4x4 with air bags? - Page 3 - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

SCOTI · 01-08-2007, 03:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kbracing96

Yep I just got back on this AGAIN yesterday. now that the holidays are over I have some time to work on it.

I got the 4 link on the front all mounted and tacked on, and one of the pockest for the bags cut out in the frame. I'm going to work on it a bunch tomorrow and will have some pics for guys.

Thanks for keeping us updated. I've never done the 4x4 thing but your suspension ideas are pretty cool!

jimmydean · 01-08-2007, 03:19 PM

I can't wait to buy my wife a truck next year. I would love to bag her Dodge 2500 so she could get in it without a ladder.

kbracing96 · 01-09-2007, 09:28 PM

Ok, so I'm finally been able to get some work on this and here is where I'm at. Got the front 4-link all fitted and tacked into place as well as the drivers side bucket for the bag. It looks a little tight in the pics, but there is a good 3/4 inch all the way around it and moving the suspension though the travel, it shouldn't ever come close to rubbing. Also got the panhard bar in place, but going to have to move it a little, forgot to leave enough from for the lower shock mount on the drivers side. Looks pretty good so far. Still got some gussets and stuff to build. Here is some pics

msgross · 01-09-2007, 09:47 PM

you could do a crossover steering mod and get the drivers side steering arm out of the way...

kbracing96 · 01-09-2007, 09:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by msgross

you could do a crossover steering mod and get the drivers side steering arm out of the way...

Cross over steering mod???

kbracing96 · 01-09-2007, 10:15 PM

Ok, I researched the cross over steering, wish I would have though about that earlier, but already cut the frame up and have room for everything now so I think it will all work you this way.

msgross · 01-09-2007, 11:43 PM

Its a popular mod for chevy guys that lift and use their trucks off road. Or want to keep good steering throughout suspension travel. would have moved the steering over to the pass knuckle via a long drag link and a 2WD steering box.

Your suspension looks great BTW.

454_72_4X4 · 01-09-2007, 11:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kbracing96

Ok, I researched the cross over steering, wish I would have though about that earlier, but already cut the frame up and have room for everything now so I think it will all work you this way.

msgross beat me to it! I was just gonna ask if there was room to do a cross over steering setup with your front setup?

Are the 4 link arms parallel? The pics make it look like they're wider where they're mounted to the axle compared to where they're mounted to the frame. (Slightly outward? angle).

Are you going to gusset the upper bag mount somehow? Maybe I'm gettin my cart ahead of your horse...

Looks like excellent work so far! Every time you post more pics I think more and more about trying this on my truck.

kbracing96 · 01-10-2007, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 454_72_4X4

msgross beat me to it! I was just gonna ask if there was room to do a cross over steering setup with your front setup?

Are the 4 link arms parallel? The pics make it look like they're wider where they're mounted to the axle compared to where they're mounted to the frame. (Slightly outward? angle).

Are you going to gusset the upper bag mount somehow? Maybe I'm gettin my cart ahead of your horse...

Looks like excellent work so far! Every time you post more pics I think more and more about trying this on my truck.

After looking at it some more, I'm not sure the cross over steering would work with the where I have to mount the shock in front of the axle on the passenger side.

Ya, the bars are parallel, the frame narrows in, so it looks like the angle out. I do plan on gusseting the upper bag mounts some more, these pics were just to show you guys the basic idea I was using to bag it, still far from done

454_72_4X4 · 01-10-2007, 04:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kbracing96

After looking at it some more, I'm not sure the cross over steering would work with the where I have to mount the shock in front of the axle on the passenger side.

Ya, the bars are parallel, the frame narrows in, so it looks like the angle out. I do plan on gusseting the upper bag mounts some more, these pics were just to show you guys the basic idea I was using to bag it, still far from done

To bad about not having room for the crossover steering. That's something I'd like to do to my truck also.

My truck is lifted 4 inches presently. What all do you think I'd have to change from your plan to retain my current ride height? (then air it down to stock height to load stuff...that's be cool! LOL).

More questions..sorry...

I see on the front link it says 19-3/4 and 1-5/8. Is that the length and dia of the link?
How far apart vertically are the links?

Just one thing I see that might need a little more attention. (I've been staring at these pics alot since I found this thread!

)
On the rear panhard rod where it mounts to the frame. That tubing bracket hangs down from the frame a ways. There will probably be considerable side load on that bracket, (when loaded?). I'm sure the tubing will hold but I don't have alot of faith in the frame itself. I thought it might be a good idea the add a crossmember at the bracket similar to the one for the bag mounts, maybe? (To keep the frame from twisting under side load.)

