Anyone Running a Budget Air Ride System?

[Overdriven]

My advice, stay away from the kits you see on eBay and Amazon. The previous owner of my truck installed one of those sub $2000 kits and the old saying “you get what you pay for” definitely applies. The system is supposedly under 5 years old, no name bags, no name solenoids that stick randomly, previous owner replaced compressor once and it’s dead again. I’m sure I could come up with more if I think about it.

You don’t need one of those pricey systems with eLevel controls, shockwaves (the shocks with airbags over them) and all of that. What you should be looking for is bags, bag mounts, shock relocators, adjustable panhard bars and manual paddle valves from reputable sources. Have a look at the “suspension” section of the forum and the “suspension marketplace” within it. There you can find vendors who can put together a “kit” with these components. I’ve seen vendors quote prices for these components similar to the amazon and eBay kits. Then if you want to upgrade to electric solenoids or the fancy eLevel controls later you can.

Edit: Unless you’re looking to lay the rockers on the ground, then it’s going to be pricey no matter what unless you fabricate everything from scratch yourself. If not then be prepared to spend for stuff like crossmembers, arms, etc.