Time to go on air

[firedog]

Wish me luck everyone, after tearing up craigslist in the st louis area i think i have found all the parts needed to begin the process of putting the truck on air ride. I just ordered new airline and should be in soon i will begin tomorrow with putting it all together. i hope to post some pics (warm up the camera sammy) i am brand new to this and all i know is what i have learned from all the great info on here.

Any last minute suggestions??

this is a budget build here and i probably have less than $400 in everything so far so sorry to the fellas that put out the big bucks for their equipment i am doing this on the cheaper side i just cant afford the drop member and such (unless one on craigslist happens to turn up)

well here i go, the plan is to debut the new suspension at the Easter Carshow at Forest Park April 12th

[project 67 sub]

i wish you good luck

[spinning wheels]

Can you list what parts you are using and cost?

Inquiring minds want to know

[OARNGESI]

Good luck whats your plans with it fbss cut bed floor just simple valve to air it up

[firedog]

all the parts i have found on craigslist:
-rear goodyear single port bags $100 plus misc fittings and 2 same sized firestone bags
-front bags with cups from a air ride tech kit off a 99 chevy
-from the air ride tech kit i am using the air tank and compresser (entire air ride kit from front of the truck ($120)
-8 smc valves that are already plumbed and used on a impala wagon that the guy was upgrading to a manifold system
-from the same guy a digital guage all pre-wired labeled and diagram with 6 switches($250)
-brand new drop spindles($150)
ok so $500 if you dont add the cost of the air ride tech kit

all ready installed on my truck is tubular lower control arms with a 2" drop pocket

with what i have read here and my measurements i think i can put the wheel wells on the front almost tucking my 18" wheels in the front or the bumper about 2" from ground

i am holding off doing the c notch right now but planning for the future and unsure what i will do in the bed probably just tub it thats all yet to be dreamed up

thanks for the good word

[lolife99]

Welcome from another Missouri member!
You will still need to purchase a good set of drop shocks and an adjustable (panhard) track bar for the rear. Also a set of rear "shock relocators" will help. You will need the upper bag plate for a 63-87 application also.
Sounds like a cool build!
Don't for get to post pictures,... we love pics.

[N2TRUX]

firedog it looks like you have done a great job of scrounging parts. Just make sure that everything works well together so your first venture in to air suspension doesn't get you frustrated if it fails.

BTW- I cleaned up your post as only subscribing members are allowed to post items for sale.

[firedog]

thanks n2trux i was trying to word it around sounding that way

well a productive day today pics are forth comming later this evening thanks to sammy(dad)

we built a platform to set in the back of the truck covered with diamond plate it holds the compressor and tank along with the valves

ordered the airlines last night they should be in soon going with 1/4" lines since thats how the valves were already set up for that

question?? will it hurt to use plastic fittings from the tank to the valves i have some brass ones but i am unable to find brass ones (with the push in connections) at the local hardware store
thanks again for the help

[Sammy]

Acomplishments today by Firedog

[Sammy]

Acomplishment pics #2

[hotrodhomi]

my advise is, don't go cheap on the fittings. Buy the good DOT stuff, not the cheap plastic stuff. You'll be sorry if you go plastic.

[DA68]

Instead of buying the shock relocators, I've heard of some guys flipping left with right lower brackets and putting upside down. Requires a little metal work, but is supposed to work. I'm going to try it on my 68. You can also fab an adjustable panhard cheap also. No need to buy new.

[Sammy]

Question why would you need an adjustable pan hard bar if you drive it at same height as it is now. Lower the system when parked? Does it put the bar in a bind? It's not like you are adjusting it constantly while driving.

[N2TRUX]

Nice work guys. This shows that a budget build doesn't have to look like a cobbled up mess.

Keep the progress reports coming...

[firedog]

thanks guys and as long as sammy(dad) keeps shooting the pics they'll keep comming gonna tackle the rear bags tomorrow i think then have to take a break till monday to work all weekend

also lowlife99 i have the brackets i purchased off a board member for $35 shipped but i was thinking i can use cups that are attached to the front bags that i plan on using and cut them to a usable length and not need to use it. the diameter of the cup appears to be the same diameter of the springs with out having it all apart -- what do you guys think? i will try to get a couple pics of what i am talking about tomorrow

[N2TRUX]

Firedog- You got a good Dad there. I'll bet you already knew that...

[firedog]

n2trux
your right there
we have a neat relationship we are more like a couple of buddies working on our trucks

we built my 68 swb and his 71 gmc at the same time 2 winters ago side by side in his garage and grandpa (his dad at 66 years old too) got jealous and built a 70 4wd in his garage

my 3 kids get bored going over there cause they relate grandpa ron's as going to work on my truck all day

[Sammy]

update

[Sammy]

more

[firedog]

did the rear today no c-notch or anything since this is my first experience with air suspension i want to make sure i like it before i go chopping up the frame

sammy allready posted the pics just cant tell very well but aired all the way out the trailing arms sandwich the mufflers to the bed and the pumpkin is touching the bed floor also so if i want the extra inch or so left its gonna take some more cutting

the only problem i encountered was the top spring cup bolt was rusted in place and i just ground that out

the bags just have some temp hose on it with a petcock to keep the air in- so far so good next up is the front- gonna tackle that monday

[N2TRUX]

Looking good. Now go clean that tire up, it looks terrible..

[VA72C10]

Looking good!

[fdbdw]

All black, must be a firefighter thing, Colorado Springs firefighter just wanted to say hi. I have a father son team also, my boy is 4 so he is limited to turning nuts and bolts and anyting to do with a gease gun. But man that boy will get excited like its Christmas morning if I tell him we are going to work on the truck, its a special thing

[72BlckButy]

Nice work guys... I can't wait to check out the truck first hand.

[Sammy]

Dirty tires is a daily battle living on a gravel road. And you don't drive around with the tailgate down either.