Air Ride - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Andy4639 · 02-27-2015, 08:09 PM

Ok guy's,

I have decided it's the right time to add a air ride system to my 71.

I don't want to lay frame though! I just want a nice system that I can lower the truck when I'm at shows and then raise it to drive it home. SC doesn't have the smoothest roads so I need it to be able to go back to normal riding level. I guess I need a notch also from everything I'm reading.
This is my driver so it will see a lot of miles. This ant no weekend truck. So it has to be reliable. This pretty well sums it up for the truck.
2015 will be the thrid year I have drove it on the Hot Rod Power tour so it does get drove.
Give me idea's and links for the kits. Am I on the right path?
This is one I have been looking at.

http://www.ezairride.com/63-72-Chevy...-Kit_p_70.html

**lolife99** · 02-27-2015, 09:11 PM

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=575686

Andy4639 · 02-27-2015, 09:44 PM

Thanks for the link. I clicked on it and click on his website. Do I have to join to see the kit with pricing and what all he includes in the kit.
Not planning on spindles are rear blocks.

**lolife99** · 02-27-2015, 10:17 PM

I wouldn't do air bags without spindles or blocks.
It will look like a 4x4 going down the road with the correct pressures in the bags.
Spindles and 2" blocks and a c-notch are a must in my opinion.

I would contact member way2lo2 directly for questions about pricing.
But here is his store,...
http://streetmachinerystore.tictail.com

Tell Boris what you are doing and he will fix you up.

Andy4639 · 02-27-2015, 10:28 PM

Thanks that one I can see. I guess I need to call him.

SCOTI · 02-28-2015, 08:01 AM

I would also research a full AccuAir kit w/the self leveling function. It's a very good feature for vehicles driven w/any regularity. Porterbuilt, Pro Performance, or ksbrktracer/TNT Motorsports are board supporting/recommended dealers.

bluex · 02-28-2015, 09:01 AM

Andy pro performance is also a club sponsor and that comes with some perks. Give Travis a call to an let him see if he can fix you up .

Andy4639 · 02-28-2015, 07:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bluex

Andy pro performance is also a club sponsor and that comes with some perks. Give Travis a call to an let him see if he can fix you up .

I sent him a PM Thursday night. He sent back the basic stuff, which a lot of it I already have installed. Lowered shocks, rear shock relocators, adjustable pan bar. I told him I would call next week to narrow down the package to my needs. I'm going accu air with senors all the way around for it.
I will have to get drop spindles and a c notch to make it look right it looks like also from hat I have been told. I have no problem supporting the vendors on this site and if he talks right I will buy it. But if I can knock $500.00 off from another source which I have found I will buy it from them. I don't need the Porter built stuff that is in Travis Pro1 kit. Well at least I don't think so.
I want to lower the truck for shows but I want a good ride when driving it with out bottoming out the tires. I do not want to lay frame at any point. I just want the system to lower and raise the truck to a good ride height.

Andy4639 · 02-28-2015, 09:28 PM

Here is what I'm looking at.
What I like is I can add to it are take away from it.

**Advanced Design** · 02-28-2015, 10:58 PM

Andy that will be a nice set up...and you have one incredible and beautiful truck!

Andy4639 · 02-28-2015, 11:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Advanced Design

Andy that will be a nice set up...and you have one incredible and beautiful truck!

Thanks, I just hope I can pull this off. I doubt I have it done by the Power Tour but I'm going to see. I would need to have it up and running by June 1 to feel good about a 3600 mile trip in it on June the 4th.

**Advanced Design** · 02-28-2015, 11:33 PM

Good luck! Get some buddies together to get it done. I was hoping to see it on HRPT.

Andy4639 · 03-01-2015, 12:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Advanced Design

Good luck! Get some buddies together to get it done. I was hoping to see it on HRPT.

Oh I'll be on the tour just may not have the accuair installed by then!

72MARIO
Which one did you go with?

Andy4639 · 03-01-2015, 05:28 AM

Another question??

What size C notch for the rear. Should I go with 3/16" plate are the 1/4" plate? I plan to buy a bolt in but will put some tacks on it also for good measure.

SCOTI · 03-01-2015, 05:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andy4639

Another question??

