Can someone help me out?

[jrsmith_2010]

Hey guys, i have been looking for a set of valves for a furture project that i am going to do, and trying to get everything to bag it so it will take no time to do it when i get it. what im asking is ive seen 2 different types of valves, ive seen these


and these


can someone please explain to me what the difference is? which one is going to be worth the money?

thanks alot guys

[hotrodhomi]

that second valve will be much slower, it works off a common supply and the flow will be less even with just one valve is used at a time. What are you looking to get out of your air ride?

[jrsmith_2010]

well im just lookin for it to go up and down, preferably down pretty quickly, i want my truck to layout completly, and maybe do a little switch play

[hotrodhomi]

If you want fast stick with some 1/2" valves. Personally I think they are too fast to accurately control, but if you are looking for speed they will do the trick. Also, remember that even if you use large valves you will not be getting the full speed out of them unless you use big tubing as well.

[hotrodhomi]

I like the SMC valves. I used the 3/8" on my blazer but here is a link to the 1/2"

[jrsmith_2010]

yea ive bought air line already, 50 ft of 1/4 and 50 ft of 1/2. so if i did go with the 2nd pictured on, id just need whats in the picture right? or would i need more?

[smashingchuck]

If you use the 1/2" valves and 1/2" line it's going to be super fast. Having had the 1/2" lines and valves myself, I think you'll be plenty happy with 3/8" SMC valves and 1/4" line. Even with the smaller valves the dumps will basically be a free fall when you go to air it out.

[jlaird]

I think the answer you may be looking for which nobody pointed out is that you are looking at a single valve vs a manifold which is basically a bunch of valves in one nice little package. I myself would go with the manifold for ease of mounting. You will have to buy less fittings too.

[Kontrol Phreaks]

Here is some info to help answer your original question, and add some tech as well.

The first valve pictured is going to be a "one way" diaphragm style valve which offers a higher CV flow due to its design and size. You will be required one valve to inflate, and one valve to deflate in order to complete an assembly. On a front and back system you will need (4) valves total. On a f/b/s/s system where you can control each wheel independently you will require the use of (8) valves. This style valve will flow a lot faster than a manifold style valve due to the orifice size. Companies such as SMC, GC, Parker, Norgren, all offer this style of a valve in different sizes that all have different CV and pressure ratings.

The second style valve you posted is referred to as a manifold style valve. There are several different styles of this valve on the market and they are all pretty much based off a similar principal. They all share a common supply port that comes from the tank, and when activated, the supply air travel through the manifold assembly and out to the bag. Because of the manifolds design, the ports are smaller which in turn reduces the CV of the valve and make it raise slower. Also since it shares a release port, all the bags will dump from a common part which can slow the drop speed down as well. The manifold style valve is great for systems up to 3/8 where the individual is looking for a smooth and controllable speed. They also carry a lower working pressure.


Remember that you're only as fast as your smallest orifice, so a half inch NPT valve won’t be very fast at all if it's connected to 1/4 line. Also remember that airline is measure with the OD (outside diameter ) so if you place a 1/2" hose ( 3/8 ID ) on a 3/8" NPT valve you will have a very responsive speed that's controllable. A system that uses all 1/2" line with 1/2" NPT valves will be even more responsive and can be a little too fast for some individuals. If that's the case you can always screw a reducer bushing, or slow down controller, into the dump valve to help slow the downward speed

[Kontrol Phreaks]

The manifold are more compact, easier to plumb due to less fittings required, and easier to wire with all the connections in one place.

Here's a clean little manifold that give you a better idea of what I was describing about above.


4 way manifold that would do front and back


8 way manifold that would control each bag seperately.

You can see how all the wiring and fittings are in one place, and a compact valve is very easy to mount and plumb.

Hope some of this help you with your project.