4x4 with air bags? - Page 4 - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

454_72_4X4 · 01-26-2007, 12:53 AM

SWEET!!

I gotta do it!

More questions though...

I just noticed, (in your first pic of your last post), that the lower link sits pretty close to the botton of the axle tube. Did you do this for ground clearance?
I guess you would've had to lower the frame mounting points to keep the links parallel if you would've made the lower link farther from the axle.
Answering my own questions as I go I guess.

Second pic;
How much clearance beyween the tire and the bag. Between the tire and the links? What size tires are on there?
Looks like plenty of clearance but I was just curious.

Third pic;
How much clearance between the bag and the drag link? Again, it looks like it has plenty of room, I'm just trying to get a picture in my head of your setup at my +4 ride height.

Fourth and fifth pic;
I think I'm in lust!

This is the absolute best airbag thread I ever read!

I see you don't have a powerplant in it yet but do you forsee any issues with drive shafts when drop it all the way down or raise it up? I understand you're using the bags for ride quality, (as I hope to do), but I'm thinking is case of a "blow out" or broken line, etc.

I'm a PITA LOL

kbracing96 · 01-26-2007, 02:29 AM

Thanks for all the props guys, it really means a lot!!!

454,

You hit the nail on the head with your first question and answer, LOL

As for the tires and the bars, these a good 2-2.5 inch from the corner of the tire and the bar (lots

). The tire are BFG's 285/75/16. There is at least 2.5 inches or more from the tire to the bag.

The steering link goes under the bag by about an inch or so (again plenty of room) and can't get any closer, no mater what the suspension does.

I'm really happy with the way the front shocks came out they where really easy and fit well. All I did was cut the old mount off the back of the axle, shortened them up so they where closer to the axle and rolled them around to the front and welded them back on upside down. Then, I fab the upper mounts out of the old shackle straps from the leafs. It does look like there would be room to do a crossover steering mod if a guy wanted to. I don't think my dad will do any hardcore off roading with this, so we probable won't be doing it.

Oh and the front drive shaft and transfercase are still in the truck and the slip yoke only moves about a 1/2 inch or so from siting on the stops to all the way up, so no issues there.

454_72_4X4 · 01-26-2007, 03:01 AM

Damn! You even have the same brand and size tires as I do!
My mental picture is getting clearer. LOL

Awsome work, and very helpful answers kb!

kbracing96 · 01-26-2007, 03:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 454_72_4X4

Damn! You even have the same brand and size tires as I do!
My mental picture is getting clearer. LOL

Awsome work, and very helpful answers kb!

HAHA, Glade your getting inspired!

Anything you want to know, just let me know

Chris27 · 01-30-2007, 03:24 PM

Awesome work!

. How much will you have invested in the suspension when it's all done? I'm assuming just parts and material, looks like labour is all you (as it should be)

. What are your plans for finishing? Paint? Powder coat? Clearcoat it to show of your fabing skills?

kbracing96 · 01-30-2007, 03:32 PM

Thanks man

I think we have about $2200 in parts for the suspension so far, but need to get a few more fitting and stuff to finish out the pluming. I think I'm just going to paint it with some semi gloss black for right now, I need to get this truck drivable, and I still have a LOT of work to do with the motor trans, and turbo stuff.

Idaho Outlaw · 02-19-2007, 02:10 PM

I have a question. Your going to be running this pickup at stock height. Have you put any thought into changing the pitman arm, just incase you decide to lift it with the air bags? Or is the pitman arm not revelant?

Russell · 02-19-2007, 04:37 PM

If you want more travel from the shocks to lift it up higher than it does right now, consider getting some Ford front shock towers, and relocating the rear shocks to a home built crossmember...

Chris27 · 02-20-2007, 03:36 PM

I think the stock pitman arm has to stay. The axle I swapped into my K5 came out of a lifted truck with the raised pitman arm. I had to change it back to a stock pitman arm because it hit the idler arm. There may be some "bump steer" if adjusting ride height while driving because of the changing angle of the idler arm.

kbracing96 · 02-23-2007, 11:08 PM

Been a while, so I though I'd give ya an update. The suspension is mostly done, just need a few touch up welds when I pull it back apart for paint. I got the motor, trans and transfer-case mock up. The cross member was a lot bigger PIA then I though it was going to be. I though I would be able to just drop the motor in, weld some tabs to it and bolt the stock 5.3 mounts to them, but nothing even came close for that to work. I ended up building some adapters to bolt some stock replacement 72 mount to the 5.3 and then had to remake the stock cross member, lowering and widening it for every thing to fit. I was a pain, but every thing clears now even with all the air out of the bags.

