Paddle Valves vs Electric Valves

[kev2809]

How many of you guys run paddle Valves on your air ride? I have 8 Valves and am redoing my suspension and wondering if I should put the electrics back in or go with some paddle valves for something more simpler.

mine are the old style, not a valve box like the modern ones

[SCOTI]

I've only used manual paddle valves because I couldn't afford the high-end height management set-up & never cared for the solenoid valve block set-ups (saw way too many issues w/electronic valves from moisture/debris).

My old buddy N2Billet has switched back to manual set-ups on his last few personal builds as well for the simplicity. We discussed this @ GoodGuys Ft.Worth last weekend.

But... I'm also a 'set-it & forget-it' guy. That was another thing I saw @ that show (and other places/gatherings). More than a couple guys constantly adjusting their ride height as they would creep in/out of the lots. I just don't get into that. Raise it up to ride height & drop it down when parked. I don't even air my dually out most of the time when parked. Usually it's just when it gets parked for security reasons (extended /overnight periods).

[kev2809]

thats exactly my reasoning. when i first bagged it, it was fun doing side to side and playing around....but i was 24 then lol. at 37 i dont care...i just want to air it up to drive, lay it out to park.

[blazer2007]

I was thinking of switching awhile back but heard complaints of bad switches and other problems like leaking. Is there a good brand of switch now to use.

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by blazer2007

I was thinking of switching awhile back but heard complaints of bad switches and other problems like leaking. Is there a good brand of switch now to use.

IDK, I've never used electronic switches or valves. My friends have used Ridetech's 'Big Red' valves & then went to Accuair set-ups when they took over the market for high-end stuff. IDK who the go-to players are now. I believe Arnott bought the Accuair 'brand' after they folded.

There can be issues w/the electronics for any solenoid/electric switch but when isn't there a possibility for electronic parts to fail when subjected to moisture?

[kev2809]

Originally Posted by blazer2007

I was thinking of switching awhile back but heard complaints of bad switches and other problems like leaking. Is there a good brand of switch now to use.

are you talking about bad manual valves? I did a search on here and not sure if the vendors from then are still selling..I didn't see any. but also there is a company that makes a manual valve block.

http://www.airejax.com/four-play/

apparently they used to be called "Little Larry" valves? not too sure on them though. I was wanting something I can use my 3/8" air line with

[blazer2007]

yes I was talking about bad manual valves. Those Little Larry,s came up often and some reports claimed they would fail after awhile and other similar ones too .Mind you this was probably 2 yrs ago or so. I,m wanting to get rid of all these wires and valves.

[blazer2007]

Originally Posted by kev2809

are you talking about bad manual valves? I did a search on here and not sure if the vendors from then are still selling..I didn't see any. but also there is a company that makes a manual valve block.

http://www.airejax.com/four-play/

apparently they used to be called "Little Larry" valves? not too sure on them though. I was wanting something I can use my 3/8" air line with

That,s a nice block but not worth the $600.00 to get here to Can. Times the American price by 2 usually is what it ends up being in Canuck bucks

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by blazer2007

That,s a nice block but not worth the $600.00 to get here to Can. Times the American price by 2 usually is what it ends up being in Canuck bucks

Boris (way2lo2) @ Street Machinery has a kit & @ one time sold pieces/parts for the DIY guy....

https://streetmachinery.com/parts-ki...air-management

I don't care for those dash mounted panel set-ups so mine is the same basic air management arrangement but w/a different layout. My gauges are hidden where the ashtray used to be. My switches (paddle vales) are tucked out of sight but within easy reach. It takes more airline & routing time but everything is out of view when looking into the interior.

[kev2809]

those are great prices too...especially compared to what I posted. I've seen a video of the little larrys/four play box and it airs up and down way faster than I thought...seems perfect. I heard the old DLOE valves were fast too but can't find them for sale...and I think they were able to use 3/8 line too. I wanna say the air up time was 5-10 seconds..same for the drop.

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by kev2809

those are great prices too...especially compared to what I posted. I've seen a video of the little larrys/four play box and it airs up and down way faster than I thought...seems perfect. I heard the old DLOE valves were fast too but can't find them for sale...and I think they were able to use 3/8 line too. I wanna say the air up time was 5-10 seconds..same for the drop.

I believe it's possible that the early Little-Larrys set-ups allowed using 3/8 line. I know of more than one guy (board member) that used them & wasn't happy though as there were leak issues. The DLOE/nickel plated 'toggle' style valves are rebuildable but I recall them using 1/8" npt fittings which would likely be 1/4" line though. A couple of the air-ride outfits out there offer them.

The paddle valve style I linked are 1/4" only so the flow is limited. But, we're still talking 'seconds' to raise/lower to/from ride height so it's just not instant up/down like larger diameter lines allow.

[kev2809]

this is the video showing the little larrys

https://youtu.be/dkXWgdmTCpw

if I could find a toggle switch like the DLOE ones that accepted bigger lines I would get those. I think the reason these have leak issues is because it's a solid box with o rings that fail...but they are serviceable.

SCOTI, do you have a clip of yours going up and down?

[tinydb84]

I bought the valves that DLOE was selling. When it came time to install them I just couldnt justify drilling all the necessary holes and connecting all the lines. I bought the Air Lift Performance 3P. One line to each hole. It was super nice and easy to install. My back passenger bag will leak down over the course of a month if I dont drive it or turn the key. It was pricey (might be the most expensive thing on my truck) but I dont regret it one bit.

[kev2809]

here's a link to a company selling DLOE valves

https://switchsuspension.com/manual-...widget-wrapper