Rear airbag mount on trailing arms (not stock location)

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by DroppedChoppedPanel

also, mountin your bags further up on the trailing arms allows you to get the same amount of lift with less air pressure meaning a softer smoother ride at the same height

This sounds good in theory but I think alot depends on what manufacturers bags your running. My 68 is not bagged w/the intent of planting the framerails @ shows. It's set up to be low all the time & add air when it's time to pull a trailer. That being said, when I'm just cruizing around town w/no load/trailer, about 30psi of pressure is as low as I want to get because the ride starts getting significantly more bouncy. At 30psi in the dbl. convoluted 224c Firestones, my rear end housing is up inside the space originally occupied by the bottom of the frame rail. 35-40psi seems about optimum w/no weight & when loaded I run about 60-70psi.

What kind of bags are you guys running when relocating them forward? What air pressure?

[ehjorten]

I feel the need to make some comments...say what you will to me, but moving the bag up on the trailing arm does not allow you to run less pressure. In fact you will have to run more pressure because the effective spring rate at the axle is decreased as you move the bag up the arm. Effective spring rate (Reff) is calculated as such: Reff = SP x (L1/L2)²; where SP = your spring rate at the bag, L1 = the distance from the trailing arm pivot to the bag (spring), and L2 = the distance from the pivot to the axle centerline. So...Spring Rate has to increase as you move the bag closer to the pivot.

Why not use air-bag over shocks like the shockwaves and mount them directly off of the back of the trailing arms? This would allow you to run low spring rates and actually give you a slight mechanical advantage over the axle.

[Slammed67]

I feel the need to make some comments...say what you will to me, but moving the bag up on the trailing arm does not allow you to run less pressure.

Thank you.

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by ehjorten

I feel the need to make some comments...say what you will to me, but moving the bag up on the trailing arm does not allow you to run less pressure. In fact you will have to run more pressure because the effective spring rate at the axle is decreased as you move the bag up the arm. Effective spring rate (Reff) is calculated as such: Reff = SP x (L1/L2)²; where SP = your spring rate at the bag, L1 = the distance from the trailing arm pivot to the bag (spring), and L2 = the distance from the pivot to the axle centerline. So...Spring Rate has to increase as you move the bag closer to the pivot.

Why not use air-bag over shocks like the shockwaves and mount them directly off of the back of the trailing arms? This would allow you to run low spring rates and actually give you a slight mechanical advantage over the axle.

I think most of the guys that are doing mods like this are all about extreme lift & railing. I don't see any reason for moving them if you're just interested in slight height adjustments for driving down the road.

[DM310]

Yeah, this is just my play toy. I could careless if it rides like ****...... as long as look good driving down the road then I am ok Plus there is no way you are going to lay frame w/ the airbags in the same location as the stock coils. As soon as I start driving it I will let you guys know how it rides

[1low1967]

Cantlever suspensions ride very nice better than over the axle, Also running big wheels, lift is needed, True it adds more stress to the arms but if you brace it correctly there is no problem. Shock waves are nice but i heard that they get less lift than firestones(about 7). Its really up to the person and what they are looking for. Air over coil suspension is 100 percent better. Theres so many different variations of rear systems and what you're looking to do. When I did mine i wanted both a nice ride and lift. I have a longbed and in pennsylvania the roads SUCK. Getting extra lift in the back is good for me and my roll pan, plus its a coolness factor to take the plate from sitting on the ground to almost 26in in the air. As for bags Im running Slam specialties. I like them, little more but well worth it. Well thats my two cents, And my opinion...So its really up to the owner.

[smokekiki]

I have a longbed and in pennsylvania the roads SUCK

What?You can't be talking about my area of Pa. I need to take the long way around to get to the grocery store,that is 2 miles away,because the road is so bad ,I bottom out in 2 spots if I try to go the speed limit.

[1low1967]

I'm glad i'm not the only one. Even pulling in and out of some places

[jeffnstef]

Originally Posted by DM310

Yeah, this is just my play toy. I could careless if it rides like ****

That's retarded ! If you are looking for something that looks cool put you money into art, not build something that is potentially dangerous to others.

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by jeffnstef

That's retarded ! If you are looking for something that looks cool put you money into art, not build something that is potentially dangerous to others.

Different strokes for different folks.

[cojnit]

some people consider this art!

I know I can't "paint" and "sculpt" like any of these guys!