Here is the adapters and shaft (bottom one) I have to use to bolt the 4L60e to the NP205 t-case.

I have started building the turbo part of the built.

kbracing96 · 02-23-2007, 11:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Idaho Outlaw

I have a question. Your going to be running this pickup at stock height. Have you put any thought into changing the pitman arm, just incase you decide to lift it with the air bags? Or is the pitman arm not revelant?

We are going to run it 98% of the time at stock ride hight. Everything clears when all the way up and down. There is a bit of bump steer from down to up, but I will align it in the middle and live with it.

SCOTI · 02-24-2007, 01:24 AM

Once again . . ..... very impressive work & creativity. How do you feel those bags are going to fair w/the heat created by the turbo? Is that pass side bag going to get some shielding?

kbracing96 · 02-24-2007, 01:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SCOTI

Once again . . ..... very impressive work & creativity. How do you feel those bags are going to fair w/the heat created by the turbo? Is that pass side bag going to get some shielding?

The inner fender is going to go back on and only be trimmed enough to just fit around everything. Should shield ok, if not I'll build something

I did start a new thread in the performance section for the engine and turbo part of the build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=228856

SCOTI · 02-24-2007, 01:35 AM

Wow... fast response. I didn't know if it was gonna be an issue or if the wheelwell would do the deed. Hhmmm.... Hi-temp coating on the engine side & rhino-line the suspension side.

**N2TRUX** · 02-24-2007, 01:39 AM

The bag may hold under the heat, but that air line won't. Great build so far, but trust me on the air line issue...

kbracing96 · 02-24-2007, 01:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

The bag may hold under the heat, but that air line won't. Great build so far, but trust me on the air line issue...

Ya, I haven't plumed the air lines yet, it only a temp line so I could air it up.

*72CSTC5* · 02-25-2007, 12:33 PM

Just read this entire thread, you do really nice work and what a pioneer to airbag a 4x4. Very nice keep us posted on your work.

kbracing96 · 05-14-2007, 04:53 PM

Wow, looks like i missed this thread when i did my last round of updates, so I guess it gets a double update

Alright, got some more done on it. Turbo piping is pretty much done and got most of the airbag pluming and parts mounted. Here is some pics.

kbracing96 · 05-14-2007, 04:54 PM

Got some more done on it. Got the tail pipe built out the back and then striped everything off the back half of the frame and gave it a down and dirty rattle can makeover. I'm pretty much done out back except for some wiring for the solenoids and the tail lights

I temporally hooked up the switch box for the bags to see how they work and WOW, I'm gona have to put some flow restriction in them or something,

It goes from completely flat to hitting the chain limiters in about a sec,

You can't hit the button fast enough to get it right where you want them,

jimmydean · 05-14-2007, 05:04 PM

I used the dump adjusters from Suicide Doors along with the fill adjusters and was able to dial in my system.

kylejamers · 05-14-2007, 08:32 PM

holy crap

expediency defined

1lowdiesel · 06-08-2007, 12:11 PM

do you have any other pics of the other manifold?
also i'd ditch that muffler and go with an aero turbine, it would work much better for that turbo.
http://www.xtremediesel.com/index.as...ROD&ProdID=814

kbracing96 · 06-08-2007, 12:28 PM

That's a nice muffler, but a bit pricey for us. I had the Flowmaster so it was free, and I think it will be fine for want we want for this truck. If I want to get crazy, I'll just put a cutout on it

. Here is a couple more pics of the manifold.

EDIT: Opps, I miss read your post, the other side is just a stock 5.3 manifold. I'll have some pics of the whole setup assembled on the motor stand in a day or two.

1lowdiesel · 06-08-2007, 01:01 PM

what about a crossover pipe?

kbracing96 · 06-08-2007, 07:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1lowdiesel

what about a crossover pipe?

Thats what the V-band clamp on the back of the manifold is for

This is the crossover and the down pipe.

