Little Air Bag help please.

[jorgensensc]

Okay,
So I got the these awesome slam specialties air bags for the rear now Re 6. What I am having difficulty trying to find the parts I need to make them work. What I want to do is have air bags on the back (in case I tow or have a heavy load) and control them with schrader valves. I plan on putting the valves behind the flip down license plate for the Trailer hitch and also putting a dual needle pressure gauge back there behind the license plate also. Where can I find the parts to do this at a good price. i looked on a few sights, but didn't see such a simple kit offered. Also where can I get the line from? Thanks for the help in advance!
SHawn

[Hart_Rod]

Napa usually carries a lot of air stuff. They stock it for the big rigs, but you should be able to find what you need.

R

[jorgensensc]

Thanks Hart, Unfortunately my local carquest doesn't seem like it wants to carry anything anymore. Their shelves are pretty bare, or they have stuff that has been sitting on the shelves for years! I know there are more people on here running air bags. Where are y'all getting your supplies from? Does anyone sell a kit for air shocks that could work?
Shawn

[Sport/Truck]

+1 for NAPA. Our Carquest blows too.
Can you carry a spare behind your hidden hitch? I'm thinking of getting one.
s/t

[jorgensensc]

I don't know about the spare. I have the blazer tank back there instead of behind the seat.
Shawn

[Hart_Rod]

http://www.ridetech.com/products/inf...ngs-829-0.html

[71swb4x4]

I bought line and dual needle gauges from *****************. I bought my schrader valves from Car Quest.

[jorgensensc]

THanks for all the help guys! i appreciate it!
Shawn

[jorgensensc]

Bringing it back to the top because I'm an idiot and don't know what I'm doing.
Can someone draw me a diagram of what I need to make this work? I have decided to go ahead and get a compressor and build it that way, but I don't want a tank if it's not necessary. I just want to flip a switch behind the license plate to either air up the rear (towing) or air down the rear (when not towing).
Do I need valves? Do I need 1 dump valve for each rear bag and one inflate valve for each bag. what compressor do I need. What PSI do I need? I don't even know what psi you typically run air bags at. Do I need a tank? I'm so lost guys!! I just need a list of parts that I need to get. The NAPA here doesn't carry any type of air stuff. Does anyone know where to go in Houston to get the stuff I need. Thanks ahead of time for all of your help!!!!
Shawn

[jorgensensc]

Can I use this compressor setup?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Parts...ayphotohosting

[VA72C10]

I am interested as well and looking for a similar basic setup. I do know a tank will help if not be 100% necessary because it stores the air similar to how a water tank works with a well pump. I have seen the tanks installed by members here behind the last crossmember even w/ a blazer tank in place and not really seen once the bumper is installed.

[lowriden58]

i would get a decent compressor. in minitrucks i always use VIAIR compressors. for valves you would want 2 valves atleast. 1dump-1fill. just tee your lines together. definitly would need to run a air tank. i would say a 3-5gallon would be good for just normal use.

[jorgensensc]

okay guys. please explain the need for the tank if you don't mind. On our Trailblazer it has factory rear air bags and no tank. What is the need for the tank if you have the onboard compressor? Can't the compressor feed the air bags. Also if i 'T' the lines will I get air pressure transfer between the bags if loads shift (like going around a corner)? Wouldn't the other bag that is 'T'ed in act like an air tank and cause the other bag to over/ under inflate when pressure is applied? Would this cause the rear to tilt?

[lowriden58]

air tank is so you have air supply. yes if you run 2 valves it will shift the air. depends on what your looking for really. 4 valve would be best so you can adjust the sides individually but also remember you would need more switches...

[slomotion]

If it were me, I'd go to Air Ride technologies and get the compressor, air line, and gauge from them, only because that's what they do.

Why aren't you mounting the switch and gauge in the cab? Doing it with their switch you've eliminated alot of headaches. Push the switch down to bleed off pressure, and pull it up to increase pressure. No fussing around with alot of extra stuff that can get dirt in it, freeze, or cause any problems. No need for a tank either.

The air pressure you need to run will depend on the load you're carrying. On my truck 45 psig keeps the rear ride height were the headlights were set with the truck empty. I'm not useing any spring, it's just the bags and they're hooked up in series. I did leave the overload springs in place in the event of a catastrophic failure.

