simple solution for controlling rear bags?

[ldgn63]

maybe this should be in "suspension" forum???

Im leaning towards putting bags on the back of my ’67. I don’t wanna hop, skip, or jump with it… just get about 5 to 6” drop in the rear and be able to pressure up for loads… and maybe drop to the frame to load objects (motorcycle, etc) in the bed. I DO want it to be SAFE!
I will probably start out with Schrader valves for simplicity and to see if I really like the bags better than springs. (thinking of Firestone 2600’s or equiv.)

For future plans I am wondering if anyone has used a system like in the link for running simple air bags as the only support for the rear? Without a tank and lift/dump valves etc.
I could always just mount a compressor and a switch and some air hose to fill the schraders but having control in the cab seems much nicer!

Thanks!

Amazon.com: AIR LIFT 25592 Load Controller II On...
Amazon.com: Firestone 2178 Dual Gauge Ld...

[Street Lethal '72]

I just bought a 72 where the guy did just that.. Firestone bags and a Schrader valve.. unfortunately something failed on the way home with it.. but if done correctly, what you suggest sounds fine. He put a valve solenoid on it to drop it, wired to a simple rocker switch. But, in his set up (now mine, but going away soon), you have to hit the switch, then manually press the schrader to deflate.. I guess he planned on switches at some point. In your case you can avoid the valve solenoid thing, and just use the schrader. We had a 77 F150 with simple air shocks and a schrader, worked for many years to haul an in bed camper.

I will say, while I was driving the 72, it drove like a new car on those bags.

[ldgn63]

thanks.

at first i'll run schraders and probably carry a battery (or lighter) operated air source... I roll redneck!

wonderif if someone has run something like the links above too?

[Hottrucks]

just to give you an Idea becasue when I asked I could never get the answer I run about

35/40 lbs in rear

I have no compressor but a 3 gal air tank will lift the REAR a couple times and the front once ( keep in mind its lifting a 500 caddy) on the cheap ( you roll redneck I'm border Gheto) yes you can just run just schraders...also when you goto wire up solinoids use flat 4 trailer wire....you need 2 wire for each corner ( up and down) so the flat 4 makes wireing them up the the front a breeze.....gheto or just smart?? you decide

[OldSkool71]

Im running this kit from ECE...works great.

[ldgn63]

thanks guys.... very much obliged!

[epashhans]

Hey OldSkool71, do you have a number on that system or what its called?

Thanks!

[epashhans]

Nevermind, found it!

http://www.earlyclassic.com/catalog.aspx

[6772owner]

I have had that ECE rear kit (minus compressor system) for probably 5-6 years now and never had a single problem. I just have schrader valves (were mounted in the rear, now I have them in the cab) and use an Airlift compressor with a 1 gal tank. I ran the tank line into the cab and have all four air bag lines and the fill line in a center console. I can dump/fill the bags' from inside the truck and have a switch on the pressure switch to turn off the compressor if needed. (And you thought you were redneck!!)

[ldgn63]

Originally Posted by 6772owner

I have had that ECE rear kit (minus compressor system) for probably 5-6 years now and never had a single problem. I just have schrader valves (were mounted in the rear, now I have them in the cab) and use an Airlift compressor with a 1 gal tank. I ran the tank line into the cab and have all four air bag lines and the fill line in a center console. I can dump/fill the bags' from inside the truck and have a switch on the pressure switch to turn off the compressor if needed. (And you thought you were redneck!!)

i'd love to see a pic of THAT setup... totally sounds like something i would do!

[ldgn63]

what bags are on that ECE kit?

[6772owner]

Ok there are plenty of detailed pics of the my entire set-up in my build thread, but heres a pic of the current center "console" set-up I have.

The ECE bags are Firestone, plenty heavy for all the payload I have ever had.