Air Bags & Vendors - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

longorange68 · 10-03-2006, 02:04 AM

Finally figured out what I want to do with the old truck, looking for an airbag kit. Has anybody done this swap recently? What kit/vendor did you end up going with? Any lessons learned? Anything you would recommend staying away from? I'm at the point that I would like to do some research and was wondering if anone would mind sharing experiences or information. Thanks in advance,

Josh

**LockDoc** · 10-03-2006, 09:11 AM

Josh,

I can't help you at this time but I have a truck that I'm planning on converting too. You can check out these threads:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...highlight=bags

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...highlight=bags

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...highlight=bags

Should be some good pointers there.....

LockDoc

**slomotion** · 10-03-2006, 10:15 AM

I like Air ride Technologies. The hardware is state of the art , the instructions are clear, and should you have a problem there's a real person on the other end of the phone that will talk you through a problem without talking down to you

longorange68 · 10-04-2006, 01:09 AM

A lot of info, thanks for the links man. Have you guys seen or do you know of anybody who posts here with a completed bagged P/U? I would like to pick someones brain, or at the very least see some before and after pics. I have ridden in a bagged 96 impala recently, and I must say there is nothing like floating on air! The ride makes a Caddie feel cheap in my opinion....

Thanks,
Josh

gbkwork · 10-05-2006, 07:31 PM

I used the full ART's set-up on the front of my '72 (tubular A-Arms, bags) and the ART's valves and digital controller. I had previously installed the ECE rear airbag set-up but would recommend against it if you plan on notching the frame. I am currently welding up the Classic Performance C-notch on the rear and will be replacing the Firestone bags from my ECE purchase with some double-convoluted bags for an obvious reason...the ECE (Firestone) bags are of a type that use a steel pedestal at the base (like a semi). This base reduces the effective motion of the airbag by at least 1 1/2 - 2". If you install a notch, you will be riding close to that pedestal at full compression of the rear axle.

It looks like ART's has finally come out with a comprehensive rear suspension set-up for our trucks (damn it) including a notch, new swing arms, and the bags.

I have been VERY happy with the service and performance of Air Ride Technologies and would highly recommend them. They definitely aren't the cheapest vendor out there, but there products are very well engineered.

FYI, my front-end will lay down on the lower A-Arm mounts at the front subframe when fully aired out. I am running 245/50-17 front tires and had to remove the front inner fenders to avoid the tire supporting the truck when the bags were deflated. I am in the process of fabbing up new inner fenders.

Keep in mind that I am not looking to "lay frame." I just was unhappy with my ECE 2.5" coil drop look prior to installing the bags (just not quite low enough).

Feel free to IM me. I've been through several suspension set-ups (among other things).

Also, if anyone is interested in purchasing stock '72 C10 front A-arms or an ECE swaybar, let me know.

*Shane* · 10-05-2006, 09:23 PM

do a search ... lot's of folks here swear by ***************** ... and also swear against ANYTHING concerning ART ... I am one of the later.

jimmydean · 10-05-2006, 11:34 PM

I did my bags on a budget. I got a lot of stuff from Suicide Doors and they were very helpful. I was able to put together a great setup for cheap and they were very helpful.

etg · 10-06-2006, 02:39 AM

Look around for deals. A lot of people push air ride technologies, but I learned from some stuff my buddies bought that's its mainly firestone bags, thomas compressors, you know other company's products that AIRIDE has stuck their sticker on. You can get the same stuff for cheaper because you pay for the AirRideTech name, other company's quality though. That being said they do make nice kits if you don't want to shop around, also I love their eRide control system, it rocks!!

abadsvt · 10-06-2006, 11:44 AM

In my own opinion i would either go with air ride technologies or suicide doors. Either place will be able to set you up real nice. There is advantages with both companys. If you go to suicide doors they are really good people that are VERY helpful. They have great prices and offer good products. If you go through Air Ride Technologies you know you are getting a great product. I believe they are the company that started the whole air ride setups or at least they improved them. They are a little more expensive but keep in mind that we are talking about your suspension. It is a very important part of driving. If you end up going with Air Ride Tech get ahold of Nathan Porterbuilt on this forum. He is an authorized dealer or Air Ride Tech and gives 10% to fellow board members and he is a really nice guy.

I just ordered from both companys. I got all my compressors, tanks, valves, hose from suicide doors and then i ordered shockwaves, 4 link, strong arms from Air Ride Tech. If you have any questions just send me a PM and i will do my best to help

10-03-2006, 02:04 AM	#1
longorange68 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Hockinson, Washington Posts: 114	Air Bags & Vendors Finally figured out what I want to do with the old truck, looking for an airbag kit. Has anybody done this swap recently? What kit/vendor did you end up going with? Any lessons learned? Anything you would recommend staying away from? I'm at the point that I would like to do some research and was wondering if anone would mind sharing experiences or information. Thanks in advance, Josh __________________ 1968 Chevrolet C-10, 2WD, Longbox, Vortec 350, Monster Transmission 700R4, 3.73 gears Good judgment comes from experience, and experience, well......that comes from bad judgment. 1968 Chevy C-10 "Longshot": Bought used from my Uncle George in 1994 and proceeding to beat the hell out of it for 4 years. Sold it. Bought it back, dumped an ungodly amount of money into it since then.

