Air Bag Install Questions....(plus teaser pic)

[adpostel]

Ok I have searched over and over, and I understand the big picture of the install, but I have a few specific questions as it relates to what parts I have and what I am doing.

1) Where exactly is everyone mounting their tanks under the bed. I looked today, and I want it under the bed. Is everyone putting them on the side of the frame rail by the cab? I cant put it towards the rear because my fuel tank is back there.

2) I suppose the compressor can go right next to the tank along the frame rail as well?

3) Front install: When I take the spindle and spring out from the front, how does the upper mounting plate go on the x-member? Do I just use the plate as a template and then mark and drill holes and then secure with nut/bolt? Seems pretty easy, just want to make sure I have all my ducks in a row when I get started. I am using plates on the bottom a-arm as well, Is that process the same, use the plate as a template and then mark and drill holes in the lowers as well? Also, once the plates are done and the bag installed, how and where do you run the lines to/through to get them to the paddle valve?

4) Rear install: I noticed that my rear coils are held on by two bolts, one through the trailing arm, and one through the frame. Should I have two bolts holding rear bags? And again, where do ya'll route the lines to/through?

5) Once the bags, tank and compressor are installed, how are ya'll wiring the compressor up? Direct to the battery, fuse box?

Here's a pic with the Boss 338's installed. Just waiting to bag it now.......

[lolife99]

Originally Posted by adpostel

1) Where exactly is everyone mounting their tanks under the bed. I looked today, and I want it under the bed. Is everyone putting them on the side of the frame rail by the cab? I cant put it towards the rear because my fuel tank is back there.
Usually between the rear frame rails or on the outside of the frame rails.
It's all personal preference.

2) I suppose the compressor can go right next to the tank along the frame rail as well?
Again,... personal preference.
Most compressors can mount at angle or location.
Keep them away from direct impact from debris thrown by the tires.

3) Front install: When I take the spindle and spring out from the front, how does the upper mounting plate go on the x-member? Do I just use the plate as a template and then mark and drill holes and then secure with nut/bolt?
Yes.

Seems pretty easy, just want to make sure I have all my ducks in a row when I get started. I am using plates on the bottom a-arm as well, Is that process the same, use the plate as a template and then mark and drill holes in the lowers as well?
I would moount the upper plate with the bag installed.
Install the lower plate to the bag,... and then raise the lower a-arm up into postion. Mark and drill holes.
(you just want everything to be in alignment and the bag not twisted)

Also, once the plates are done and the bag installed, how and where do you run the lines to/through to get them to the paddle valve?
Run them down the frame rail and then thru a drilled hole in the spring pocket.
Use rubber grommets to protect the air line.
You will then have to find a spot in the firewall to run the lines in the cab.
Look to the left of the master cylinder.

4) Rear install: I noticed that my rear coils are held on by two bolts, one through the trailing arm, and one through the frame. Should I have two bolts holding rear bags?
Two bolts top,... one bolt in the bottom,... thru the trailing arm.

And again, where do ya'll route the lines to/through?
You will need to drill a large hole in the frame for the bag fitting to pass thru.

5) Once the bags, tank and compressor are installed, how are ya'll wiring the compressor up?
See link below.

Here's some good tech from QAR (formerly www.*****************).
http://*******************/content/how-commit-suicide

[65Short]

There is a good writeup on installing bags in the faq section. Go to the faq section. Under the suspension section it is titled illustrated bag installation. It helped me.
Posted via Mobile Device

[tubbedII]

Lolife's got you covered, but here's a couple tips I've found in my readings on some of your questions.

3) Also, once the plates are done and the bag installed, how and where do you run the lines to/through to get them to the paddle valve?
Connect the line to the front bags before you bolt in the top plate and trim the excess line in the cab, not the other way around. I had a hole next to the throttle you can probably use (I think it was for the clutch which I didn't have).

4) Rear install: I noticed that my rear coils are held on by two bolts, one through the trailing arm, and one through the frame. Should I have two bolts holding rear bags?
For the top bolts, use studs instead of bolts. It'll make it much easier to mount.

BTW, nice looking ride! That's the same color combo I'm shooting for on my blazer when I get to the paint/body stage.

[lolife99]

Thanks everyone for adding info.
This thread sat there dead for a couple days with no replies.
I tried to answer quickly today on my lunch break.

Also,... I usually make a "loop" with the air line,... inside the front crossmember.
This makes it easier to remove the bag plate and bag, if the need arises later on.
Use plenty of wire ties to secure/bundle the air lines.
Try to route them away from heat sources and sharp edges.

I suggest buying only DOT approved air fittings.
Use a very good thread sealant on all pipe thread connections.
Loctite 545 is well worth the money it costs.
(it's actually a hydraulic thread sealant)
Spend the money now and you will have no leaks.

Take your time and the end results will give you a very dependable air ride equipped truck.
(also very nice truck)

Can anyone else think of any tips that will help member adpostel?

[adpostel]

Man! Thanks Guys! I have had a very busy week at the house, and didn't really get to do any work on the 68. I just got back to work and finally am able to check the forum, I really REALLY appreciate the info. I will definitely check the FAQ.... I can't believe I missed that, I searched extensively, but it looks like ya'll got me covered.... My daughter and I did figure out where we wanted the air tank and the compressor, so we will get started as soon as I am off next week. No need to keep this baby in the garage any longer.....Thanks again, and I never hesitate to ask questions on this board......

Sincerely,

ADPOSTEL