Ridetech Level 1 Thoughts

[jackyl9999]

Hey everyone, I have been kicking around the idea of switching my truck to air ride. Does anyone have the Air ride technologies Level 1 kit?

I am not interested in laying frame, I just want a solid air ride kit that is reletively easy to install, gives some adjustability, and a good ride.


Any thoughts and pictures would be appreciated. Especially where you set your ride height, fully deflated, etc.



Thanks.

Steve

[lolife99]

Just for comparison,... this is the StageOne kit from Porterbuilt Fabrication.
Nate Porter is a site supporter and a member/vendor here.
This would be my choice.
You get front shocks and shock mounts for less money that just the bag and plate from Ridetech.

Stage One:
http://www.porterbuiltfabrication.co...-1963-1987-365

[Pro Performance]

X2 for Porterbuilt. You get everything you need including the shocks and it is very quality stuff. They have a rear stage 1 also.

Front Stage 1
Rear Stage 1

Let me know, and I can put together an air management kit for you as well, to make it a complete system.

[big_al_71]

Ride tech kit on my truck, small cnoth snd could not be happier. Of course I added tubular control arms, big muscle bar in the front and I already had the square tubing trailing arms the truck ride unbelievable

[jackyl9999]

I am looking to get the level 1 kit which is listed here.

http://www.ridetech.com/store/1963-1...0-level-1.html


What kind of drop does everyone get with these? I currently have lowering spindles, and a 4 inch drop in the rear. I would hate to buy this kit and not be where I am now.

Steve

[PBFAB.COM]

Jacky-

Find some pics of the stance you want to achieve, ride height and deflated so we can see exactly what attendee you are going for. Then we could get you a better idea of what components to recommend.
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[jackyl9999]

Here is my truck. I would like to keep the ride height where it is, maybe a little lower. I have some 2 inch drop spindles on the front, Would I be able to use them with a air bag setup?



Thanks,

Steve

[jackyl9999]

Another Picture from the side

[Pro Performance]

Yes, and definitely would recommend using the drop spindles with the bag kit. Your truck should sit similar to Big-Al's truck when bagged, which I think looks killer.

Nice truck!

[Gobbles]

Originally Posted by Street3285

Nice truck!

x2, that thing sits and looks perfect!

[71tahoe]

I have a slightly used ridepro e, bags, brackets, fittings, etc. that I was trying to sell on CL for a while. It's only missing the steering stops and 3 shocks. I'm only about 20 miles away and my price was a bit lower than ridetech. PM me...

[CC69Rat]

Gawd what a purdy truck ! I have a black one that looks a lot like it, (70 SG) I'm going to follow this thread to see what Nate suggests. I am about to drop mine too.

Subscribed for sure ..

Would you mind sharing your wheel and tire specs? Coys, yes .. but sizes etc. ?

[JWall]

My truck has air ride with nothing cut with a TALL tire setup.

It sits on the front inner fenders in front and axle on the frame in rear.

My ride height is lower than your truck now.

Here it is down...

[jackyl9999]

I will share tire sizes when I get home.

Jwall- how is the ride and what is your airbag setup?
Posted via Mobile Device

[JWall]

My truck rides great. I am very pleased.

My truck basically has the Ride Tech Level 1 kit but with their Tubular Upper & Lower A-Arms.
It also front & rear sway bars.

[VA72C10]

Wow, beautiful trucks in this thread. I will agree that you can't go wrong with ridetech or porterbuilt. They both are industry leaders and have put a lot of time and money into research and development and both have quality products and a history of excellent customer support. for someone looking for the best of the best that will work....they are both great options.

That being said...If you are like me and have a limited budget and/or are into saving $$$, you're honestly looking at a very basic setup. With you already having spindles all you need are bags, brackets, shocks, relocators for the shocks, and the air management setup.

Check with member way2lo2 for specials on bags/brackets. Or check ebay. I've gotten all four bags with brackets (all new all top quality stuff (D2600's) not airbagit junk)) for 200 shipped before..then add in shocks (I found them on ebay for 70 for all four) I have the same setup as ridetech for 270 minus the air management that runs 1000 but can be put together for less....still...that's 1270 instead of 1900....

For air management IMHO accuair is the way to go if you want to be able to adjust and also have a leveled ride every time....if you don't plan to adjust it you can install schrader valves at the end of the line for each bag (don't T- them together) ridetech has nice air management products as well but you will pay for them

In my opinion two things not on the Ridetech link provided that you should get are shock relocators for the rear and a longer, adjustable panhard bar. I also thing front and rear sway bars are a huge must if you want it to handle the best. Factory with new rubber is fine here....and about 1/4 the price of a musclebar....

[Scottshotrods]

If you are looking for Ridetech products let us know we can save you some $$$$.Very fast shipping you cannot go wrong with there products they are very well made and have great customer support.You can p/m me or call me or e-mail me
justin@scottshotrods.com
(805)485-0382

[jackyl9999]

Originally Posted by CC69Rat

Would you mind sharing your wheel and tire specs? Coys, yes .. but sizes etc. ?

Front- 18x8 255/45
Rear- 18x9.5 295/45

[jackyl9999]

Do the tubular a-arms offer anymore in way of clearance? Or are they mainly for handling improvement?

[Pro Performance]

Originally Posted by jackyl9999

Do the tubular a-arms offer anymore in way of clearance? Or are they mainly for handling improvement?

They will offer better geometry of the front suspension through it's travel, and allow the bag to sit lower in the a-arm to help get the truck a little lower.

If you went with the Porterbuilts, you can get them 1" narrower to allow for more clearance turning when lowered down.

[duallyjams]

I know it's a different year truck but I put ride tech on my Dually in May of 2002 when my truck was just 2 weeks old and have put 75,000 miles on it with no problems , don't how much better you get on that.

[northern 85]

That truck looks evil and hungry Nice ride