01-26-2007, 12:53 AM	#76
454_72_4X4 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: N.E. MO Posts: 1,749	Re: 4x4 with air bags? SWEET!! I gotta do it! More questions though... I just noticed, (in your first pic of your last post), that the lower link sits pretty close to the botton of the axle tube. Did you do this for ground clearance? I guess you would've had to lower the frame mounting points to keep the links parallel if you would've made the lower link farther from the axle. Answering my own questions as I go I guess. Second pic; How much clearance beyween the tire and the bag. Between the tire and the links? What size tires are on there? Looks like plenty of clearance but I was just curious. Third pic; How much clearance between the bag and the drag link? Again, it looks like it has plenty of room, I'm just trying to get a picture in my head of your setup at my +4 ride height. Fourth and fifth pic; I think I'm in lust! This is the absolute best airbag thread I ever read! I see you don't have a powerplant in it yet but do you forsee any issues with drive shafts when drop it all the way down or raise it up? I understand you're using the bags for ride quality, (as I hope to do), but I'm thinking is case of a "blow out" or broken line, etc. I'm a PITA LOL __________________ 72 C20 4X4 454 4 speed 89 Trans Am (was) 305 TPI 700r4 93 C1500 2wd Extended cab 350 700r4 98 Sonoma (TPI outa the Trans Am) 03 Yamaha 660 Raptor 03/04 660 Raptor 07 700 Raptor 85 Honda Odyssey

01-26-2007, 02:29 AM	#77
kbracing96 Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: Oakland, OR Posts: 66	Re: 4x4 with air bags? Thanks for all the props guys, it really means a lot!!! 454, You hit the nail on the head with your first question and answer, LOL As for the tires and the bars, these a good 2-2.5 inch from the corner of the tire and the bar (lots ). The tire are BFG's 285/75/16. There is at least 2.5 inches or more from the tire to the bag. The steering link goes under the bag by about an inch or so (again plenty of room) and can't get any closer, no mater what the suspension does. I'm really happy with the way the front shocks came out they where really easy and fit well. All I did was cut the old mount off the back of the axle, shortened them up so they where closer to the axle and rolled them around to the front and welded them back on upside down. Then, I fab the upper mounts out of the old shackle straps from the leafs. It does look like there would be room to do a crossover steering mod if a guy wanted to. I don't think my dad will do any hardcore off roading with this, so we probable won't be doing it. Oh and the front drive shaft and transfercase are still in the truck and the slip yoke only moves about a 1/2 inch or so from siting on the stops to all the way up, so no issues there. __________________ 01 ECSB 4.8 4x4 :Mods: One of them turbo muffler things (someone on the internet told me it dosn't work, so it must be true ) An extra radiator for the air (don't know what that does ) A bumpy stick thingy from a Corvette And on top of that my truck has a drug problem, it addicted to meth! Anyone know a good rehab center Project 72 Chevy 4x4 longbed, 5.3/4L60 swap with a Master Power T-70 turbo and air bags in the works Last edited by kbracing96; 01-26-2007 at 02:32 AM.

01-26-2007, 03:01 AM	#78
454_72_4X4 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: N.E. MO Posts: 1,749	Re: 4x4 with air bags? Damn! You even have the same brand and size tires as I do! My mental picture is getting clearer. LOL Awsome work, and very helpful answers kb! __________________ 72 C20 4X4 454 4 speed 89 Trans Am (was) 305 TPI 700r4 93 C1500 2wd Extended cab 350 700r4 98 Sonoma (TPI outa the Trans Am) 03 Yamaha 660 Raptor 03/04 660 Raptor 07 700 Raptor 85 Honda Odyssey Last edited by 454_72_4X4; 01-26-2007 at 03:02 AM.

01-30-2007, 03:24 PM	#80
Chris27 Blazerless Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Kelowna, BC, Canada Posts: 274	Re: 4x4 with air bags? Awesome work! . How much will you have invested in the suspension when it's all done? I'm assuming just parts and material, looks like labour is all you (as it should be) . What are your plans for finishing? Paint? Powder coat? Clearcoat it to show of your fabing skills? __________________ 72' K5 Blazer 4x4 350TBI/700R4/NP205 3/4 ton diffs. Daily driver. SOLD 69' Beaumont 388/700R4 11.70@116 77' Bronco, Wife's mall cruiser/poser 4x4. Capable but too pretty to go offroad.

01-30-2007, 03:32 PM	#81
kbracing96 Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: Oakland, OR Posts: 66	Re: 4x4 with air bags? Thanks man I think we have about $2200 in parts for the suspension so far, but need to get a few more fitting and stuff to finish out the pluming. I think I'm just going to paint it with some semi gloss black for right now, I need to get this truck drivable, and I still have a LOT of work to do with the motor trans, and turbo stuff. __________________ 01 ECSB 4.8 4x4 :Mods: One of them turbo muffler things (someone on the internet told me it dosn't work, so it must be true ) An extra radiator for the air (don't know what that does ) A bumpy stick thingy from a Corvette And on top of that my truck has a drug problem, it addicted to meth! Anyone know a good rehab center Project 72 Chevy 4x4 longbed, 5.3/4L60 swap with a Master Power T-70 turbo and air bags in the works

02-19-2007, 02:10 PM	#82
Idaho Outlaw Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Chukar Hunting Paradise Posts: 80	Re: 4x4 with air bags? I have a question. Your going to be running this pickup at stock height. Have you put any thought into changing the pitman arm, just incase you decide to lift it with the air bags? Or is the pitman arm not revelant? __________________ 1972 Chevy LWB K10 Custom/Deluxe Earth first! We'll log the other planet's later.

