Quick question - is air ride worth the money?

[Asshat]

It seems the air ride is the only way to go if you want that slammed look.

However, what if you just want it to look a “little bit” lowered?

I know springs and shocks are a lot cheaper; but is it worth $2000 to do the air ride conversion?

There’s gotta be some downsides too, like compressor failure, or other problems, right?

[The Rocknrod]

I hear complaints about leaks on occasion. Price is not an object to some and it's everything to others. Depends on where your head and pocket book is at.

[LT1 Burb]

I did airride in my suburban in 2002, there has never been a leak or bag failure in that time.

[The Rocknrod]

And by the way if you go cheap on your air fittings, you'll have leaks. I did on m y 09 Silverado and had to replace them with quality pieces, now I have no leaks. So do you pay twice or just once. Go cheap you pay twice.

[Asshat]

What about the ride quality? Better than the stock springs and shocks?
What about handling?

On a scale of 1 to 10, where does air ride fall compared to stock?

[Ziegelsteinfaust]

Originally Posted by Asshat

What about the ride quality? Better than the stock springs and shocks?
What about handling?

On a scale of 1 to 10, where does air ride fall compared to stock?

Air bags depend on set up height for ride or handling. Or if you will the "spring rate". Also good shocks for the intended purpose.

According to Slam Specialties, and other manufacturers I have helped install. If your bag has a empty standing height on 8" that is the height you should install them at. I helped one of my cousins friends install bags, and we cut shims out of plywood to dial in ride quality. Then once optized ride was achieved aluminum versions were made. Plus he could adjust the personality of the truck in a couple hours from cush to handler by adding or removing shims.

[jhrusk]

I personally do not think it is worth it unless you are going to slam it. If you can get the same look with springs,shocks etc. I would not air bag. I went with air on my truck because I wanted it real low when parked. I have around $3300 in mine. I went with accuair, I had a few problems with it at first some of which I caused others because of manufacture. Accuair customer service was great and they did send a new system at no cost. Unfortunately they are out of business. Just my opinion