Cheap air compressor idea for helper bags? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Tom · 06-29-2014, 05:16 PM

So, I was wondering, has anyone wired in a cheap tire air compressor for their air supply? Like the kind you get at harbor freight or autozone. I have several sitting around. I also have helper bags on my 98 that just run lines to the rear bumper so every time I need air I'm pulling one of these tire compressors out and hooking it up outside the truck. Seeing at that's a once a month thing, I can't rationalize a $100+ suspension compressor. I was thinking I could pull the stock air supply line off the cheapo and just put an air line fitting into its place, or am I missing something?

BR3W CITY · 06-29-2014, 05:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom

So, I was wondering, has anyone wired in a cheap tire air compressor for their air supply? Like the kind you get at harbor freight or autozone. I have several sitting around. I also have helper bags on my 98 that just run lines to the rear bumper so every time I need air I'm pulling one of these tire compressors out and hooking it up outside the truck. Seeing at that's a once a month thing, I can't rationalize a $100+ suspension compressor. I was thinking I could pull the stock air supply line off the cheapo and just put an air line fitting into its place, or am I missing something?

Sorta. I've never tried those specific ones, but we used to use a similar idea for our Bravada. It had the classic white "air shocks" that everyone sells for the s10 platform, with the T'd lines and a schroeder valve near the hitch. We used a 12v power inverter and a little bicycle-size pump when we needed it. It was nice for raceday as well, but it takes like 12min to fill a fullsize tire, and they can't do high pressures.

Tom · 06-29-2014, 07:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BR3W CITY

a schroeder valve near the hitch. We used a 12v power inverter and a little bicycle-size pump when we needed it.

Yeah, that's exactly what I'm talking about. I pull it out of the tool bag, plug it into the cig lighter and walk back to the valves in the bumper to fill the bags up. I'd like to permenatly install it on the truck with a little switch inside the cab. Those little air pumps will get helper bags to 80psi in no time

Andy4639 · 06-29-2014, 08:35 PM

I did my helpers that way for a while then bought a good cheap compressor off e bay and now have it setup with it.
Don't have pictures of the cheapo because I didn't want anyone knowing but I have the new one.

ERASER5 · 06-30-2014, 11:42 AM

Guy I used to work with did exactly that. Cheapo Wally world compressor, junk tank from somewhere, we had and abundance of old air control valve at work, plenty of tubing, gages and stuff. I doubt he had much more than the price of the compressor in it. It is only helpers and not full suspension stuff. Big difference in the safty aspect.

Tom · 06-30-2014, 07:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ERASER5

It is only helpers and not full suspension stuff.

Exactly. I don't even plan on running a tank. Glad to know I'm not the only one to think this route. Thanks guys.

06-29-2014, 05:16 PM	#1
Tom driving is in my blood Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Mesa AZ Posts: 5,748	Cheap air compressor idea for helper bags? So, I was wondering, has anyone wired in a cheap tire air compressor for their air supply? Like the kind you get at harbor freight or autozone. I have several sitting around. I also have helper bags on my 98 that just run lines to the rear bumper so every time I need air I'm pulling one of these tire compressors out and hooking it up outside the truck. Seeing at that's a once a month thing, I can't rationalize a $100+ suspension compressor. I was thinking I could pull the stock air supply line off the cheapo and just put an air line fitting into its place, or am I missing something? __________________ -78 c10 short/step: 388cid, M20, 5/5 drop, lots more. Playtoy and first vehicle. -98 c1500 x-cab: 5.7L, 17" rims, 5/6 drop, flowmaster, helper bags,NBS rear disk brakes. -02 Suburban 4x4: leveled front -CBR600F4i, CBR600RR, CBR1000RR, and standup skis DISCLAIMER: I cant spell for the life of me.

06-29-2014, 08:35 PM	#4
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,945	Re: Cheap air compressor idea for helper bags? I did my helpers that way for a while then bought a good cheap compressor off e bay and now have it setup with it. Don't have pictures of the cheapo because I didn't want anyone knowing but I have the new one. __________________ 1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs.

06-30-2014, 11:42 AM	#5
ERASER5 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Indiana Posts: 4,859	Re: Cheap air compressor idea for helper bags? Guy I used to work with did exactly that. Cheapo Wally world compressor, junk tank from somewhere, we had and abundance of old air control valve at work, plenty of tubing, gages and stuff. I doubt he had much more than the price of the compressor in it. It is only helpers and not full suspension stuff. Big difference in the safty aspect. __________________ '70 GMC C1500 LWB Power disc brakes. WooHoo! Posi 6 Lug Dana 60

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