Air suspension diagrams

[Slammed67]

I've drawn up some air ride system diagrams for various types of valves/systems. I thought it'd be helpful to those that are new to air suspension systems. For those of you who have experience with air ride, look these over and let me know if there is anything I should add (or change).


2-position valves, 1 compressor, 1 tank, 2-way control

2-position valves, 2 compressors, 2 tanks, 4-way control

3-position valves, 1 compressor, 1 tank, 2-way control

3-position valves, 2 compressors, 2 tanks, 4-way control

ART valves, 1 compressor, 1 tank, 2-way control

ART valves, 2 compressors, 2 tanks, 4-way control


Here is how my system is currently set up with an engine driven compressor.......

3-position valves, 1 engine driven compressor, 2 tanks, 4-way control


FYI.....

2-position valve:


3-position valve:


ART valves:

[bagged91]

I noticed you are running a relay in your schematic. Why are you running one? I don't have one hooked up to my clutch and it works fine. Should I be running one????? I didn't think they pulled that much "juice" through them........

Thanks - Joe

[Slammed67]

It probably isn't necessary but I used to have an electric compressor hooked up to it, so I just swaped the wires when I installed the York. Yeah, I doubt the clutch draws much juice. I guess it can't hurt though.

Jason

[Izzy]

It all looks good to me.

[Seon]

I'd like to install air bags in my '58 Impala and already have bags that I bought a couple of years ago for another project. Technology has change since I've bought the bags. So it's the type of compressor, tank, switches and lines that I'll have to bone up on.

[GMC69]

Great pictures.

Now is it possible for someone to give advantages on each system, also a good place to find most of these components. I know that the air compressor ( engine mounted) can be found at a wrecker, and it is a York but cannot remember what model and what cars they were on.

Any more info would be greatly appreciated.

[bagged91]

The York compressor you want to look for is a 210 Model. They come in both a Right & Left suction. They are easily found on the mid/late 70's F@RDS,Mercs & Lincolns. They can also be found on late 70's Jeep Wagoneer's and other AMC vehicles. The advantage to running a York is they have an AWESOME recovery time, can run up to 300 PSI, built in oil sump and no draw on your OEM electrical system. You ca literally run air tools right off of your vehicle. They are also quieter that an electric compressor such as a Viiar or equivelant. The smaller the pulley you get, the faster the recovery time. Serpentine clutches are also readily available from www.onboardair.com as the OEM units mentioned above came in single & double groove V belts...

Disadvantages are that you do have to check the oil regularly & also drain the coalescing filter/H20 filter. You also have to have the motor running to fill up tank, which could REALLY suk if you throw a belt & don't have a replacement for it.

The ideal system IMO would be an engine driven compressor with a back up electric compressor. Also would be a good idea to put a schrader type air fill valve inline into the tank for extreme emergency repairs.

I have put almost 10K miles on my bagged & bodydropped 91' GMC since August 03 and I haven't had a lick of trouble with mine. And yes, I do drive it EVERY day. rain, sleet, snow, hail & freezing rain. So I can attest to the reliablity of them.

L8R - Joe