Air Bag Install ??? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

muckyp · 08-12-2011, 12:50 AM

So I started installing some bags today and ran into some questions. When putting the bags on the rear, I was attempting to do it like MrShelley did in this link
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=129463
The question is, my bags have two mounting holes on the bottom, so do I just use one of the mounting holes or are there some bags that have a single centered hole? Also does it look these bags are large enough for the rear? In the pic, the truck is resting at the normal spring height.

SCOTI · 08-12-2011, 01:14 AM

Some of the older Firestones had 2 studs on top & bottom.

The method I've used was to clock/rotate the bag so that 1 stud was on each 'half' of the truck arm. You want them centered or as close to the center-line of the truck arm as possible while still being able to get a wrench on the hardware.

muckyp · 08-12-2011, 12:59 PM

So do I need to make some kind of extensions for the rear bags or will the bags air up enough to take up the space?
Posted via Mobile Device

SCOTI · 08-12-2011, 01:33 PM

I'm not sure what you mean by the 'extensions' you described (or how you were thinking of utilizing them). I assume you're describing the extensions as mounting brackets?

I have a set of mock-up arms I can take pics of later tonight to show specifics and/or options when mounting the 2 stud bags.

muckyp · 08-12-2011, 02:19 PM

Thanks for your replies and sorry my terminology is lacking. I guess what I am curious about is the height difference between the bags and the two inch lowering springs that were on it. I took the rear passenger side spring out and left the rear drivers side spring in while I was attempting to install the passenger side bag. The height difference in the bag and the spring concerned me. It just doesn't seem like the bags will inflate enough to bring the ride height back up to somewhat normal.

SCOTI · 08-12-2011, 02:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by muckyp

Thanks for your replies and sorry my terminology is lacking. I guess what I am curious about is the height difference between the bags and the two inch lowering springs that were on it. I took the rear passenger side spring out and left the rear drivers side spring in while I was attempting to install the passenger side bag. The height difference in the bag and the spring concerned me. It just doesn't seem like the bags will inflate enough to bring the ride height back up to somewhat normal.

Ok, we're on the same page now.

Bags installed w/o the 'brackets' will yield more drop. The small rear bags (RE-6's/2500# bags) have a 5.5-6.5" installed height. Rear coils are typically almost 10" tall so whatever amount of drop the coils have will be the difference between (3" drop coils = 7" ride height installed or .5-1.5" of height difference when switching to bags).

What's the installed height on the currently installed drop spring? (you want the weight of the truck on the suspension)

jimmydean · 08-12-2011, 05:32 PM

My '69 had RE6's in the rear with a small cup (2") and no c-notch. The cup allowed me to not hit the axle into the frame. So with these pictures, imagine the rear about 2" lower and you will get an idea.

Dump:

Lift:

The front is the standard plate/cup with RE7 bags and 2.5" drop spindles.

muckyp · 08-12-2011, 07:21 PM

T
Posted via Mobile Device

muckyp · 08-13-2011, 02:06 PM

So are the "brackets" something I can purchase or do I need to make them myself. Either way, does anyone have a pic of an example of what they might look like.

SCOTI · 08-13-2011, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by muckyp

So are the "brackets" something I can purchase or do I need to make them myself. Either way, does anyone have a pic of an example of what they might look like.

It depends on what drop you're trying to achieve. PM sent.

SCOTI · 08-13-2011, 10:04 PM

Here are examples of the mounting 'hats' we discussed. That is also the same bag you're using & is mounted to the truck-arm 'clocked' to center the holes.

SCOTI · 08-13-2011, 10:09 PM

And the latest ones I built for my 64's chassis. Gives you a good idea on the 'hat' height vs. the 90° air fitting....

Slammed50 · 08-13-2011, 11:34 PM

Those slam specialties bags are nice, I have them on my '50 Chevy, rides great. Quality air ride sells a build-your-own bag cup kit with two bag plates and the tube to cut it to fit what ever size you need.
Posted via Mobile Device

jimmydean · 08-14-2011, 12:01 PM

Mine looked exactly like the first ones and worked awesome. Made for a quick install and it still got me lower than your average static drop.