What size C notch for the rear. Should I go with 3/16" plate are the 1/4" plate? I plan to buy a bolt in but will put some tacks on it also for good measure.

Depends on who's stuff..... PB? the 3/16" works because it has the extra layers. CPP? Go HD 1/4".

72MARIO · 02-28-2015, 11:37 PM

I love my accuair setup ! Before accuair I hated the air ride in my suburban.

bluex · 03-01-2015, 08:07 AM

Andy I would recommend porterbuilt for the notch out back. I don't blame you for getting cups an plates for the front somewhere else because they are simple and pretty hard to screw up. Porters notch though is very well built an one of the best I've seen (which isn't many but still). I've had my issues with porter sure but I would still buy their notch if I was doing another truck.

**lolife99** · 03-01-2015, 09:39 AM

Do your research on upper bag plates and lower cups.
Most of the cups are sold extra tall and will need to be trimmed down to achieve the most drop and the lowest ride height.
Personally I would run a set of Porterbuilt a-arm to achieve more positive caster.
Second choice would be Ridetech a-rms.
at least the lowers to gain the lower bag mount.

Last, stay away from CPP a-arms for bags.
They designed the bag pocket too small to run a 2600 series bag up front.
And I don't believe they have ever corrected that.

Give Dave a call at Porterbuilt.
Guve Travis a call at Pro Performance.
Read read read.
No need to get in a hurry.
Plus I would want more than a few days of install before I headed out on the power tour.
Just my 2 cents,...

Andy4639 · 03-01-2015, 05:23 PM

Oh, I'm not in any hurry that's for sure. I have to work at least a couple of days overtime to pay for it. I have been reading for days now and for years here and there on it. There is just so much out there it gets confusing.
So many kits that claim the same thing but prices go from $1500.00 to $2500.00! In all honesty it will more than likely be towards the end of the summer before I buy it are at least install it anyway!

I'm not buying arm's I don't want the laying frame look. I just want a better ride than what I have now and have the adjustability. I have to make several calls tomorrow and the next few days. I have sent several e mails and PM's to people so far. Just waiting to see what each one has to say.
This is another kit I looked at. Not that I'm saying I'm buying but just to get the idea of what I need with a picture until I can have some personal contact.

**lolife99** · 03-01-2015, 06:22 PM

New arms won't make it lay frame.
Good luck with your purchase and install.

SCOTI · 03-01-2015, 07:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lolife99

New arms won't make it lay frame.
Good luck with your purchase and install.

x2.

Arms like those offered by Porterbuilt have the bag located so there's no clearance issues w/possible rubbing, better caster, zero deflection/zero bind bushings, & improved ground clearance @ the bushing. They also have options to taylor the arms length if necessary.....

Andy4639 · 03-01-2015, 08:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lolife99

New arms won't make it lay frame.
Good luck with your purchase and install.

Then why do I need them? If the bags replace what I already have. (coil springs) then nothing else changes. I will be driving 99.99% at normal ride height. With just enough to have the same look I do now with my coils.

Andy4639 · 03-02-2015, 05:08 PM

Talked to Travis today at Pro Performance. Waiting on a e- mail on his package he is putting together for me.

Per our phone call.
No c notch, no lowered spindles, no lowered a arms needed for what I want.
Going with just the Accuair E level system and bags with brackets. Hope to be ordering it within the next 2 weeks.
Very nice guy and answered all my questions.

68basket · 03-03-2015, 02:10 PM

I spent many thousands of dollars with Travis. You cant go wrong ordering with him. If you are happy with him now you will be very happy with your after sale experience with him. I bought the accuair elevel for my 60 wagon, i have a build thread in the alternate section. For your truck i would get the awesome porterbuilt frame brackets for the tanks and compressors. I am guessing after you install the bag kit you are going to want spindles, blocks, and a notch. It will look like a 4x4 when its at ride height if you only replace the springs with bags and no other mods.

bsampson · 03-10-2015, 09:03 AM

Hey Andy,
You have a nice truck! I've read a number of your threads, and I've thought you had the perfect balance for a coil spring suspension that should ride pretty well, handle decent, but also be able to haul a load if needed. I'm actually close to replicating it myself (4" drop springs, No Limit relocators, helper bags). Are you primarily trying to get a lower stance when you park it, or have you found some shortcomings with your setup (i.e. looking for a smoother ride)?

