leveling sensors

[sparks427]

OK so I'm bagging my 71 c 10, as I'm sure some of you know by now. My question is are there any leveling switches that are basically just a switch, as in you put 12v in on one side and get 12v out say to power a light. My idea is, because I'm doing a manual setup, I won't be able to do one of those fancy leveling kits, I don't want to spend the money anyhow. so what I want to do is use a switch to tell me when that corner is at ride height via a small light mounted by my paddle switch somewhere. Can I do this, is it possible without going broke?

[andrewmp6]

Sounds like every time the suspension cycles a little the light would blink and drive you nuts over time.If you want a cheaper way then accuair air lift makes a kit that self levels based on air pressure http://www.avsontheweb.com/product.p...cat=632&page=1

[72MARIO]

I cant see paying 995 for that kit when for under 200 more you can have accuair.

[sparks427]

I've thought about the light going on and off and could be solved by having an on/off switch to activate the lights to check for level, I could go with accuair if I had the money, but I'm a bit shy of having a grand or two laying around, which is why I'm going the manual route anyhow. So I was just wondering if anybody knew of a leveler that just ran on 12v.

[andrewmp6]

I'm sure you could find some type of micro switch or something like that.

[sparks427]

I did find something through Honeywell that might work if it will do what I want...

[ls1c10]

Originally Posted by 72MARIO

I cant see paying 995 for that kit when for under 200 more you can have accuair.

the airlift v2 is a complete setup with a valve body, gauge panel/controller
the e level for 1200 is just the sensors and brain. you'll still need the valves.

[72MARIO]

I was assuming he has valves already.

After owing the ride tech E2 system you couldn't give me a pressure based system for my truck.

Sparks this is a great idea. I hope someone can hook you up with something that will work.

[sparks427]

Well it's going to be manual but I have an idea I'm going to look into! I'll keep you guys up to date as I get things figured out!

[gottattooz]

I've got a static drop on the front axle and air bags on the rear with a leveling valve of a Volvo Sleeper. There's a shuttle built into the switch that dumps the air in the bags when air is applied via a dump switch. The leveling valve I have maintains the same ride height regardless of the load on the bags. If that sounds like something you'd be interested in, I'll get pics posted with a description of each part.

-Josh

[sparks427]

That sounds like a neat setup but I already bought my manual paddle valves so I'm going to try this first and go from there. Thanks for the idea though, much appreciated!!

[Snailed]

You could use something like this. I just used this exact one on a stone lifting machine I built. It's a very nice quality switch. http://www.mcmaster.com/#7988k2/=ru626y

[lolife99]

I'm not sure I understand the light switch.
You are going to raise the truck until a light turns on a a pre-designated ride height?
Why not use gauges?
Figure out your correct ride height,... and raise the truck to that pressure every time.
Simple process people have been doing for years.

[sparks427]

Ya I got t to thinking about that. I was just wanting to do something different. Seems to be a difficult task to find stuff somebody hasnt done somewhere...

[Chevysdominate]

This would be incredibly simple to do with an arduino, a few magnetic read switches and some led's. It's a much simpler version of the ride height controller I made for my manual valves. you can check that out here.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=600987

I've been pretty busy lately, but if i have time this weekend I may put together a simple prototype.

[sparks427]

What you did is just awesome! I'll have to get in touch with you when I get closer to doing mine. What sensors did you use?

[Snailed]

Originally Posted by lolife99

I'm not sure I understand the light switch.
You are going to raise the truck until a light turns on a a pre-designated ride height?
Why not use gauges?
Figure out your correct ride height,... and raise the truck to that pressure every time.
Simple process people have been doing for years.

Air pressure has little to do with ride height if the weight of the vehicle changes. Height is very important for handling, alignment and cosmetics so why not directly measure what you are trying to control?

[Snailed]

Originally Posted by Chevysdominate

This would be incredibly simple to do with an arduino, a few magnetic read switches and some led's. It's a much simpler version of the ride height controller I made for my manual valves. you can check that out here.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=600987

I've been pretty busy lately, but if i have time this weekend I may put together a simple prototype.

Nice project! You could really just use magnetic switches a single LED and no controler if you wanted to keep it simple I think. Probably a very cheap project at that point.

These switches are $12 each and can have a 1/4" air gap. http://www.mcmaster.com/#65985k11/=rvrpwu Add some wire, resisters and some LEDS and you could do it for about $60

[sparks427]

Those could definetly work as well!

[Chevysdominate]

I don't have the part number on hand for the sensors I used, but they're from a 2010-2012 Cadillac cts. I believe they where also used for headlight direction sensors as well.

Originally Posted by sparks427

What you did is just awesome! I'll have to get in touch with you when I get closer to doing mine. What sensors did you use?