Air Suspension Question

[jason999]

Hello,

I have searched this subject and found some pretty good information.

I have a 66 Fleetside C10. It has the rear axel (66 suspension) and front end (1981 suspension)from a 1981 GMC truck.

I have just ordered 18x8 wheels and new tires. They will be in soon and I will be looking at ride height next.

I was going to buy 2.5" drop spindles and replace the springs in the rear, but I have been reading about air suspension.

So, I am now considering adding 4 air bags with Schrader valves instead. This would allow me to be sure that the truck would end up level and it would allow me to add a compressor and tank later to make it easily adjustable.

-So, how much should a complete Schrader valve set up cost?

-How would the truck drive and handle compared to drop spindles in front and lower springs in the rear?

- How would the track bar work with this set up? What would I need to do with it, to make it correct?

- Would I need to do anything with the shocks?

- What parts would I need other than bags?

- Do the bags leak air over time and do they need any special maintenance?

- Are there any alignment issues? I know I would need an alignment after changing, but will the alignment hold the same as usual?

- How long should installation take?

- Any thought from people who have added air bags?

Thanks,
Jason

[LVPhotos]

Air lines and Schrader valves are cheap. You will want 2600s I prefer Firestone. I got the kit from Ride Tech for rear, came with cups that take two bolts to center bolt so they spin in stock location. Bags are under $100 a set.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00BEN2S70/ref=mp_s_...

[jason999]

Originally Posted by LVPhotos

Air lines and Schrader valves are cheap. You will want 2600s I prefer Firestone. I got the kit from Ride Tech for rear, came with cups that take two bolts to center bolt so they spin in stock location. Bags are under $100 a set.

Thanks

Was you suspension stock before this? How does it ride and handle now?

I searched air bags and Schrader valves c10. It seems like most of the information that I find is for other year c10's.....

I want be fabricating anything. I will be buying.

So you set it then align? How does that work out if you buy a compressor and tank? Im guessing that you only drive at a certain height? and that's where your alignment is set?

What about the rear track bar? What did you do about that??

[LVPhotos]

If you use Teflon tape and check for leaks beforehand then you limit air loss. Check like tires. Installation is up to your skill set and if you get a kit or fab your own cups or drill frame to clearance air elbows. Shocks are set for ride height as well alignment. If you find sweet spot set height then align. Bags have two studs on top and a threaded center hole on bottom.

[LVPhotos]

I would go with Ride Tech. You can get all parts or kits. Some stuff is found cheaper elsewhere but they have quality parts and will answer all technical questions. Get one of their catalogs. Lots of info. I ran the stock torsion bars with rear bags on Schraders for years. Nice ride. Still working on This front Porterbuilt setup to get back on road. Was woworking out of town for a bit then it got hot. Cooled down for a bit so now trans is in, now to fab transmission crossmember. Start with rear kit then front if on a budget like I was.
You can check my work on my build thread.