02-27-2015, 08:09 PM	#1
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,936	Air Ride Ok guy's, I have decided it's the right time to add a air ride system to my 71. I don't want to lay frame though! I just want a nice system that I can lower the truck when I'm at shows and then raise it to drive it home. SC doesn't have the smoothest roads so I need it to be able to go back to normal riding level. I guess I need a notch also from everything I'm reading. This is my driver so it will see a lot of miles. This ant no weekend truck. So it has to be reliable. This pretty well sums it up for the truck. 2015 will be the thrid year I have drove it on the Hot Rod Power tour so it does get drove. Give me idea's and links for the kits. Am I on the right path? This is one I have been looking at. http://www.ezairride.com/63-72-Chevy...-Kit_p_70.html __________________ 1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs.

02-27-2015, 09:11 PM	#2
lolife99 67-72 parts collector,… Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 22,692	Re: Air Ride http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=575686 __________________ Keith Convert to disc brakes. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444823

02-27-2015, 09:44 PM	#3
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,936	Re: Air Ride Thanks for the link. I clicked on it and click on his website. Do I have to join to see the kit with pricing and what all he includes in the kit. Not planning on spindles are rear blocks. __________________ 1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs.

02-27-2015, 10:17 PM	#4
lolife99 67-72 parts collector,… Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 22,692	Re: Air Ride I wouldn't do air bags without spindles or blocks. It will look like a 4x4 going down the road with the correct pressures in the bags. Spindles and 2" blocks and a c-notch are a must in my opinion. I would contact member way2lo2 directly for questions about pricing. But here is his store,... http://streetmachinerystore.tictail.com Tell Boris what you are doing and he will fix you up. __________________ Keith Convert to disc brakes. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444823

02-27-2015, 10:28 PM	#5
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,936	Re: Air Ride Thanks that one I can see. I guess I need to call him. __________________ 1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs.

02-28-2015, 08:01 AM	#6
SCOTI Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: DALLAS,TX Posts: 21,943	Re: Air Ride I would also research a full AccuAir kit w/the self leveling function. It's a very good feature for vehicles driven w/any regularity. Porterbuilt, Pro Performance, or ksbrktracer/TNT Motorsports are board supporting/recommended dealers. __________________ 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.*

02-28-2015, 09:01 AM	#7
bluex Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Spartanburg, SC Posts: 1,963	Re: Air Ride Andy pro performance is also a club sponsor and that comes with some perks. Give Travis a call to an let him see if he can fix you up . __________________ Paul '78 GMC Serria 15 Heavy Half. 361/NV3500/3.73. Former LWB NV3500 swap Trailing arm swap '98 ECSB Z71 daily driver -traded '03 burb. Family cruiser http://upstategmtrucks.com/

02-28-2015, 09:28 PM	#9
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,936	Re: Air Ride Here is what I'm looking at. What I like is I can add to it are take away from it. __________________ 1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs.

02-28-2015, 10:58 PM	#10
Advanced Design Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Oblong, Illinois Posts: 7,028	Re: Air Ride Andy that will be a nice set up...and you have one incredible and beautiful truck! __________________ Doug Advanced Design’s 1977 Blazer Build Advanced Design's '48 'Burb Build Mrs Advanced Design's '72 Suburban Advanced Design's 56 BelAir LS swap

02-28-2015, 11:33 PM	#12
Advanced Design Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Oblong, Illinois Posts: 7,028	Re: Air Ride Good luck! Get some buddies together to get it done. I was hoping to see it on HRPT. __________________ Doug Advanced Design’s 1977 Blazer Build Advanced Design's '48 'Burb Build Mrs Advanced Design's '72 Suburban Advanced Design's 56 BelAir LS swap

03-01-2015, 05:28 AM	#14
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,936	Re: Air Ride Another question?? What size C notch for the rear. Should I go with 3/16" plate are the 1/4" plate? I plan to buy a bolt in but will put some tacks on it also for good measure. __________________ 1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs.

