What size fittings and air lines

[lo72]

I have a few questions relating to fittings and air line. I'm working on a 70 Chevy shortbed and I recently ordered the brackets and bags (4) special from suicide doors:. My questions relate to fitting size and composition and air line size. Right now i'll be running it on schrader valves and my shop compressor. I'm not really concerned with rise time and such just a good ride and adjustability, will add the air management system when funds permit. I just want a low air ride! All info ,comments and ideas will be put to good use.

[jlaird]

If you are going the schrader route, you don't want anything fast because it will be hard to adjust to the proper height. I would go with either 1/4 or 3/8 line and fittings to match. The easiest way to route a schrader to the bag would be with some Push-To-Connect (PTC) fittings and DOT nylon tubing, all available at Suicide Doors.

[lo72]

Thanks man! Should I use brass fittings or composite? Or does it matter? Which size fittings and line would be better 1/4 or 3/8s when I'm able to get the air management set up? Thanks again for your response

[N2TRUX]

I would spend the extra bucks and go with 3/8" fittings. It's much faster than 1/4" but not crazy fast so you can still control it.

[jlaird]

The plastic ones are fine to use. The ones Suicide Doors carries are SMC brand.

[lo72]

Thanks guys. this info will help alot. I'll get with SD next week and get some line and fittings...any thoughts on where and how to run the air lines to the front bags? I'm thinking a hole on the back side of the upper spring pocket and run the line in and to the bag. How would you guys do it?

[lolife99]

lo72,... make sure you run 4 schrader valves. One to each bag. You don't want to use a 'tee" connector and two schraders because the air will transfer when the truck goes around a corner. You want each bag independent of the others.
As for the bag routing up front,... just run it out of the spring pocket and away from any heat. Also use rubber grommets around the tubing so sharp edges, of the drilled frame hole, won't cut the tubing.
Good luck.

[steveo10]

i have 3/8 on my truck and its perfect. for the front i drilled a hole in the back of the spring pocket put in a grommet for the line to run through and put some wire loop things to hold the line to the outside of the frame. the ones i found at the hardware store are all plastic with self-tapping screws.

[lo72]

Once again guys thanks for the response and all of the info is great. It's gonna make this install so much easier! One other thing, anybody have a preference on shocks to be used with bags? Name brand, size etc

[VA72C10]

I have heard the doetch shocks from CPP work well, but the real value can be found with Monroe off the shelf ones....don't have the part #'s handy but someone else might chime in....think it's on the search if you get a chance to check

[chevydog66]

1/2" is fast man!!! I am still trying to slow mine down. Kinda wish I woulda went with 3/8".

[Tony@AirRideTech]

Personally I prefer 1/4" . If the system is optimized it will lift a full size vehicle in the neighborhood of 2-3 seconds. It is easier to route and plumb and is generally cheaper than anything else.

[protrash64]

I'm with chevydog66.......1/2" line in my 'burb and its very fast. You tap a switch and it pops off the ground!! I would have used 3/8's if I had known how fast it would be.

I use the Doetsch Tech shocks and like them very much; 3rd vehicle using them.

[8mpg]

Originally Posted by Tony@AirRideTech

Personally I prefer 1/4" . If the system is optimized it will lift a full size vehicle in the neighborhood of 2-3 seconds. It is easier to route and plumb and is generally cheaper than anything else.

x2

My first bagged car was 1/2" and man...bad idea. That thing jumps up and down way too quick.

Next was 3/8". While it was better...still a little quick. Next car I build will be 1/4" for sure.

[protrash64]

My friend uses 1/4" also......EXTREMELY controlled movement.

[lo72]

Thanks again...so do they make a 1/4 inch line to a 1/2 inch fitting for my bags a 90 degree fitting ? or do i need a reducer on the bags to adapt it down ? Is this not the best web site ever?

[jlaird]

here is the parker catalog for the PTC fittings.(you have to click on the pdf icon in the link to download the catalog) If you have a parker store near you, it will be convenient. You are probably not going to find a 1/2 pipe to 1/4 ptc. You will need to use a reducing bushing. OR you can run a line from the bag to a bulkhead at the crossmeber. There a million ways you can do this...

[lo72]

thanks for your info i just want to do this build 1 time and not be looking for leaks all the time, along with having a controllable bag set up. This is my first airbag set up, so everything is new....the closest i've been to air suspension is a set of Gabriel Highjacker air shocks in the 70's so any info or ideas will be great