08-12-2011, 12:50 AM	#1
muckyp Registered User Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Forney, Texas Posts: 290	Air Bag Install ??? So I started installing some bags today and ran into some questions. When putting the bags on the rear, I was attempting to do it like MrShelley did in this link http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=129463 The question is, my bags have two mounting holes on the bottom, so do I just use one of the mounting holes or are there some bags that have a single centered hole? Also does it look these bags are large enough for the rear? In the pic, the truck is resting at the normal spring height. Attached Images __________________ 70 SWB 454/TH400

08-12-2011, 01:14 AM	#2
SCOTI Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: DALLAS,TX Posts: 22,064	Re: Air Bag Install ??? Some of the older Firestones had 2 studs on top & bottom. The method I've used was to clock/rotate the bag so that 1 stud was on each 'half' of the truck arm. You want them centered or as close to the center-line of the truck arm as possible while still being able to get a wrench on the hardware. __________________ 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.*

08-12-2011, 12:59 PM	#3
muckyp Registered User Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Forney, Texas Posts: 290	Re: Air Bag Install ??? So do I need to make some kind of extensions for the rear bags or will the bags air up enough to take up the space? Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 70 SWB 454/TH400

08-12-2011, 01:33 PM	#4
SCOTI Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: DALLAS,TX Posts: 22,064	Re: Air Bag Install ??? I'm not sure what you mean by the 'extensions' you described (or how you were thinking of utilizing them). I assume you're describing the extensions as mounting brackets? I have a set of mock-up arms I can take pics of later tonight to show specifics and/or options when mounting the 2 stud bags. __________________ 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.*

08-12-2011, 02:19 PM	#5
muckyp Registered User Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Forney, Texas Posts: 290	Re: Air Bag Install ??? Thanks for your replies and sorry my terminology is lacking. I guess what I am curious about is the height difference between the bags and the two inch lowering springs that were on it. I took the rear passenger side spring out and left the rear drivers side spring in while I was attempting to install the passenger side bag. The height difference in the bag and the spring concerned me. It just doesn't seem like the bags will inflate enough to bring the ride height back up to somewhat normal. __________________ 70 SWB 454/TH400

08-12-2011, 05:32 PM	#7
jimmydean Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Location: Beaverton, OR Posts: 3,728	Re: Air Bag Install ??? My '69 had RE6's in the rear with a small cup (2") and no c-notch. The cup allowed me to not hit the axle into the frame. So with these pictures, imagine the rear about 2" lower and you will get an idea. Dump: Lift: The front is the standard plate/cup with RE7 bags and 2.5" drop spindles. __________________ New Project: 1966 LWB C20 Plans: 1/2 ton conversion Dropmember front Dropmember rear Corvette discs Restored raised bed http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s....php?p=4295210

08-12-2011, 07:21 PM	#8
muckyp Registered User Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Forney, Texas Posts: 290	Re: Air Bag Install ??? T Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 70 SWB 454/TH400

08-13-2011, 02:06 PM	#9
muckyp Registered User Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Forney, Texas Posts: 290	Re: Air Bag Install ??? So are the "brackets" something I can purchase or do I need to make them myself. Either way, does anyone have a pic of an example of what they might look like. __________________ 70 SWB 454/TH400

08-13-2011, 10:04 PM	#11
SCOTI Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: DALLAS,TX Posts: 22,064	Re: Air Bag Install ??? Here are examples of the mounting 'hats' we discussed. That is also the same bag you're using & is mounted to the truck-arm 'clocked' to center the holes. Attached Images __________________ 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.*

08-13-2011, 10:09 PM	#12
SCOTI Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: DALLAS,TX Posts: 22,064	Re: Air Bag Install ??? And the latest ones I built for my 64's chassis. Gives you a good idea on the 'hat' height vs. the 90° air fitting.... Attached Images __________________ 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.*

08-13-2011, 11:34 PM	#13
Slammed50 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Albuquerque, NW Posts: 121	Re: Air Bag Install ??? Those slam specialties bags are nice, I have them on my '50 Chevy, rides great. Quality air ride sells a build-your-own bag cup kit with two bag plates and the tube to cut it to fit what ever size you need. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ Check out my build thread for my '63: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...49#post4806049

08-14-2011, 12:01 PM	#14
jimmydean Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Location: Beaverton, OR Posts: 3,728	Re: Air Bag Install ??? Mine looked exactly like the first ones and worked awesome. Made for a quick install and it still got me lower than your average static drop. __________________ New Project: 1966 LWB C20 Plans: 1/2 ton conversion Dropmember front Dropmember rear Corvette discs Restored raised bed http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s....php?p=4295210



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