Air ride suspension

[wwotr]

I'm new to this technology and need a few basic questions answered.
I've got a 72 GMC Short Fleet that has been lowered with CPP Spring/Shocks.
It is 5.5" in Front and 6" in the Rear.
Now that I've moved into the Palm Springs area, there are a TON of,
"Dips and Speed Bumps". Also the posted speed limits on (most) of the City Streets here is 50 Mph
My ride is unforgiving and bottoms out on the roads down here.
I'm wondering if an Air Ride System would give me a smoother, more responsive and
Forgiving Ride, (than my current set-up).

So my questions are:
1) Is it adjustable from inside the Cab?
Does it look like those Low Riders Cars that have a BIG BOX sitting on the Front Seat,
or is it a nicley tucked away switch?

2) Can you adjust the Front/Rear seperatly?

3) How do they install?

4) Does it go inside the Spring, do you still use shocks?

5)Where does the Compressor go?

6) Last but not lease, what are the prices for a nice dependable,
"Entry Level Kit"?

7) Who/How much is it to install them?

Any pictures of your Air Ride "set-up" along with some pictures of your Trucks stance would be appreciated also.

[tubbedII]

So my questions are:
1) Is it adjustable from inside the Cab?
Yes
Does it look like those Low Riders Cars that have a BIG BOX sitting on the Front Seat,
or is it a nicley tucked away switch?
This is all in the switches you purchase. You can get almost any type of switch and mount it however you wish. There are small/clean switch boxes too for easy install and can be hidden when not in use.

2) Can you adjust the Front/Rear seperatly?
This depends on the set-up. With 8 valves (2 for each wheel, 1 for up, 1 for down), you have full control over each wheel which IMO is the best set-up.

3) How do they install?
The fronts use a cup that sits in the lca and the top bolts to a plate that you bolt to the upper spring pocket. These 2 pieces are sold in kits by vendors on the board. The rears can be bolted into the stock spring (I'm pretty sure you have trailing arms by your description)

4) Does it go inside the Spring, do you still use shocks?
The air bags replace the springs entirely. Shocks are also still used and recommended.

5)Where does the Compressor go?
Where ever you can find room, but most mount to the rear of the frame under the bed.

6) Last but not lease, what are the prices for a nice dependable,
"Entry Level Kit"?
In-between 1K-2K depending on what you get.

7) Who/How much is it to install them?
Labor is $$$$$...never priced it, but I can't see it being worth the money with a "Entry Level" system


Air suspension may not be what you need. I don't know what shocks come with the CPP kit, but maybe just some better shocks and a bolt-in c-notch in the rear will make your ride much more pleasant. I take it that the rear is what is bottoming out, and with a 6" drop, a c-notch is recommended. Also, does the rear shocks have the relocators?

[wwotr]

Originally Posted by tubbedII

So my questions are:
1) Is it adjustable from inside the Cab?
Yes
Does it look like those Low Riders Cars that have a BIG BOX sitting on the Front Seat,
or is it a nicley tucked away switch?
This is all in the switches you purchase. You can get almost any type of switch and mount it however you wish. There are small/clean switch boxes too for easy install and can be hidden when not in use.

2) Can you adjust the Front/Rear seperatly?
This depends on the set-up. With 8 valves (2 for each wheel, 1 for up, 1 for down), you have full control over each wheel which IMO is the best set-up.

3) How do they install?
The fronts use a cup that sits in the lca and the top bolts to a plate that you bolt to the upper spring pocket. These 2 pieces are sold in kits by vendors on the board. The rears can be bolted into the stock spring (I'm pretty sure you have trailing arms by your description)

4) Does it go inside the Spring, do you still use shocks?
The air bags replace the springs entirely. Shocks are also still used and recommended.

5)Where does the Compressor go?
Where ever you can find room, but most mount to the rear of the frame under the bed.

6) Last but not lease, what are the prices for a nice dependable,
"Entry Level Kit"?
In-between 1K-2K depending on what you get.

7) Who/How much is it to install them?
Labor is $$$$$...never priced it, but I can't see it being worth the money with a "Entry Level" system


Air suspension may not be what you need. I don't know what shocks come with the CPP kit, but maybe just some better shocks and a bolt-in c-notch in the rear will make your ride much more pleasant. I take it that the rear is what is bottoming out, and with a 6" drop, a c-notch is recommended. Also, does the rear shocks have the relocators?

