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View Poll Results: which suspension is best for a daily driver and occasional trailer pull | |||
air ride |
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29 | 76.32% |
4/6 static drop |
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9 | 23.68% |
Voters: 38. You may not vote on this poll |
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#1 |
computer illiterate
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Des Moines, IA
Posts: 6,446
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air bag ? / static drop ?
which do you think would be better a 4/6 drop from ece or this http://ridetech.com/productinfo/rideproe.asp i am leaning toward the air as this is going on my 2wd blazer and i might need to pull my car trailer once and awhile. give me your thoughts and why?
thanks keith
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72 2wd blazer 72 swb 4x4 |
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#2 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: DALLAS,TX
Posts: 21,979
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I'll take the combo platter please . . .....
Static drop up front, bags out back. Cheaper than 4whl bags & more adjustable than a static only drop when the time comes for work....
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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. |
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#3 |
Chinook Arch
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: High River, Alberta, Canada
Posts: 218
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A 6" spring drop doesn't leave much room for rear suspension compression, especially with a trailer out back. I'd go with bags in the rear, as SCOTI suggested
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1972 GMC 1500 Custom - Bought used by Grandpa in '74, currently back on the road after a long hiatus. Elsie's truck 2.5" dual exhaust with Hooker Aero Chambers Holley 670 Street Avenger Edelbrock Performer RPM on GMPP 290HP 350 ECE drop 3.5/5 |
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#4 |
It just doesn't matter
![]() Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Huntington Beach, Ca
Posts: 1,660
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As I have done a static drop on a 2wd Blazer ( YEARS ago..
![]() You also want to make sure that you move the gas tank up in the frame as it has a tendancy to get in the way with a little weight on them. Just my 2 cents....which, according to my wife, is worth exactly -.00023 cents ![]() ![]() ![]()
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05 Chevy Silverado..... A rogue BMW guy.... If you don't like me- TAKE A NUMBER; There are people ahead of you!! |
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#5 |
computer illiterate
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Des Moines, IA
Posts: 6,446
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i think i decided to go with the ece 4/6 drop. do i need a c notch with this drop? i think the air ride has to manu veriables to go wrong with a daily driver
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72 2wd blazer 72 swb 4x4 |
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#6 | |
Account Suspended
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Yoncalla Oregon
Posts: 775
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Quote:
You have my undivided attention, why don't you like air ride? ![]() I am very close to installing it on Screamin' and would like some more advice. So far I've gotten a lot of pros but not too many cons on it. Have you had a bad experience with it? I had one guy tell me about a bag blowin' and taking a front tire with it (body contact). I used to consider her a daily driver but with gas prices at $2.52 a gallon I look at her more as a lawn ornament now. ![]() I'd like to cruise her this summer but I ride with my sons so I don't want any safety issues. Thanks in advance....Bill Last edited by screamin_c102; 04-07-2005 at 11:06 PM. |
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#7 |
computer illiterate
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Des Moines, IA
Posts: 6,446
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ive never had it but i figure as a daily driver you can have problems with bags, air lines, compressor, valves i think their is just to many variables that could cause problems on a truck i rely on to get to work with
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72 2wd blazer 72 swb 4x4 |
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#8 |
Questionable
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Atlanta
Posts: 13,376
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For an immediate solution, I would hafta agree with Scoti - drop spindles and springs in the front should get you down at least 4-5" and putting bags will let you control the ass end while towing. The best part about bags is they're adjustable - so you can inflate them more to compensate for heavier loads. If you get a good set of bags and a solid compressor you should have no probs. Just be sure not to skimp on your valves and plumbing (can you tell I've been reading too many threads on bags lately? hehe)
There is a member on the board that goes by 'bagged91' and he seems to be the guru when it comes to knowing what bags, compressors, valves and lines to use. The best part of this setup is tossing on new spindles and springs is a one hour job if you got disc brakes in the front...and it's SO easy to install bags on the back because you can remove the bed with the help of one other person and have access to everything back there. There's that kickass article on tossing bags in your ride over in the FAQ forum with pictures and everything.
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If I've got anything up for grabs, it'll be here: 7-hole gauge cluster for a 67-72 p/u FREE (link) I can't check the forum daily. If I don't reply to you within 24 hours, drop me a PM! I'm (hopefully) still alive and will reply faster to a PM. Last edited by shifty; 04-07-2005 at 11:41 PM. |
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#9 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Arlington TN
Posts: 327
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How many valves would you need for air asist in the back?
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#10 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: DALLAS,TX
Posts: 21,979
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My set-up is all manual control so I don't have to worry about valves.
