Thinking of running bags in the rear only

[5150]

Hey guys,

Thinking of running just bags in the rear of my 2wd blazer. I have all the parts for a 4/6 drop, but was thinking this maybe a better option in the rear.

Can anybody tell me what I need(parts list). No compressor or anything. Probably try to mount the tank somewhere along the frame.

Thanks, I appreciate the info.

[72 Cheyenne402]

I am going to do the same thing and am trying to determine all the parts needed. This information came from another fellow board member

"Swapping to manual fill bags will get you where you want so why not bags? You're going to go through the effort of swapping springs anyway.... installing a couple of bags isn't much more work.

From SuicideDoors site:
255c 2500# Firestone air bags @ $70ea x 2 = 140
25ft 1/4" Reinforced DOT air line @ $6
90° elbow fittings @ $5ea x 2 = 10
Schrader fittings @ $5ea x 2 = 10

Grand total for everything = $166
Price for 5" drop springs from board vendor GMC Pauls = $115

$51 difference to get that 7" drop & still tow a load.....

I ran them that way for almost 3yrs before installing a tank/compressor w/controls. I've added more again. The front has bags now & I switched to Slams (I thought I would try them out). I also re-engineered a couple of things on the suspension to work a little better.

As far as pics.... there's really not much to it. Bags in place of rear coils & 2 airlines running down the framerails to the bumper where I mounted the 2 schrader valves (they were installed behind my flip-up license plate)."

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by 72 Cheyenne402

I am going to do the same thing and am trying to determine all the parts needed. This information came from another fellow board member

"Swapping to manual fill bags will get you where you want so why not bags? You're going to go through the effort of swapping springs anyway.... installing a couple of bags isn't much more work.

From SuicideDoors site:
255c 2500# Firestone air bags @ $70ea x 2 = 140
25ft 1/4" Reinforced DOT air line @ $6
90° elbow fittings @ $5ea x 2 = 10
Schrader fittings @ $5ea x 2 = 10

Grand total for everything = $166
Price for 5" drop springs from board vendor GMC Pauls = $115

$51 difference to get that 7" drop & still tow a load.....

I ran them that way for almost 3yrs before installing a tank/compressor w/controls. I've added more again. The front has bags now & I switched to Slams (I thought I would try them out). I also re-engineered a couple of things on the suspension to work a little better.

As far as pics.... there's really not much to it. Bags in place of rear coils & 2 airlines running down the framerails to the bumper where I mounted the 2 schrader valves (they were installed behind my flip-up license plate)."

Dang.... that guy sure seems smart . I can post some pics of the bags mounted but like was stated, there really isn't much to see.

[jamis]

I asked the question once and Scoti told me the same. Still havent done it, its too freeking hot now to work on my project, but as soon as it cools off a bit thats one of the things on the TO DO LIST.

[5150]

Thanks guys, and Scoti I'd appreciate the pics.

By the way, what is the part number for the elbows and the schrader valves?

[gringoloco]

Firestone Air line service kit

[5150]

Can that be found from Suicide Doors or did you get it somewhere else?

[72 Cheyenne402]

Originally Posted by SCOTI

Dang.... that guy sure seems smart . I can post some pics of the bags mounted but like was stated, there really isn't much to see.

Scoti,
Sorry I didn't associate you with this information I actually have a copy of it on my desktop at work in a word file. I was trying to get out of there and head on my vacation this morning and posted it the information quick.

I also thing I'm going to run a compressor. Would I need a tank for the rear if that is all I plan on bagging or should I run a tank as well?

[gringoloco]

Originally Posted by 5150 Artist formerly known as yellow69

Can that be found from Suicide Doors or did you get it somewhere else?

Cheapest place I've found it:http://www.suspensionconnection.com

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by 72 Cheyenne402

Scoti,
Sorry I didn't associate you with this information I actually have a copy of it on my desktop at work in a word file. I was trying to get out of there and head on my vacation this morning and posted it the information quick.

I also thing I'm going to run a compressor. Would I need a tank for the rear if that is all I plan on bagging or should I run a tank as well?

I know they sell kits for 'helper' bags (air over leaf) that you can get away w/not using a tank but those bags are tapered-sleeve bag vs. a dbl convoluted bag which is what 6X~72's need out back. My best advice would be to contact ART & seek their input. I'm guessing you could get away w/just the comp & no tank but it would be good to ask those that do this for a living.