No relocators on the shocks.
No it is the Front that is bottoming out. I have about 2 1/2" of clearance from the bottom of the A-arm to the Ground and about the same on my Flex Plate Cover. I was looking for a set-up that there is 1 switch for the Front (up/down) and 1 switch for the back (up/down). The ride now is MUCH better than when I got it. The PO just cut the springs. I guess I'm looking for something that I can adjust the ride heigth, because going through an intersection at 50 MPH, and theres a "Dip" for Flood Control, it'll bottom out in Front everytime. I can't be "Slowing Down" before I hit them because drivers down here , crawl up your a$$, and I'l be rearended in no time.
I'm looking to not pay over $1500.00 for the Kit and installation.
I cannot do it myself. 4 seperate shoulder surgeries, have rendered me usless.

[Andy4639]

First thing I would do is buy new springs. Then c notch the rear. If the PO heated the springs then they are shot. Replace them and get shock relocators. You will improve the ride much.

[lolife99]

You will be doing good to get a "kit" installed for $1500.
You NEED a seperate control for each bag.
This keeps the air from transferring "side to side" when you go around corners.
You also need the rear shock relocators to make the shocks actually work.
(They stand the shocks up more vertically)

Since you won't be doing the install yourself,... I would search suspension shops in your area and get a few bids.
Alot of people can piece a kit together (and install it themselves) for under $1500.
Starting at the top of the "air ride ladder",... I would look at products from Accuair, RideTech, and SuicideDoors.
My air bag choice would be Slam Specialties,... and then Air Lift Dominators.

You might be better off just installing front air bags to deal with your road issues.

Read alot,... and inform yourself of all your options.

Also call on a few board Vendors.
Porterbuilt Street Rods
Scotts Hot Rods
AVS
RideTech

[wwotr]

Originally Posted by lolife99

You will be doing good to get a "kit" installed for $1500.
You NEED a seperate control for each bag.
This keeps the air from transferring "side to side" when you go around corners.
You also need the rear shock relocators to make the shocks actually work.
(They stand the shocks up more vertically)

Since you won't be doing the install yourself,... I would search suspension shops in your area and get a few bids.
Alot of people can piece a kit together (and install it themselves) for under $1500.
Starting at the top of the "air ride ladder",... I would look at products from Accuair, RideTech, and SuicideDoors.
My air bag choice would be Slam Specialties,... and then Air Lift Dominators.

You might be better off just installing front air bags to deal with your road issues.

Read alot,... and inform yourself of all your options.

Also call on a few board Vendors.
Porterbuilt Street Rods
Scotts Hot Rods
AVS
RideTech

Thanks Keith.
I'm in touch with Craig at Air Ride. They have a kit for $1900.00, and then (if I understand correctly) another $1500.00 for install.
A total of $3300.00 for Air ride sounds like a lot, but I'd rather do it right the 1st time then to have to do it over again.

So how would "Air Ride Susspension" help in getting me MORE clearance between the bottom of my A-arm and the Ground (the PO put 2 1/2" Front Spindles on it), so is THAT whats getting my A-arms so close to the Ground?
Would I be better off, to put the Standard Spindles back on and THEN doing the Air Ride?

Still trying to get informed).

[lolife99]

The design of these trucks is the problem.
The lower a-arms are the closest thing to the ground.
The front air bag will replace your coil springs.
You will align the front at a desired ride height/air pressure.
This is the pressure you will drive your truck.
If you like the looks of your truck now,... I would keep the drop spindles.

You will only air up when you need to miss the driveway dips and speed bumps.
You can remove the spindles,... but you'll be back to driving at close to stock height.

[wwotr]

Originally Posted by lolife99

The design of these trucks is the problem.
The lower a-arms are the closest thing to the ground.
The front air bag will replace your coil springs.
You will align the front at a desired ride height/air pressure.
This is the pressure you will drive your truck.
If you like the looks of your truck now,... I would keep the drop spindles.

You will only air up when you need to miss the driveway dips and speed bumps.
You can remove the spindles,... but you'll be back to driving at close to stock height.

Well with that being said, I would definatly keep the lowered Front spindles, as I LOVE the stance of my Truck the way it is.

[oldblue1968chevy]

I like the stance too! What is it lol

Nice truck btw man!

[wwotr]

Originally Posted by oldblue1968chevy

I like the stance too! What is it lol

Nice truck btw man!

Its lowered with a set of CPP Springs and Nitrogen Shocks and a 2" lowering block in the rear.
Final drop is 5.5" in Front and 6" in the rear.

[wwotr]

Stopped by a Shop today in Palm Desert that specializes in Hot Rods/Muscle Cars/Restoration/Suspension.
Talked with him about 45 Min. He explained to me, that he's put on BOTH the Air Ride Suspensions and the "Air Bags". He say's he's already replaced about 5 sets of the Air Ride Style Shocks, because their "Travel" is only about 5", compared to the Air Bags 8" of Travel.
We decided to just go with Bags in the Front, and set it up for Rear Bags at a later date.
Its the Front A-Arms/Flywheel Cover that are giving me the problems and not so much the Rear. He'll be working up some prices and calling me back next week.
I think I've found myself a GREAT SHOP!

