: Do you prefer air bags or coils
 

I got the sway bars down and doin the c notch this weekend. We may have to see where this goes. I may be an air bag convert someday. Mine's a frame off and if i get the cash it'll stay apart until I get the cab refurbished but the chassis is gettin done and I wanna eat some asphalt with this truck ASAP and primer does not embarass me. I gotta figure out where these bags fit in between sport truck and titanium sparks until the fire dept is chasin ya.!!

Re: Do you prefer air bags or coils
 

I have spindles/coils & rear bags on my 68; spindles, coils & rear flip kit on my 74.

My 68 feels more stable through a fast sweeping turn & I can adjust the height when I decide to hook up my trailer. I can't do that w/my 74.... yet ;) .

Re: Do you prefer air bags or coils
 

Now keep in mind my kit was one of the first ones Air Ride sold for these trucks (7 years ago). At that time I went from Spring drop to 4 corner air bag with one valve front and back. It road great but the shocks they sent in the kit had alot to be desired to control re-bound. I put on a big front sway bar (the rear took 8months to get:confused: ) and with that it handled great. I was only running a warmed over 327, turbo 350 and 4.11 R&P.

I then decided to swap out the tranny for a built 700r4 and one thing led to another and before I knew it the truck was down beyond the frame off stage and has not seen the road (except on a trailer being moved twice to new houses) under its own power in 5+ years. This has given me alot of time to think and fab new items for the truck and as the new shop gets closer to being finished I have a few more changes to make and here they are.

1. Ride control pro system. Keeps your alignment at the same piont for driving even with temp and alt changes!

2. Strong arm kit for better suspention geometry and ball joint life.

3. Buy the best shocks you can find (compresion and re-bound adjustable control would be ideal)

4. For me a larger rear bag and mounted differently in the rear for more lift ( I currently can not change my tire with out a bit of Duel jack work)

5. Two tanks and compressors just for quicker air filling and less compressor running time ( hate the noise and may switch to and engine driven set up)

And now if you want real low on 20" then a few more items!

6. X-member 1.25" chanel for the front.

7. Step notch in the rear.

8. A two pivot rear panhard set up to allow for zero side to side shift during full travel.

9. Bump stops set just a 1/4" before the rocker grind off.

10. front fender trimming for 20-22" tire clearance.

11. New inner fenders to allow the tire to stuff with out kicking rocks into the under side of your hood.

12. New hood hindges to allow for steps 10&11.

13. Last thing double check everything you have done to make sure that nothing rubs or hangs down to allow for problems on the road.


Now with that said here is my truck in its current stage so you can see I almost know what I am talking about. It is a 71 with an old air ride two valve kit 1/4" line and single comp and tank. It has 3" belltec front spindles, small C-notch (I built this 7yrs ago), 2" body drop, 4" frame Z step behind the cab (so equal to about a 6.25" step notch with frame figured in). 335/35/17's in back on 11" wide rallys. Raised floor (sectioned the inside of the bed). 35gal SS fuel tank with in-tank pump behind the axel. 93 LT1 shifted 2" back twards the fire wall.

That is about it for now but will include all mentioned above items and a few unlisted items before it hits the road again with 20" front and 22" rears.

Kevin
Winters Ca.

PS. 255 & 275/60/R15 BFG Radial TA's 95% tread with once chrome ralleys $150

Re: Do you prefer air bags or coils
 

Rokcrln, does your truck roll when aired out or is it touching somewhere?

Re: Do you prefer air bags or coils
 

When it is 1/4" higher it will roll. At this piont it hits the top of the front fenders. This will soon be fixed!

Kevin

Re: Do you prefer air bags or coils
 

I work at a car wash, i see dumb asses /w/ their s10's so low they have barely 1/2 inch space from the frame to the ground. I've also see 3 car's bags POP! while mid may thru the carwash.....hahha, then again i also saw some guy that got stuck /w/ 1 wheel up. it was too espensive to replace a pump he had them remove all pumps. (so he said) his car was forever stuck in the "pushing pennies on the road" position. I dont like bags, i dont like hydrolics. just use some drop spend, coils and shocks.

Re: Do you prefer air bags or coils
 

Thanks Rokcrln. That is the kind of info I was looking for. Keep me posted as you get more done on yours.

Re: Do you prefer air bags or coils
 

No problem at all! Any more questions and I will do what I can to answer them. Mine will be tacking a few steps back before I can go forward some more. I will be cutting the frame off behind the cab and fabbin a new one that will allow for a bit more tuck and also one that is perfectly square and true. I think mine may have been off just a bit before I started and I am not real happy with it.

Kevin