Or maybe do what a 3rd gen Camaro has and run a brace from the lower part of the tubing back across to the frame on the other side. Then if the frame tries to twist the cross brace transfers the load to the opposite frame rail and pulls/pushes horizontally as opposed to twisting.

Feasable? Not?

Keep up the good work! I love this project!

454_72_4X4 · 01-10-2007, 04:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 454_72_4X4

I see on the front link it says 19-3/4 and 1-5/8. Is that the length and dia of the link?

Just reread the first 2 pages....
"The bars are 1 1/2 x1/4 round on the bottom and 2x2x1/4 on the top."
"The bars are 26" long."

Duh for me...

kbracing96 · 01-10-2007, 07:44 PM

The front bars are actually 23" on center. Those are S.D.'s markings from when they built them. I don't think you would have to change much with a lifted truck, just lower the frame bag mounts some and probable have to run more angle in the bars. They are 7" on center apart on both the front and the back. I'm really just kind of winging it as I go,

seeing what fits and where.

As for the rear panhard bar, there really is not a lot of load ever on it unless for some reason your start road racing the truck or taking some really hard corners

Could probably add a brace to it, but probably not necessary, the frame is pretty wide there which makes it farly torsionally strong. I don't have plans to hit the skid pad any time soon

I've build a lot of NASCAR cars, so I kind of took from that with where I mounted the panhard bar for the height and angle of it.

pharcyde05 · 01-10-2007, 07:47 PM

kbracing96 · 01-10-2007, 07:50 PM

^^^^thats a little crazier then pops wanted to go

pharcyde05 · 01-10-2007, 08:35 PM

yea i am shure i couldent even talk my pops into going to air

but its still fun to look at
and its the same general idea just not as high
your work looks great

Rokcrln · 01-10-2007, 10:34 PM

You are doing a great job keep it up!

Kevin
LFD Inc.

454_72_4X4 · 01-12-2007, 02:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kbracing96

More questions...

Did you notch the frame for bag clearance? I recall in one of your last posts you said you would have to offset mount the bag because of where you had to mount it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by kbracing96

What is the diameter of the bags you're using? (Largest dia of the rubber and the dia of the metal mounting plate).
I have these bags and was just wondering how they would compare to the ones you're using. Just from looking at the pics I'd guess mine to be larger in diameter. I'll have to dig 'em out and air 'em up to get a better perspective.

kbracing96 · 01-12-2007, 12:55 PM

Ya, I notch the frame in about 1.5 inches so i didn't have to off set the bags on the bars. If you went with cross over steering, you could mount the link bars wider, angling them out from the frame to the axle and wouldn't have to notch the frame. The bags I have are 5.5" at the mounting plate and the rubber is about 7.75-8" in diameter. Feel free to ask me any questions you have, or if you want pic of anything in particular.

kbracing96 · 01-17-2007, 08:09 PM

Couple more pic of the front bag pockets and the 4 link bar mounts on the frame.

Chris27 · 01-19-2007, 03:40 PM

Very nice work! Something like this just might be the ticket to make my K5 ride nice.

1lowdiesel · 01-19-2007, 04:59 PM

looks badass man. keep up the good work.

have you thought about using slamspecialties bags. they don't balloon out. and they get more lift.

kbracing96 · 01-19-2007, 09:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1lowdiesel

looks badass man. keep up the good work.

have you thought about using slamspecialties bags. they don't balloon out. and they get more lift.

I looked at those first, but these are what SSD recommended since there are a heavier duty bag. Got the shocks and panhard bar figured out today. Had to move the panhard bar mount over 3 inches on the axle to make room for the shock mount.

Chris27 · 01-21-2007, 02:52 PM

Looks good. I was thinking of doing something similar only with coil overs instead of bags. That thing should ride like a cadillac.

kbracing96 · 01-25-2007, 10:21 PM

Got the thing sitting on air now, The tank and valves aren't plumed yet, but for the most part the suspension is mostly built. Here are some more pics.

All the way down,

All the way up

Has about 8" from setting on the stops till the shocks are fully extended. Should ride quite nice some where in the middle

jimmydean · 01-25-2007, 11:25 PM

That kicks a whole lot of ass right there! Man, I WANT that! (in my best Dane Cook voice)

01-08-2007, 03:19 PM	#52
jimmydean Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Location: Beaverton, OR Posts: 3,728	Re: 4x4 with air bags? I can't wait to buy my wife a truck next year. I would love to bag her Dodge 2500 so she could get in it without a ladder.