[jorgensensc]

So I need 4 valves (2 dump, 2 lift), 2 switches (one for each side), 1 dual needle gauge (or 2 single needle gauges), a compressor (what psi, 150 or 200), a pressure switch (so the compressor doesn't over exert?). What is the reason for the tank? Isn't the air compressor the air supply? If the air compressor fills the tank, and the tank fills the bags, then why can't we cut out the middle man and fill the bags straight from the compressor?

[jimmydean]

I think you will quickly learn it will get a little more expensive and possibly a lot more involved than what it sounds like you are looking for.

Something like this setup would be a good start. I am guessing you could run straight off the compressor with a check valve, but I've never done it.

[jorgensensc]

Originally Posted by slomotion

If it were me, I'd go to Air Ride technologies and get the compressor, air line, and gauge from them, only because that's what they do.

Why aren't you mounting the switch and gauge in the cab? Doing it with their switch you've eliminated alot of headaches. Push the switch down to bleed off pressure, and pull it up to increase pressure. No fussing around with alot of extra stuff that can get dirt in it, freeze, or cause any problems. No need for a tank either.

The air pressure you need to run will depend on the load you're carrying. On my truck 45 psig keeps the rear ride height were the headlights were set with the truck empty. I'm not useing any spring, it's just the bags and they're hooked up in series. I did leave the overload springs in place in the event of a catastrophic failure.

I have heard mixed reviews of ART. I didn't want to put the switches inside because I thought that it would be cheaper to mount them in the back (shorter distance), and I didn't want a bunch of gauges mounted in the interior. To me they look a little out of place, but that is just me. I figured if you are already at the back hooking up a trailer then while you are back there you can adjust the ride height after the hook up/ unhook is done. I won't be playing with the ride height a whole lot, just occasionally. Is this the wrong idea?
shawn

[slomotion]

I type so slow that a couple of reply's get in and I get behind the curve

A simple system like I think you're looking for goes something like this:
A compressor wired with a fuse to your battery. An air line from the compressor to a control switch (this switch controls air and power at the same time) An air line to a pressure gauge, and an air line to a "tee" fitting with two air lines to the respective bags.

[jorgensensc]

jimmy,
That looks pretty good. I could probably us there dual kit: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/_Car-...5&#ht_1676wt_0
Are their compressors good? Also is 1/4" line okay? My bags have 1/2" fills 1/4" seems small, but I don't know at all.
Shawn

[slomotion]

We're only dealing with one gauge and one switch here. It can be mounted anywhere you want to put it, but you're going to have to run a wire, or a 1/8" tube from up front. I don't think I'd mount the compressor in the rear because of the dirt/dust problem. The only reason I'm advocating the compressor over the Schrader valves is with the compressor you won't have to rely on an outside source for your air.

[jorgensensc]

okay guys! i just got off the phone with arnott and they are a huge help!!!
these are what they recommended :
http://www.arnottairride.com/product...asp?groupId=66
She explained that the tank is good for fast filling, or for pulling air off the system for other things (like tires, etc). It is not necessary for my application, but I think I might get it for adding air to other things. In case I need to air up my tires, or other project tires, etc. She also explained their ' valves' are built in to their switches, that is the reason for the lack of dump and fill valves in line. The only thing I'm not sure of is if the tank is big enough for airing up tires, etc when needed. She said 1/4" line is sufficient for what I need the system for, so I will need reducers from 1/2" ports to 1/4" ports. these are vaier compressors. The 1 system uses a 120 psi compressor but the 2 and 3 system use 150 psi compressors. Any thoughts guys? Is this a good system, or can it be pieced together for less money?
Shawn

[VA72C10]

Originally Posted by jorgensensc

jimmy,
That looks pretty good. I could probably us there dual kit: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/_Car-...5&#ht_1676wt_0
Are their compressors good? Also is 1/4" line okay? My bags have 1/2" fills 1/4" seems small, but I don't know at all.
Shawn

From what i understand, 1/4" is preferred and will make the lowering or raising a little slower, but much smoother. I was reading another post where guys said they would basically hit their head on the ceiling when they used 1/2" lines because it's so violent.

[VA72C10]

Also, they sell on ebay with Free shipping on those kits you are looking at so if you decide on it, it makes sense to order on Ebay to save the shipping charge.

[VA72C10]

Originally Posted by jorgensensc

Any thoughts guys? Is this a good system, or can it be pieced together for less money?
Shawn

Interested in this answer as well