Anyone running bags with leaf springs?

[tonypaul]

I would like to see some pics if possible.
Thanks!

[1LoC10]

I think you would have to mono it

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by 1LoC10

I think you would have to mono it

Actually you can run it with two leafs and an Air Over Leaf system. At least that's what worked on my 77 anyway.

[tonypaul]

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

Actually you can run it with two leafs and an Air Over Leaf system. At least that's what worked on my 77 anyway.

Looks nice! How low was able to go? Have any pics of with the bed on and aired out?

[Tony@AirRideTech]

You dont ever want to take a multi leaf pack down to a mono leaf... your just asking for trouble. Like the photos above, leave atleast two leafs in there. If you are running any kind of significant horsepower, forget the leafs and go with a four-bar.

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by tonypaul

Looks nice! How low was able to go? Have any pics of with the bed on and aired out?

Since the bed is not cut, it won't go super low, but I accept that compromise.

Originally Posted by Tony@AirRideTech

...... If you are running any kind of significant horsepower, forget the leafs and go with a four-bar.

Very good advice.

[tonypaul]

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

Since the bed is not cut, it won't go super low, but I accept that compromise.

Very good advice.

Everytime I see a pic of your truck, Im just blown away.... I just love it! In that pic is excatly what I want. I want to be able to go low but still haul my drag car and ski boat....
Did you get that set-up in a kit or piece it together?
Gotta start shopping around to find what I need...
Thanks!

[mixermike]

Originally Posted by tonypaul

Everytime I see a pic of your truck, Im just blown away.... I just love it! In that pic is excatly what I want. I want to be able to go low but still haul my drag car and ski boat....
Did you get that set-up in a kit or piece it together?
Gotta start shopping around to find what I need...
Thanks!

i agree, i would also be interested in your setup.i wanna sit low at a show but i don't need to lay frame.

[N2TRUX]

What you see in the pics is my original set up. Everything you see if from Ride Tech except the C-notch and tank brackets. The install was done by my buddies at a shop they used to work at.

To see my current set up take a look at the link in my sig.

[tonypaul]

Originally Posted by Tony@AirRideTech

You dont ever want to take a multi leaf pack down to a mono leaf... your just asking for trouble. Like the photos above, leave atleast two leafs in there. If you are running any kind of significant horsepower, forget the leafs and go with a four-bar.

Tony-
How much would a setup like this cost? Like the one above, not a 4 bar/link, just one that would go one a leaf system..

[coater]

N2TRUX,
Can you use the bags you have in that location,as helper bags w/a single line into a valve in the bumper to air up we needing to tow? This will be on a '85

[N2TRUX]

coater- Absolutely. Scoti has been running similar systems on his trucks with great success. I suggest separate lines with schrader valves so you don't have air transfer when loaded.

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by coater

N2TRUX,
Can you use the bags you have in that location,as helper bags w/a single line into a valve in the bumper to air up we needing to tow? This will be on a '85

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

coater- Absolutely. Scoti has been running similar systems on his trucks with great success. I suggest separate lines with schrader valves so you don't have air transfer when loaded.

As Ken stated, my truck has a home built air over leaf set-up.

A couple of things worth noting.... Ken's 77 w/the AOL set-up & 2 leaves was typically higher than my static drop on the multiple occasions I took measurements. He did have the advantage of going lower when he was parked.

I don't know about removing the majority of the leaves & then using the tapered sleeve bag as a set-up for towing. I would verify the specs on the bag w/the manufacturer to get the best part vs. a generic AOL kit.

I tow w/o issue but I also have the HD 8-leaf spring pack w/a flip kit & shackles. I'm using a small dbl convoluted bag above the axle which is not recommended for ride quality. I get away w/it because I have air pressure in the bags for towing only; the rest of the time they're deflated (minimal~5psi).

[coater]

Thanks Guy's!
I also only want to use the bags for towing. I considered to go to 5 or 6" in the rear. I was going to c-notch it just to make sure I had room for towing. SCOTI,do you have separate lines for each bag? Do you have any pics you could share with me? Your setup is what I'm hoping to accomplish. Never lowered any of my squares,always kept them stock with the 10" wheels. I want to lower this one.
Thanks again guy's!

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by coater

Thanks Guy's!
I also only want to use the bags for towing. I considered to go to 5 or 6" in the rear. I was going to c-notch it just to make sure I had room for towing. SCOTI,do you have separate lines for each bag? Do you have any pics you could share with me? Your setup is what I'm hoping to accomplish. Never lowered any of my squares,always kept them stock with the 10" wheels. I want to lower this one.
Thanks again guy's!

Yes, independent airlines to each side. I installed the schrader valves into existing holes located in front of the tubs against the inner wall (previous owner had a toolbox/gas tank combo bolted to the floor).

I tried loading my pics for you but something weird is going on & it won't let me. Ok... now it did. The last pic gives you an idea of how they mount. I just attached mine to the bolt-in c-notch & then stitch welded the edges too....

[coater]

Thanks Man!! That helps alot. Noticed you didn't use the c-notch on the last pic. That's a good idea welding them to the c-notch.
Thanks again!!

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by coater

Thanks Man!! That helps alot. Noticed you didn't use the c-notch on the last pic. That's a good idea welding them to the c-notch.
Thanks again!!

The last pic was from another board members truck. I just posted it to give you an idea of what it looks when installed.

I bolted my c-sections in (just like a standard install) but mine had the AOL upper mounts welded to the c-section. Once the c-sections were bolted in, I placed some 1" stitch welds around the outside edges on the top, bottom, & sides for an additional margian of safety.

And, if you plan to tow but want your hitch out of sight.....
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...t=hidden+hitch

[coater]

Damn good job!!! What did you use and the placement of the bottom plate.
Hope you don't mind me copying this.

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by coater

Damn good job!!! What did you use and the placement of the bottom plate.
Hope you don't mind me copying this.

Nothing. The bottom of the spring 'floats' just like a front bag (as installed on an OE type c.member & lower a-arm). It sits on the lower OE leaf pad.

The leafs actually control the position & placement of the rear; the bags are soley for additional capacity when required.

[blazer2007]

Originally Posted by SCOTI

Yes, independent airlines to each side. I installed the schrader valves into existing holes located in front of the tubs against the inner wall (previous owner had a toolbox/gas tank combo bolted to the floor).

I tried loading my pics for you but something weird is going on & it won't let me. Ok... now it did. The last pic gives you an idea of how they mount. I just attached mine to the bolt-in c-notch & then stitch welded the edges too....

will the rear rest on the c notch when deflated with your setup?

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by blazer2007

will the rear rest on the c notch when deflated with your setup?

No. The full count of OE springs are still installed (HD 8-leaf spring pack) so the top of the axle tube sits <1" from the bottom of the frame rail @ unloaded ride height. I did not do this mod to be able to drop it more via deflating the bags. The bags allow additional capacity w/o concern of the differential pumpkin hitting the bed floor.

I towed N2Billets '68 project 'Tootsie Roll' from shop to shop w/this set-up.