01-09-2007, 09:28 PM	#53
kbracing96 Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: Oakland, OR Posts: 66	Re: 4x4 with air bags? Ok, so I'm finally been able to get some work on this and here is where I'm at. Got the front 4-link all fitted and tacked into place as well as the drivers side bucket for the bag. It looks a little tight in the pics, but there is a good 3/4 inch all the way around it and moving the suspension though the travel, it shouldn't ever come close to rubbing. Also got the panhard bar in place, but going to have to move it a little, forgot to leave enough from for the lower shock mount on the drivers side. Looks pretty good so far. Still got some gussets and stuff to build. Here is some pics __________________ 01 ECSB 4.8 4x4 :Mods: One of them turbo muffler things (someone on the internet told me it dosn't work, so it must be true ) An extra radiator for the air (don't know what that does ) A bumpy stick thingy from a Corvette And on top of that my truck has a drug problem, it addicted to meth! Anyone know a good rehab center Project 72 Chevy 4x4 longbed, 5.3/4L60 swap with a Master Power T-70 turbo and air bags in the works Last edited by kbracing96; 01-09-2007 at 09:31 PM.

01-09-2007, 09:47 PM	#54
msgross Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Central PA Posts: 12,201	Re: 4x4 with air bags? you could do a crossover steering mod and get the drivers side steering arm out of the way... __________________ The Garage: 1968 K-10 SWB - "Project Money Pit" 1996 Z-71 - "huntin rig" 1969 C-10 LWB (SOLD) "Project flip that truck or else" 1993 Passport, F@rd 1-ton (SOLD)"Project Cousin Eddie" My Garage Build "The 1,000 footer"

01-09-2007, 10:15 PM	#56
kbracing96 Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: Oakland, OR Posts: 66	Re: 4x4 with air bags? Ok, I researched the cross over steering, wish I would have though about that earlier, but already cut the frame up and have room for everything now so I think it will all work you this way. __________________ 01 ECSB 4.8 4x4 :Mods: One of them turbo muffler things (someone on the internet told me it dosn't work, so it must be true ) An extra radiator for the air (don't know what that does ) A bumpy stick thingy from a Corvette And on top of that my truck has a drug problem, it addicted to meth! Anyone know a good rehab center Project 72 Chevy 4x4 longbed, 5.3/4L60 swap with a Master Power T-70 turbo and air bags in the works

01-09-2007, 11:43 PM	#57
msgross Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Central PA Posts: 12,201	Re: 4x4 with air bags? Its a popular mod for chevy guys that lift and use their trucks off road. Or want to keep good steering throughout suspension travel. would have moved the steering over to the pass knuckle via a long drag link and a 2WD steering box. Your suspension looks great BTW. __________________ The Garage: 1968 K-10 SWB - "Project Money Pit" 1996 Z-71 - "huntin rig" 1969 C-10 LWB (SOLD) "Project flip that truck or else" 1993 Passport, F@rd 1-ton (SOLD)"Project Cousin Eddie" My Garage Build "The 1,000 footer"

01-10-2007, 07:44 PM	#62
kbracing96 Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: Oakland, OR Posts: 66	Re: 4x4 with air bags? The front bars are actually 23" on center. Those are S.D.'s markings from when they built them. I don't think you would have to change much with a lifted truck, just lower the frame bag mounts some and probable have to run more angle in the bars. They are 7" on center apart on both the front and the back. I'm really just kind of winging it as I go, seeing what fits and where. As for the rear panhard bar, there really is not a lot of load ever on it unless for some reason your start road racing the truck or taking some really hard corners Could probably add a brace to it, but probably not necessary, the frame is pretty wide there which makes it farly torsionally strong. I don't have plans to hit the skid pad any time soon I've build a lot of NASCAR cars, so I kind of took from that with where I mounted the panhard bar for the height and angle of it. __________________ 01 ECSB 4.8 4x4 :Mods: One of them turbo muffler things (someone on the internet told me it dosn't work, so it must be true ) An extra radiator for the air (don't know what that does ) A bumpy stick thingy from a Corvette And on top of that my truck has a drug problem, it addicted to meth! Anyone know a good rehab center Project 72 Chevy 4x4 longbed, 5.3/4L60 swap with a Master Power T-70 turbo and air bags in the works

01-10-2007, 07:47 PM	#63
pharcyde05 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: modesto CA Posts: 239	Re: 4x4 with air bags? __________________ http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2461088

01-10-2007, 07:50 PM	#64
kbracing96 Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: Oakland, OR Posts: 66	Re: 4x4 with air bags? ^^^^thats a little crazier then pops wanted to go __________________ 01 ECSB 4.8 4x4 :Mods: One of them turbo muffler things (someone on the internet told me it dosn't work, so it must be true ) An extra radiator for the air (don't know what that does ) A bumpy stick thingy from a Corvette And on top of that my truck has a drug problem, it addicted to meth! Anyone know a good rehab center Project 72 Chevy 4x4 longbed, 5.3/4L60 swap with a Master Power T-70 turbo and air bags in the works

01-10-2007, 08:35 PM	#65
pharcyde05 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: modesto CA Posts: 239	Re: 4x4 with air bags? yea i am shure i couldent even talk my pops into going to air but its still fun to look at and its the same general idea just not as high your work looks great __________________ http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2461088

01-10-2007, 10:34 PM	#66
Rokcrln Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Winters Ca. 95694 Posts: 4,843	Re: 4x4 with air bags? You are doing a great job keep it up! Kevin LFD Inc.