02-19-2007, 04:37 PM	#83
Russell Professional Grade Join Date: May 2003 Location: Fort McMurray, Alberta Posts: 7,915	Re: 4x4 with air bags? If you want more travel from the shocks to lift it up higher than it does right now, consider getting some Ford front shock towers, and relocating the rear shocks to a home built crossmember... __________________ 1995 Chevrolet 2 Door Tahoe (6.6L LBZ Duramax / ZF6 / NP241 with 1 ton solid axle swap)

02-20-2007, 03:36 PM	#84
Chris27 Blazerless Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Kelowna, BC, Canada Posts: 274	Re: 4x4 with air bags? I think the stock pitman arm has to stay. The axle I swapped into my K5 came out of a lifted truck with the raised pitman arm. I had to change it back to a stock pitman arm because it hit the idler arm. There may be some "bump steer" if adjusting ride height while driving because of the changing angle of the idler arm. __________________ 72' K5 Blazer 4x4 350TBI/700R4/NP205 3/4 ton diffs. Daily driver. SOLD 69' Beaumont 388/700R4 11.70@116 77' Bronco, Wife's mall cruiser/poser 4x4. Capable but too pretty to go offroad.

02-23-2007, 11:08 PM	#85
kbracing96 Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: Oakland, OR Posts: 66	Re: 4x4 with air bags? Been a while, so I though I'd give ya an update. The suspension is mostly done, just need a few touch up welds when I pull it back apart for paint. I got the motor, trans and transfer-case mock up. The cross member was a lot bigger PIA then I though it was going to be. I though I would be able to just drop the motor in, weld some tabs to it and bolt the stock 5.3 mounts to them, but nothing even came close for that to work. I ended up building some adapters to bolt some stock replacement 72 mount to the 5.3 and then had to remake the stock cross member, lowering and widening it for every thing to fit. I was a pain, but every thing clears now even with all the air out of the bags. Here is the adapters and shaft (bottom one) I have to use to bolt the 4L60e to the NP205 t-case. I have started building the turbo part of the built. __________________ 01 ECSB 4.8 4x4 :Mods: One of them turbo muffler things (someone on the internet told me it dosn't work, so it must be true ) An extra radiator for the air (don't know what that does ) A bumpy stick thingy from a Corvette And on top of that my truck has a drug problem, it addicted to meth! Anyone know a good rehab center Project 72 Chevy 4x4 longbed, 5.3/4L60 swap with a Master Power T-70 turbo and air bags in the works Last edited by kbracing96; 02-23-2007 at 11:36 PM.

02-24-2007, 01:24 AM	#87
SCOTI Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: DALLAS,TX Posts: 22,102	Re: 4x4 with air bags? Once again . . ..... very impressive work & creativity. How do you feel those bags are going to fair w/the heat created by the turbo? Is that pass side bag going to get some shielding? __________________ 67SWB-B.B.RetroRod 64SWB-Recycle 89CCDually-Driver/Tow Truck 99CCSWB Driver All Fleetsides @rattlecankustoms in IG Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive. It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar..... *Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol.*

02-24-2007, 01:35 AM	#89
SCOTI Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: DALLAS,TX Posts: 22,102	Re: 4x4 with air bags? Wow... fast response. I didn't know if it was gonna be an issue or if the wheelwell would do the deed. Hhmmm.... Hi-temp coating on the engine side & rhino-line the suspension side. __________________ 67SWB-B.B.RetroRod 64SWB-Recycle 89CCDually-Driver/Tow Truck 99CCSWB Driver All Fleetsides @rattlecankustoms in IG Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive. It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar..... *Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol.*

02-24-2007, 01:39 AM	#90
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,021	Re: 4x4 with air bags? The bag may hold under the heat, but that air line won't. Great build so far, but trust me on the air line issue... __________________ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra"

02-25-2007, 12:33 PM	#92
72CSTC5 Account Suspended Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Deer Park, Tx. Posts: 2,522	Re: 4x4 with air bags? Just read this entire thread, you do really nice work and what a pioneer to airbag a 4x4. Very nice keep us posted on your work.

