The best air bag system... - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

au03z71 · 01-18-2009, 06:26 PM

I know I'll probably get mixed responses here, but who has the best experience with their bag system? I'm looking to put air ride on my truck when the time comes. Nothing radical, just a c-notch and bags out back, drop spindles and bags in the front, and on board air compressor, etc... How much drop would you expect from the c-notch and bags in the back? And also, is digital control the way to go? I found a company called Helix (sp) and they had a pretty well outfitted package. I have also heard that strong arms from air ride are great. Any response is well appreciated. Thanks!

AceX · 01-18-2009, 07:11 PM

I would look around and learn form the experiences that everyone else is having.

Alot of guys here use ART arms/kits, or the stock control arms, or modded stock arms. Results obviously vary depending on skill level of the installer and what not.

You're pretty safe going with Air Ride Tech, Thornbecke Brothers, and stuff from *****************

edflores · 01-18-2009, 08:03 PM

viair compressors, smc valves, contitech slam or dominator bags are all good. ***************** is a great place to buy from. ART is way too pricey. not worth it consider nathan is coming out with control arms soon

SCOTI · 01-18-2009, 11:48 PM

ART is great for the beginner. They offer complete packages that have the engineering portion figured out. Although their prices are higher initially, you just bolt the stuff in w/little fuss & off you go (a quick install is also a cost effective install).

SuicideDoors is for the guy that has experience w/air systems & wants to put his own kit together. They offer more & more C10 based products & are cost competitive. They're definitely gaining many of 'blue-collar' (younger) market strictly on a financial level over ART.....

Porterbuilt offers some innovative stuff. His parts are engineered to work as good as the OE design while offering geometry improvements & planting the frame rails if you so desire (or allowing for extra ground clearance @ dropped height).

I've shopped & use parts from all three. Porter gets the majority of my business as a result of his customer support.

ART's StrongArms are nice pieces..... but they are not $400 nicer than the alternatives.

**lolife99** · 01-19-2009, 12:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SCOTI

ART's StrongArms are nice pieces..... but they are not $400 nicer than the alternatives.

01-18-2009, 06:26 PM	#1
au03z71 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: alabama Posts: 647	The best air bag system... I know I'll probably get mixed responses here, but who has the best experience with their bag system? I'm looking to put air ride on my truck when the time comes. Nothing radical, just a c-notch and bags out back, drop spindles and bags in the front, and on board air compressor, etc... How much drop would you expect from the c-notch and bags in the back? And also, is digital control the way to go? I found a company called Helix (sp) and they had a pretty well outfitted package. I have also heard that strong arms from air ride are great. Any response is well appreciated. Thanks!

01-18-2009, 07:11 PM	#2
AceX >130dB Moderator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 2,130	Re: The best air bag system... I would look around and learn form the experiences that everyone else is having. Alot of guys here use ART arms/kits, or the stock control arms, or modded stock arms. Results obviously vary depending on skill level of the installer and what not. You're pretty safe going with Air Ride Tech, Thornbecke Brothers, and stuff from ***************** __________________ Living Life @ 130dB LED Tail Light Conversion; How-to Friend. Father. Brother. RIP El Jay ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CLICK HERE and for less than $0.07 a day, you too can help support and build a better forum.

01-18-2009, 08:03 PM	#3
edflores Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Riverside CA Posts: 860	Re: The best air bag system... viair compressors, smc valves, contitech slam or dominator bags are all good. ***************** is a great place to buy from. ART is way too pricey. not worth it consider nathan is coming out with control arms soon Last edited by edflores; 01-18-2009 at 08:07 PM.

01-18-2009, 11:48 PM	#4
SCOTI Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: DALLAS,TX Posts: 22,064	Re: The best air bag system... ART is great for the beginner. They offer complete packages that have the engineering portion figured out. Although their prices are higher initially, you just bolt the stuff in w/little fuss & off you go (a quick install is also a cost effective install). SuicideDoors is for the guy that has experience w/air systems & wants to put his own kit together. They offer more & more C10 based products & are cost competitive. They're definitely gaining many of 'blue-collar' (younger) market strictly on a financial level over ART..... Porterbuilt offers some innovative stuff. His parts are engineered to work as good as the OE design while offering geometry improvements & planting the frame rails if you so desire (or allowing for extra ground clearance @ dropped height). I've shopped & use parts from all three. Porter gets the majority of my business as a result of his customer support. ART's StrongArms are nice pieces..... but they are not $400 nicer than the alternatives. __________________ 67SWB-B.B.RetroRod 64SWB-Recycle 89CCDually-Driver/Tow Truck 99CCSWB Driver All Fleetsides @rattlecankustoms in IG Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive. It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar..... *Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol.*

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