01-12-2007, 12:55 PM	#68
kbracing96 Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: Oakland, OR Posts: 66	Re: 4x4 with air bags? Ya, I notch the frame in about 1.5 inches so i didn't have to off set the bags on the bars. If you went with cross over steering, you could mount the link bars wider, angling them out from the frame to the axle and wouldn't have to notch the frame. The bags I have are 5.5" at the mounting plate and the rubber is about 7.75-8" in diameter. Feel free to ask me any questions you have, or if you want pic of anything in particular. __________________ 01 ECSB 4.8 4x4 :Mods: One of them turbo muffler things (someone on the internet told me it dosn't work, so it must be true ) An extra radiator for the air (don't know what that does ) A bumpy stick thingy from a Corvette And on top of that my truck has a drug problem, it addicted to meth! Anyone know a good rehab center Project 72 Chevy 4x4 longbed, 5.3/4L60 swap with a Master Power T-70 turbo and air bags in the works Last edited by kbracing96; 01-12-2007 at 12:56 PM.

01-17-2007, 08:09 PM	#69
kbracing96 Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: Oakland, OR Posts: 66	Re: 4x4 with air bags? Couple more pic of the front bag pockets and the 4 link bar mounts on the frame. __________________ 01 ECSB 4.8 4x4 :Mods: One of them turbo muffler things (someone on the internet told me it dosn't work, so it must be true ) An extra radiator for the air (don't know what that does ) A bumpy stick thingy from a Corvette And on top of that my truck has a drug problem, it addicted to meth! Anyone know a good rehab center Project 72 Chevy 4x4 longbed, 5.3/4L60 swap with a Master Power T-70 turbo and air bags in the works

01-19-2007, 03:40 PM	#70
Chris27 Blazerless Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Kelowna, BC, Canada Posts: 274	Re: 4x4 with air bags? Very nice work! Something like this just might be the ticket to make my K5 ride nice. __________________ 72' K5 Blazer 4x4 350TBI/700R4/NP205 3/4 ton diffs. Daily driver. SOLD 69' Beaumont 388/700R4 11.70@116 77' Bronco, Wife's mall cruiser/poser 4x4. Capable but too pretty to go offroad.

01-19-2007, 04:59 PM	#71
1lowdiesel Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: central jersey Posts: 763	Re: 4x4 with air bags? looks badass man. keep up the good work. have you thought about using slamspecialties bags. they don't balloon out. and they get more lift. __________________ 69 4wd V6 20k orig miles!! 05 ccsb 2wd Diesel 500hp bagged and soon to be stock floored. 01 rcsb chevy 2wd 6bt cummins :devil:> build xtremediesel.com

01-21-2007, 02:52 PM	#73
Chris27 Blazerless Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Kelowna, BC, Canada Posts: 274	Re: 4x4 with air bags? Looks good. I was thinking of doing something similar only with coil overs instead of bags. That thing should ride like a cadillac. __________________ 72' K5 Blazer 4x4 350TBI/700R4/NP205 3/4 ton diffs. Daily driver. SOLD 69' Beaumont 388/700R4 11.70@116 77' Bronco, Wife's mall cruiser/poser 4x4. Capable but too pretty to go offroad.



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

01-25-2007, 10:21 PM	#74
kbracing96 Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: Oakland, OR Posts: 66	Re: 4x4 with air bags? Got the thing sitting on air now, The tank and valves aren't plumed yet, but for the most part the suspension is mostly built. Here are some more pics. All the way down, All the way up Has about 8" from setting on the stops till the shocks are fully extended. Should ride quite nice some where in the middle __________________ 01 ECSB 4.8 4x4 :Mods: One of them turbo muffler things (someone on the internet told me it dosn't work, so it must be true ) An extra radiator for the air (don't know what that does ) A bumpy stick thingy from a Corvette And on top of that my truck has a drug problem, it addicted to meth! Anyone know a good rehab center Project 72 Chevy 4x4 longbed, 5.3/4L60 swap with a Master Power T-70 turbo and air bags in the works

01-25-2007, 11:25 PM	#75
jimmydean Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Location: Beaverton, OR Posts: 3,728	Re: 4x4 with air bags? That kicks a whole lot of ass right there! Man, I WANT that! (in my best Dane Cook voice)

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.