05-14-2007, 04:53 PM	#93
kbracing96 Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: Oakland, OR Posts: 66	Re: 4x4 with air bags? Wow, looks like i missed this thread when i did my last round of updates, so I guess it gets a double update Alright, got some more done on it. Turbo piping is pretty much done and got most of the airbag pluming and parts mounted. Here is some pics. __________________ 01 ECSB 4.8 4x4 :Mods: One of them turbo muffler things (someone on the internet told me it dosn't work, so it must be true ) An extra radiator for the air (don't know what that does ) A bumpy stick thingy from a Corvette And on top of that my truck has a drug problem, it addicted to meth! Anyone know a good rehab center Project 72 Chevy 4x4 longbed, 5.3/4L60 swap with a Master Power T-70 turbo and air bags in the works Last edited by kbracing96; 05-14-2007 at 05:09 PM.

05-14-2007, 04:54 PM	#94
kbracing96 Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: Oakland, OR Posts: 66	Re: 4x4 with air bags? Got some more done on it. Got the tail pipe built out the back and then striped everything off the back half of the frame and gave it a down and dirty rattle can makeover. I'm pretty much done out back except for some wiring for the solenoids and the tail lights I temporally hooked up the switch box for the bags to see how they work and WOW, I'm gona have to put some flow restriction in them or something, It goes from completely flat to hitting the chain limiters in about a sec, You can't hit the button fast enough to get it right where you want them, __________________ 01 ECSB 4.8 4x4 :Mods: One of them turbo muffler things (someone on the internet told me it dosn't work, so it must be true ) An extra radiator for the air (don't know what that does ) A bumpy stick thingy from a Corvette And on top of that my truck has a drug problem, it addicted to meth! Anyone know a good rehab center Project 72 Chevy 4x4 longbed, 5.3/4L60 swap with a Master Power T-70 turbo and air bags in the works



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05-14-2007, 05:04 PM	#95
jimmydean Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Location: Beaverton, OR Posts: 3,728	Re: 4x4 with air bags? I used the dump adjusters from Suicide Doors along with the fill adjusters and was able to dial in my system. __________________ New Project: 1966 LWB C20 Plans: 1/2 ton conversion Dropmember front Dropmember rear Corvette discs Restored raised bed http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s....php?p=4295210

05-14-2007, 08:32 PM	#96
kylejamers Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: washington Posts: 133	Re: 4x4 with air bags? holy crap expediency defined

06-08-2007, 12:11 PM	#97
1lowdiesel Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: central jersey Posts: 763	Re: 4x4 with air bags? do you have any other pics of the other manifold? also i'd ditch that muffler and go with an aero turbine, it would work much better for that turbo. http://www.xtremediesel.com/index.as...ROD&ProdID=814 __________________ 69 4wd V6 20k orig miles!! 05 ccsb 2wd Diesel 500hp bagged and soon to be stock floored. 01 rcsb chevy 2wd 6bt cummins :devil:> build xtremediesel.com Last edited by 1lowdiesel; 06-08-2007 at 12:12 PM.

06-08-2007, 12:28 PM	#98
kbracing96 Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: Oakland, OR Posts: 66	Re: 4x4 with air bags? That's a nice muffler, but a bit pricey for us. I had the Flowmaster so it was free, and I think it will be fine for want we want for this truck. If I want to get crazy, I'll just put a cutout on it . Here is a couple more pics of the manifold. EDIT: Opps, I miss read your post, the other side is just a stock 5.3 manifold. I'll have some pics of the whole setup assembled on the motor stand in a day or two. __________________ 01 ECSB 4.8 4x4 :Mods: One of them turbo muffler things (someone on the internet told me it dosn't work, so it must be true ) An extra radiator for the air (don't know what that does ) A bumpy stick thingy from a Corvette And on top of that my truck has a drug problem, it addicted to meth! Anyone know a good rehab center Project 72 Chevy 4x4 longbed, 5.3/4L60 swap with a Master Power T-70 turbo and air bags in the works Last edited by kbracing96; 06-08-2007 at 12:31 PM.

06-08-2007, 01:01 PM	#99
1lowdiesel Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: central jersey Posts: 763	Re: 4x4 with air bags? what about a crossover pipe? __________________ 69 4wd V6 20k orig miles!! 05 ccsb 2wd Diesel 500hp bagged and soon to be stock floored. 01 rcsb chevy 2wd 6bt cummins :devil:> build xtremediesel.com Last edited by 1lowdiesel; 06-08-2007 at 01:01 PM.

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