When I first installed my bag set-up, I used schrader valves to fill my system (rear bags only). After using the schrader valve fill method for about 1.5yrs, I stepped up & added a 3gal tank, a small 315 Thompson compressor, & a dual needle gauge/controller from AirRide. Both ways work fine, but I must say the 'automation' of the tank/comp/contoller is much more 'user friendly' (it's funny how hard it is to see schrader valves @ 5am in the morning ![]() Using the 'manual-automated' method (no solenoids/valves) . . ..... 1) Is much cheaper than going w/the solenoids/valve set-up. 2) Requires more fullsize airlines to be run inside the cab (I used existing fuel vent-line holes for routing my airlines into the cab). 3) Is much more convenient than having to use the schraders when you adjust the ride height a lot. 4) Is pretty basic as far as air-ride systems go. But, I have not had 1 single problem in over 4yrs. of daily use. This sytem allowed me to tow my 18ft steel floor car trailer loaded w/another swb project truck, w/no problems. Based on my experience w/previous dropped (coil-spring) trucks in comparison to my beater (w/rear bags), I won't use rear drop springs again. I don't dislike rear dropped coils, it's just that the bags give a better ride IMO & are adjustable when needed.
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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. |
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#11 | |
Happy to be here
![]() Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: Cypress, TX
Posts: 39,023
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Quote:
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Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra" |
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#12 | |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Pampa, Texas
Posts: 1,554
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Quote:
i looked and couldn't find it... can someone help me out here...
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https://www.ebay.com/itm/29620574751...mis&media=COPY |
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#13 |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: DFW TX
Posts: 769
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meat, i came to the same conclusion as you. I was faced with the same decision a few months ago and i really wanted to go with bags because of the adjustability and the cool factor but in the end i just couldnt bring myself to do it because my wife and daughter will be traveling with me on occasion and my truck will be a daily driver. I know guys with bag experience will tell you that youll never have a problem if they are installed corectly but then you hear about guys who do have problems and i would never take any chances with my family's lives.
As a side note, one of my friends recently had a bag go out on him on i35 and luckily he was okay but the front driverside bag went flat at 70mph and when that happened the tire rubbed the fender and the fender cut the sidewall of the tire open like a tin can. I saw his truck afterwords and it wasnt in too bad of shape considering but he told me that he was going to fix the truck and then sell it. If it were just me who would be in the truck i would probably go with bags. They look great and give you more options. Also, most factory equiped bagged vehicles arent designed to "lay out" so there is little to no risk involved in those systems but people who bag their classic trucks dont set them up that way and so there is allot more risk involved when a problem occurs. My mom use to have a mark 8 with bags and she had 2 of them go out and didnt even know what the problem was until ther dealer told her so it was no big deal but my friend with the bagged Dakota could have been killed or worse yet, killed someone else when his bag failed. |
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#14 |
Mike
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: west chester pa
Posts: 2,474
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http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s....php3?t=129463 air bag install. I have over a million miles driving a tractor trailer that was on air.Only had 1 bag fail and 1 valve fail.The quick fill valves that are run on air ride systems "We" called cheater valves.They were fast enough to to dump and fill each axle independently.I could get on a toll road at class 8 wieght,but make the axle scales think I was a class 6.On the pa turnpike it saved $15.00 each way!I am putting air on my daily driver.I am going with a york compressor,and as long as You have the bags protected,the lines ran right,and proper bump stops,it is no more dangerous than a static drop.I personaly am not building a truck that can lay frame.My bumpstops will keep it from crashing into the ground.
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70'c/10, 71 suburban4x4 402bb, 72suburban 4/6 drop, 72k/5 4x4 blazer 4" lift 35 tires |
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#15 |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Huntsville Ontario Canada
Posts: 4,052
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Every big transport has Air ride. I dont understand why it would not be ideal on a light truck used daily . If installed properly it should be no problem at all.
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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 |
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#16 | |
Seņor Member
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Edge of the world
Posts: 5,367
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Quote:
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#17 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Austin, Texas
Posts: 796
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I have the 4.5/6 static drop with air-lift bags in the rear springs. The bags with hardware were only 65.00. Have towed and hauled very heavy stuff. Rides better with a load in the bed and a little air in the lifts. Need less than 20 psi. These trucks tow a whole lot better when there lowered.