I used the schrader set-up for quite a while (2+yrs). For my limited adjustments @ that time, they worked fine..... but switching to the comp/tank made it soooooo much easier when I did want to adjust ride height. If you can spare the coin, do the tank/comp.

[72 Cheyenne402]

Originally Posted by SCOTI

I know they sell kits for 'helper' bags (air over leaf) that you can get away w/not using a tank but those bags are tapered-sleeve bag vs. a dbl convoluted bag which is what 6X~72's need out back. My best advice would be to contact ART & seek their input. I'm guessing you could get away w/just the comp & no tank but it would be good to ask those that do this for a living.

I used the schrader set-up for quite a while (2+yrs). For my limited adjustments @ that time, they worked fine..... but switching to the comp/tank made it soooooo much easier when I did want to adjust ride height. If you can spare the coin, do the tank/comp.

I have decided to do the tank and compressor so I woulnd be set up for future expansion. tanks are reasonible and I am not sure which compressor to go with.

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by 72 Cheyenne402

I have decided to do the tank and compressor so I woulnd be set up for future expansion. tanks are reasonible and I am not sure which compressor to go with.

Everyone seems to love the Viairs (the 380c or 480c). I have had good experiences w/the 'old' standard Thomas brand comp's from ART.

From what I understand, the Thomases generate a little less noise vs. the other brands if that's important to you.

[5150]

Hey guys,

I know that the 2500 bags were recommended in an earlier post, but will the 2600 bags fit??

The reason I ask is a buddy of mine who builds hot rods and a lot of mini trucks recommended the slam specialties:

http://www.*****************/SlamSpec...SinglePort.php

[gringoloco]

Originally Posted by 5150 Artist formerly known as yellow69

Hey guys,

I know that the 2500 bags were recommended in an earlier post, but will the 2600 bags fit??

The reason I ask is a buddy of mine who builds hot rods and a lot of mini trucks recommended the slam specialties:

http://www.*****************/SlamSpec...SinglePort.php

The 2600s will fit. *I think* the Firestones were mentioned merely for their price, as that was a budget bag setup. The Slams are only $5 more each and have an internal bumpstop and supposedly don't balloon. Lots of people here running Slam Specialties RE7s including me...

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by gringoloco

The 2600s will fit. *I think* the Firestones were mentioned merely for their price, as that was a budget bag setup. The Slams are only $5 more each and have an internal bumpstop and supposedly don't balloon. Lots of people here running Slam Specialties RE7s including me...

I used the larger 2600# Stones in the rear & have since swapped in Slams RE-6's. RE-7's would work just as well.

[randyjohn]

i have a couple of ?'s
1. is the 6" drop with just bags or with a notch?
2. what would be the differences between 1/2 and 3/4 ton as far as mounting and size of bags?

[5150]

Hey Gringo, where did you get those RE7's I'm only seeing the RE200's on suicide doors??? If the ones that I posted a link for will work I'll get them, but want to make sure those will work.

[gringoloco]

Originally Posted by 5150 Artist formerly known as yellow69

Hey Gringo, where did you get those RE7's I'm only seeing the RE200's on suicide doors??? If the ones that I posted a link for will work I'll get them, but want to make sure those will work.

That's them. Look to the right and there's a pull down menu for diameter. Get the 7 inch. Some people say 6" for the pickups due to less weight than say, a Blazer. Either one will be fine, but if you ever haul anything, you'll want the 7s.

-Chris

[bama51]

If I order the 7s and the airline kit mentioned above, will that cover everything or do I need some mounting adapters or something? Also, If I decide to go all-out with tank, compressor, etc. will I be able to use this setup and just add the other components? Thanks.

[gringoloco]

Originally Posted by bama51

If I order the 7s and the airline kit mentioned above, will that cover everything or do I need some mounting adapters or something? Also, If I decide to go all-out with tank, compressor, etc. will I be able to use this setup and just add the other components? Thanks.

No mounting adapters needed in the rear- just one long bolt through the trailing arm and two through the frame. You will also need a pair of adapter bushings to adapt the 1/4"npt fittings to the 1/2"npt bag; they are ~$2 at home Depot/Lowe's. Check out the FAQ by Mr.Shelley on airbag mounting for pictures...