[lolife99]

Originally Posted by wwotr

Stopped by a Shop today in Palm Desert that specializes in Hot Rods/Muscle Cars/Restoration/Suspension.
Talked with him about 45 Min. He explained to me, that he's put on BOTH the Air Ride Suspensions and the "Air Bags". He say's he's already replaced about 5 sets of the Air Ride Style Shocks, because their "Travel" is only about 5", compared to the Air Bags 8" of Travel.
We decided to just go with Bags in the Front, and set it up for Rear Bags at a later date.
Its the Front A-Arms/Flywheel Cover that are giving me the problems and not so much the Rear. He'll be working up some prices and calling me back next week.
I think I've found myself a GREAT SHOP!

I'm not sure what you are talking about?

Are you talking about brands?
AirRideTechnologies (now called RideTech),... and AirBagIt.com

If you are dealing with AirBagit.com,.... RUN!
They have a terrible track record.
They are cheaper,... which means more profit for the installer.

[wwotr]

Originally Posted by lolife99

I'm not sure what you are talking about?

Are you talking about brands?
AirRideTechnologies (now called RideTech),... and AirBagIt.com

If you are dealing with AirBagit.com,.... RUN!
They have a terrible track record.
They are cheaper,... which means more profit for the installer.

No.
I'm talking about "Styles" of Air Suspension.
There are "Bags" and then there are the "Shock Looking type.

[heeroyue2002]

u mean the air struts?

[lolife99]

I think he means,... a RideTech brand, ShockWave style suspension.
(bag and shock in one assembly)

These aren't necessary,... since your shocks are external to the springs.
(mounted on the back side of the a-arms)

[wwotr]

Originally Posted by lolife99

I think he means,... a RideTech brand, ShockWave style suspension.
(bag and shock in one assembly)

These aren't necessary,... since your shocks are external to the springs.
(mounted on the back side of the a-arms)

Yes lowlife that is correct.
I don't want to slam my Truck to the ground.
I just want to get around town without bottoming out on every,
Dip, Speed Bump in town.
f I could get away with the stance the way it is (and not have clearance issues), we wouldn't even be havibg this Thread.
;0)

[lolife99]

Originally Posted by wwotr

Yes lowlife that is correct.
I don't want to slam my Truck to the ground.
I just want to get around town without bottoming out on every,
Dip, Speed Bump in town.
f I could get away with the stance the way it is (and not have clearance issues), we wouldn't even be havibg this Thread.
;0)

That's where the Porterbuilt Dropmember comes in.
Give Nate a call and he will give you the ground clearance you want.

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by wwotr

Yes lowlife that is correct.
I don't want to slam my Truck to the ground.
I just want to get around town without bottoming out on every,
Dip, Speed Bump in town.
f I could get away with the stance the way it is (and not have clearance issues), we wouldn't even be havibg this Thread.
;0)

Sounds to me like your issue is clearance @ your desired ride height. Bags will only help this if you raise it up higher than the current stance (that & they will likely offer a better ride quality vs. drop springs).

The options are A) raise the truck up; or B) raise the suspension mounting points for additional clearance.

[wwotr]

Well I actually got out and drove my Truck today.
I think it was ME being OCD, more than it was any Scraping/Bottoming Out.
When I took it into my "new" Mechanic, he said it really didn't need Air Bags.
He said if we moved the Exhaust (paraphrasing here), up into the Frame, where it attaches by the Headers, that there would be no scraping.
So I thought about it and he's right.
If I stuff that exhaust up there, I would gain an extra 4"-5"!!!

It wasn't so much the A-arms Hitting/Scraping as it was the Collectors/Pipes,
Just saved me a TON of Dough, that I can now put into Paint!

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by wwotr

Well I actually got out and drove my Truck today.
I think it was ME being OCD, more than it was any Scraping/Bottoming Out.
When I took it into my "new" Mechanic, he said it really didn't need Air Bags.
He said if we moved the Exhaust (paraphrasing here), up into the Frame, where it attaches by the Headers, that there would be no scraping.
So I thought about it and he's right.
If I stuff that exhaust up there, I would gain an extra 4"-5"!!!

It wasn't so much the A-arms Hitting/Scraping as it was the Collectors/Pipes,
Just saved me a TON of Dough, that I can now put into Paint!

Get a pic of where the collectors are vs. the frame rail. You could also switch to 3/4 length Chevelle headers as the angle of the collectors on them keeps things between the top & bottom lips of the frame rail.

[big c10]