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69 SWB C/10 5-6 drop 700R4 69 Firebird Convert 455 4 spd 70 Torino GT Convert Austin-Texas Last edited by Frank_Zeller; 04-08-2005 at 04:33 PM. |
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#18 | |
It just doesn't matter
![]() Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Huntington Beach, Ca
Posts: 1,660
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Quote:
I didn't mean to imply that they are not reliable. IMHO opinion they are not ideal for a daily driver. I have never owned one myself, but have been involved with lowered trucks for the last 20 years. In every truck I have ridden in that has had an Airride system, they rode like crap. To get the truck to ride "right" you had to air up the system so they look like a stocker going down the road. Plus there always seemed to be only one good spot where the truck rode right. I drive my stuff too much on a daily basis to be worried about air lines coming into contact with anything, bags blowing or hardware coming loose. When I built my 2wd Blazer in '87, there were no kits or bags available. We had to do some creative engineering to get the truck down low and still ride right. Since then, there have been numerous kits available for our year trucks, so there are more choices and more opinions. I also know that most ( if not a huge majority) of the BIg Rigs have Air bags on the rear. But I can also tell you from experience that those trucks only ride well with WEIGHT on them and the bags set up at a predetermined air pressure. They are designed for creating a "cushion" for the cargo during transportation. Not exactly the same utilization on a lowered vehicle. Again- I am not a fan of Airride. There are many people who are and have had great success with Airride. Just not my deal. I don't want to be in the middle of no where America on a Sunday afternoon and lose a bag/ line/ fitting. All of the trucks/ cars I have lowered have been lowered using a static drop. My main concern is ride quality/ control followed by the unmistakable stance that only a lowered vehicle can provide. Not trying to stir any Airirde supporters up. Differences make this place great!!
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05 Chevy Silverado..... A rogue BMW guy.... If you don't like me- TAKE A NUMBER; There are people ahead of you!! Last edited by crews; 04-09-2005 at 12:42 PM. |
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#19 | |
It just doesn't matter
![]() Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Huntington Beach, Ca
Posts: 1,660
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Quote:
BTW Frank- If that is your truck in your avatar- That is SWEEEEEETTTT!! I love the stance.
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05 Chevy Silverado..... A rogue BMW guy.... If you don't like me- TAKE A NUMBER; There are people ahead of you!! |
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#20 |
computer illiterate
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Des Moines, IA
Posts: 6,446
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I just went ahead and ordered the ece 4/6 drop thanks for the opinions
later keith
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72 2wd blazer 72 swb 4x4 |
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#21 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Austin, Texas
Posts: 796
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I can dig up the rear spring Air-lift part numbers if any ones interested
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69 SWB C/10 5-6 drop 700R4 69 Firebird Convert 455 4 spd 70 Torino GT Convert Austin-Texas |
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#22 | |
Seņor Member
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Edge of the world
Posts: 5,367
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Quote:
![]() linkie to a few pics
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Last edited by XXL; 04-10-2005 at 08:56 AM. |
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#23 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2000
Location: Ramona, CA
Posts: 2,033
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WOW!!!!
You guys keep missing each others points.... first of all, don't lower it....don't raise it. Then it's not a problem.... but If I have to choose....air ride. You guys keep talking about the bigrigs and rv's having air.......anyone here realize that Cadillac has been installing them in there cars for years....and so has Lincoln....oh did I forget oldsmoble Hmmmmm if all the major LUXURY car company's use them for there top of the line......to improve for comfort and a smooth ride........hmmmmm enough of that rant...now to my point "If they are installed right........." This is correct...they will be safe and reliable......as to the people who have had problems...like the guy who's tire was ripped apart when the bag went....THAT WASN'T INSTALLED RIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! a CORECTLEY installed air ride suspention should be able to be completly deflated, rest on some stops (big rubber things) and still drive it albiet the ride might not be so good like that. ![]()
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That's right, I'm back in the game again. No it's not pink..... 1972 Blue and White Suburban. |
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#24 |
PROJECT 7DEUCE
![]() Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: GRANTS PASS OR
Posts: 21,608
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My 97 expedition has em and I love em factory installed and it rides great self level's I am gonna go with bags on my 7nd2..
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GO BIG GREEN ![]() MEMBER #6377 72 k-5 daily driver 6'' lift 35'' 350-350-205 slowly getting rust free. Project "7DEUCE" check out my build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=267665 Tim Powell..R.I.P EastSideLowlife..... R.I.P.. |
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#25 | |
Mike
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: west chester pa
Posts: 2,474
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Quote:
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70'c/10, 71 suburban4x4 402bb, 72suburban 4/6 drop, 72k/5 4x4 blazer 4" lift 35 tires Last edited by smokekiki; 04-11-2005 at 08:30 AM. |
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