Air Ride Questions? Gotta Love Tax Return Time!

[Watts]

Hello,

I have been reading through a good amount of posts in this section since N2TRUX's post has shown up on the main page . Since it's everyone’s favorite time of the year (Tax Return Season) I was thinking of doing some suspension upgrades to my 1972 C10.

I personally have not done any changes to the suspension. The front seems to be a stock C10 front end. The rear has been converted to leaf springs. Not sure what the measurements are for the leaf springs. If measurements are required for anything I will gladly get them when I have some free time.

Currently I am interested in what is required for a complete working air ride system. If someone could give me a list of the parts that I would need so I can start pricing a kit together. Also things you would recommend getting and some that you would suggest staying away from would be greatly appreciated.

From what I have seen in this section there are some very impressive set ups and some very knowledgeable people. I am very eager to see what you all suggest.

Would also prefer to install myself.

Thank you,
Watts

[Notch1988]

What are your goals? You may be happy with just a flip kit in the back and some spindles and springs up front.

[Watts]

Thought about getting 2" drop spindles, new lower and upper arms, front & rear sway bars, and drop 4" leafs all from cpp. Looks like a lot of people had issues with customer service from cpp. Plan on running 20" showwheels streeters. I was debating on a 2" coil spring for the front too. I have to spend an afternoon measuring. The air ride sounded cool.

Just was wanting to see what was required for a set up. There was another post discussing using hydraulic hoses which looks like a really viable option for lines. Just new to air ride is all. This place will set me straight on what I need to know.

Thank you,
Watts
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[N2TRUX]

Watts I am pleased that my posting inspired you. Let me suggest that you start with the basics and go from there. No matter what type of suspension you choose you will need to know what you have, and what condition its in.

Until you know what you want for your air suspension, I would get the truck static dropped to decide if you want to go lower. In the front I suggest you plan to purchase drop spindles. I prefer 3" but 2.5" seem to be popular too. From there I would either cut one coil from the stock spring, or replace it with a lowering spring. If you use a cut coil method, all you have wasted is a little labor if you choose to go with air later.

While you are dropping the front, its a good time to replace or rebuild any worn components. Your going to need an alignment once its done so you may as well get it right before you go forward.

In the rear, you mentioned it had been converted to leaf spring. Are you sure its not a factory leaf truck? If not, what was used to do the conversion. Once you determine what set up you have, then buy a flip kit to lower the rear.

I would check with our Forum Vendors in the Suspension Marketplace, or Vendors Marketplace for some great deals. Once you determine what this will cost, then start pricing your air suspension.

Here is an inspiring thread for you to look at. This shows what a static drop and 20" wheels can do for your ride.- "Stocker to Rocker (touch up build)"

[broey]

the basic parts breakdown for air ride is airbags, compressor, tank, air line, fittings(assume 2 fittings for every line you run), pressure switch, relay,check valve and some type of switch pack for adjusting ride height.

other things people use is water separators near the tank to keep the lines from corrosion and silencers to keep the truck quiet when airing out.

for getting the air to the bags you have the choices of electric of manual.
manual valves are cheaper. and usually for vehicles that are only releasing air to park and not (playing) with the suspension. if you run an electric setup you will need valves for each corner, or an air manifold block, and then you switch set up you control them with.

for compressors, you can use the standard compressor you see all the time in magazines, but can also choose to run an engine driven compressor.

the most common line used is the black flexible line you see. but you can run hard lines however its still recommended to run a soft line to the bags for flex issues.

for a smooth ride it is good to run shocks with your bags, however there are companies like slam specialties that make bags with thicker sidewalls that will give you a somewhat smooth ride without the use of shocks.

If you want to lay frame. you will have to raise your engine crossmember or replace it with an aftermarket one. you will also need to replace your trans crossmember and remove the inner fenders.

for a mean stance like n2trux you will need to ask him.. but I think drop spindles, and a frame notch were involved.

Hopefully others will chime in with whatever Im forgetting (its early) and what set up they used to help you decide what will be your best option!

[N2TRUX]

Great info Broey. Heres a nice diagram to give you a better visual of whats needed.

[IMG]http://*************/files/how_to/wire-diagrams/8valve.gif[/IMG]

[Watts]

Perfect! Thanks for all the info and advise. I will do some more research on this now that I have a starting point. And I will definitely ask more questions if they come up.

Thank you again,
Watts
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