10-03-2006, 09:11 AM	#2
LockDoc The Older Generation Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Montezuma, Iowa Posts: 25,430	Re: Air Bags & Vendors Josh, I can't help you at this time but I have a truck that I'm planning on converting too. You can check out these threads: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...highlight=bags http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...highlight=bags http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...highlight=bags Should be some good pointers there..... LockDoc __________________ Leon Locksmith, Specializing In Antique Trucks, Automobiles, & Motorcycles (My Dually Pickup Project Thread) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=829820 -

10-03-2006, 10:15 AM	#3
slomotion Old Duffer Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Maine Posts: 1,821	Re: Air Bags & Vendors I like Air ride Technologies. The hardware is state of the art , the instructions are clear, and should you have a problem there's a real person on the other end of the phone that will talk you through a problem without talking down to you __________________ '68 Short C20 Flatbed Dually w/ 292 4bbl, Langdon cast headers, and WC T5 trans. '81 G10 Shorty Van "Good judgement comes from experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgement." Will Rogers "Under promise, then over achieve."

10-04-2006, 01:09 AM	#4
longorange68 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Hockinson, Washington Posts: 114	Re: Air Bags & Vendors A lot of info, thanks for the links man. Have you guys seen or do you know of anybody who posts here with a completed bagged P/U? I would like to pick someones brain, or at the very least see some before and after pics. I have ridden in a bagged 96 impala recently, and I must say there is nothing like floating on air! The ride makes a Caddie feel cheap in my opinion.... Thanks, Josh __________________ 1968 Chevrolet C-10, 2WD, Longbox, Vortec 350, Monster Transmission 700R4, 3.73 gears Good judgment comes from experience, and experience, well......that comes from bad judgment. 1968 Chevy C-10 "Longshot": Bought used from my Uncle George in 1994 and proceeding to beat the hell out of it for 4 years. Sold it. Bought it back, dumped an ungodly amount of money into it since then.

10-05-2006, 07:31 PM	#5
gbkwork Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Chico, CA Posts: 39	Re: Air Bags & Vendors I used the full ART's set-up on the front of my '72 (tubular A-Arms, bags) and the ART's valves and digital controller. I had previously installed the ECE rear airbag set-up but would recommend against it if you plan on notching the frame. I am currently welding up the Classic Performance C-notch on the rear and will be replacing the Firestone bags from my ECE purchase with some double-convoluted bags for an obvious reason...the ECE (Firestone) bags are of a type that use a steel pedestal at the base (like a semi). This base reduces the effective motion of the airbag by at least 1 1/2 - 2". If you install a notch, you will be riding close to that pedestal at full compression of the rear axle. It looks like ART's has finally come out with a comprehensive rear suspension set-up for our trucks (damn it) including a notch, new swing arms, and the bags. I have been VERY happy with the service and performance of Air Ride Technologies and would highly recommend them. They definitely aren't the cheapest vendor out there, but there products are very well engineered. FYI, my front-end will lay down on the lower A-Arm mounts at the front subframe when fully aired out. I am running 245/50-17 front tires and had to remove the front inner fenders to avoid the tire supporting the truck when the bags were deflated. I am in the process of fabbing up new inner fenders. Keep in mind that I am not looking to "lay frame." I just was unhappy with my ECE 2.5" coil drop look prior to installing the bags (just not quite low enough). Feel free to IM me. I've been through several suspension set-ups (among other things). Also, if anyone is interested in purchasing stock '72 C10 front A-arms or an ECE swaybar, let me know. __________________ '72 Custom LWB 383 ci, Lunati 213 / 219 cam (60101L), 2.02/1.6 heads, Crane roller rockers, HPC coated ramhorns, FIRST TPI, '90 Corvette ECM, , Built 700R4, 3.73 Eaton Posi 12-bolt, Magnaflow dual exhaust, PW, Keyless DL, ECE Hidden Hitch, New chrome all around, 17" Torq Thrust II's, 255/50 & 275/50 Nittos, ART airbags, Rick's custom tank w/ custom in-bed filler, '02 Silverado seats, Rod Doors headliner / A-pillar covers and door panels.

10-05-2006, 09:23 PM	#6
Shane Account Suspended Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: over yonder Posts: 14,270	Re: Air Bags & Vendors do a search ... lot's of folks here swear by ***************** ... and also swear against ANYTHING concerning ART ... I am one of the later.

10-05-2006, 11:34 PM	#7
jimmydean Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Location: Beaverton, OR Posts: 3,728	Re: Air Bags & Vendors I did my bags on a budget. I got a lot of stuff from Suicide Doors and they were very helpful. I was able to put together a great setup for cheap and they were very helpful.

10-06-2006, 02:39 AM	#8
etg Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: San Diego Posts: 147	Re: Air Bags & Vendors Look around for deals. A lot of people push air ride technologies, but I learned from some stuff my buddies bought that's its mainly firestone bags, thomas compressors, you know other company's products that AIRIDE has stuck their sticker on. You can get the same stuff for cheaper because you pay for the AirRideTech name, other company's quality though. That being said they do make nice kits if you don't want to shop around, also I love their eRide control system, it rocks!!

10-06-2006, 11:44 AM	#9
abadsvt Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Atascadero, CA Posts: 1,152	Re: Air Bags & Vendors In my own opinion i would either go with air ride technologies or suicide doors. Either place will be able to set you up real nice. There is advantages with both companys. If you go to suicide doors they are really good people that are VERY helpful. They have great prices and offer good products. If you go through Air Ride Technologies you know you are getting a great product. I believe they are the company that started the whole air ride setups or at least they improved them. They are a little more expensive but keep in mind that we are talking about your suspension. It is a very important part of driving. If you end up going with Air Ride Tech get ahold of Nathan Porterbuilt on this forum. He is an authorized dealer or Air Ride Tech and gives 10% to fellow board members and he is a really nice guy. I just ordered from both companys. I got all my compressors, tanks, valves, hose from suicide doors and then i ordered shockwaves, 4 link, strong arms from Air Ride Tech. If you have any questions just send me a PM and i will do my best to help



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