02-28-2015, 11:37 PM	#16
72MARIO Registered User Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Huntsville Ontario Canada Posts: 4,052	Re: Air Ride I love my accuair setup ! Before accuair I hated the air ride in my suburban. __________________ 1968 Suburban numbers matching all original truck now equipped with 6.0/4L80 on Accuair http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=625017 1967 C/20 6.0/4L80 Roofing Truck 1990 V2500 Suburban "Plow Truck" 2005 TAHOE DD

03-01-2015, 08:07 AM	#17
bluex Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Spartanburg, SC Posts: 1,963	Re: Air Ride Andy I would recommend porterbuilt for the notch out back. I don't blame you for getting cups an plates for the front somewhere else because they are simple and pretty hard to screw up. Porters notch though is very well built an one of the best I've seen (which isn't many but still). I've had my issues with porter sure but I would still buy their notch if I was doing another truck. __________________ Paul '78 GMC Serria 15 Heavy Half. 361/NV3500/3.73. Former LWB NV3500 swap Trailing arm swap '98 ECSB Z71 daily driver -traded '03 burb. Family cruiser http://upstategmtrucks.com/

03-01-2015, 09:39 AM	#18
lolife99 67-72 parts collector,… Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 22,692	Re: Air Ride Do your research on upper bag plates and lower cups. Most of the cups are sold extra tall and will need to be trimmed down to achieve the most drop and the lowest ride height. Personally I would run a set of Porterbuilt a-arm to achieve more positive caster. Second choice would be Ridetech a-rms. at least the lowers to gain the lower bag mount. Last, stay away from CPP a-arms for bags. They designed the bag pocket too small to run a 2600 series bag up front. And I don't believe they have ever corrected that. Give Dave a call at Porterbuilt. Guve Travis a call at Pro Performance. Read read read. No need to get in a hurry. Plus I would want more than a few days of install before I headed out on the power tour. Just my 2 cents,... __________________ Keith Convert to disc brakes. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444823

03-01-2015, 05:23 PM	#19
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,936	Re: Air Ride Oh, I'm not in any hurry that's for sure. I have to work at least a couple of days overtime to pay for it. I have been reading for days now and for years here and there on it. There is just so much out there it gets confusing. So many kits that claim the same thing but prices go from $1500.00 to $2500.00! In all honesty it will more than likely be towards the end of the summer before I buy it are at least install it anyway! I'm not buying arm's I don't want the laying frame look. I just want a better ride than what I have now and have the adjustability. I have to make several calls tomorrow and the next few days. I have sent several e mails and PM's to people so far. Just waiting to see what each one has to say. This is another kit I looked at. Not that I'm saying I'm buying but just to get the idea of what I need with a picture until I can have some personal contact. __________________ 1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs.



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03-01-2015, 06:22 PM	#20
lolife99 67-72 parts collector,… Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 22,692	Re: Air Ride New arms won't make it lay frame. Good luck with your purchase and install. __________________ Keith Convert to disc brakes. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444823

03-02-2015, 05:08 PM	#23
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,936	Re: Air Ride Talked to Travis today at Pro Performance. Waiting on a e- mail on his package he is putting together for me. Per our phone call. No c notch, no lowered spindles, no lowered a arms needed for what I want. Going with just the Accuair E level system and bags with brackets. Hope to be ordering it within the next 2 weeks. Very nice guy and answered all my questions. __________________ 1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs.

03-03-2015, 02:10 PM	#24
68basket Registered User Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: louisville, ky Posts: 480	Re: Air Ride I spent many thousands of dollars with Travis. You cant go wrong ordering with him. If you are happy with him now you will be very happy with your after sale experience with him. I bought the accuair elevel for my 60 wagon, i have a build thread in the alternate section. For your truck i would get the awesome porterbuilt frame brackets for the tanks and compressors. I am guessing after you install the bag kit you are going to want spindles, blocks, and a notch. It will look like a 4x4 when its at ride height if you only replace the springs with bags and no other mods.

03-10-2015, 09:03 AM	#25
bsampson Registered User Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Central IL Posts: 63	Re: Air Ride Hey Andy, You have a nice truck! I've read a number of your threads, and I've thought you had the perfect balance for a coil spring suspension that should ride pretty well, handle decent, but also be able to haul a load if needed. I'm actually close to replicating it myself (4" drop springs, No Limit relocators, helper bags). Are you primarily trying to get a lower stance when you park it, or have you found some shortcomings with your setup (i.e. looking for a smoother ride)?

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