Confused Newbie! Help me with bagging. - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

383drvr · 11-16-2003, 03:36 PM

I've been toying with the idea of just going right to air suspension rather than spending money on a static drop. The problem is that I'm overwhelmed with the choices and varying costs for the setup. Is there an "Airbags for dummies" website or something that I can refer to? Depending on cost differences, I'd like to either go with just the basic and easy 4 corner, bags only setup, or to a 4 link with front/rear control. Can someone shed some light on what components are essential and how much I'm looking at spending for either setup? I'm sure this has been posted about before, but I havent been able to find any threads.

BTW, I've got an 83 C15 longbed. THANKS!

Prerunner1982 · 11-18-2003, 06:08 PM

ok... since nobody replied.... look around the message board.. there are numerous threads on bagging.

jay-dawg · 11-18-2003, 11:53 PM

ditto. just use the search.

jay

BigChevMan · 11-19-2003, 03:38 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by 383drvr
I've been toying with the idea of just going right to air suspension rather than spending money on a static drop. The problem is that I'm overwhelmed with the choices and varying costs for the setup. Is there an "Airbags for dummies" website or something that I can refer to? Depending on cost differences, I'd like to either go with just the basic and easy 4 corner, bags only setup, or to a 4 link with front/rear control. Can someone shed some light on what components are essential and how much I'm looking at spending for either setup? I'm sure this has been posted about before, but I havent been able to find any threads.

BTW, I've got an 83 C15 longbed. THANKS!

The main thing would be what do you want out of the truck? If it's a daily driver....then you would want at least a 4 path system with a large amount of air capacity. If it's a show truck or a weekend cruiser then you could get by with a 2 path system and a small compressor/tank combo.

If you do not have the ability to do any sort of fabrication I would look into a system from airride technologies or airlift company. they would be the easiest and the most "bolt-on" kits out there that I know of.

If you can do fabrication...then we could discuss individual components to make you a good cost friendly system.

383drvr · 11-19-2003, 12:49 PM

I can do some fabbing, I've got a stick welder, cutters, etc. Its no TIG or MIG, but I can make good welds. I just dont have benders or other fabbing tools.
I want to drive it daily, but also be able to deflate the system and have it down low; (not lay frame, but like a 5/7-6/8 drop), If this is possible. I'm maily looking for a nicer/smoother ride. The stock springs are far too stiff. I dont mind saving for an air system rather than spending alot on a good drop.

I've heard the estimate of 1500 for a system. Is that for the lowest/ easiest system, or for a decent, full system?

Thanks!

Izzy · 11-19-2003, 02:36 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by 383drvr
I can do some fabbing, I've got a stick welder, cutters, etc. Its no TIG or MIG, but I can make good welds. I just dont have benders or other fabbing tools.
I want to drive it daily, but also be able to deflate the system and have it down low; (not lay frame, but like a 5/7-6/8 drop), If this is possible. I'm maily looking for a nicer/smoother ride. The stock springs are far too stiff. I dont mind saving for an air system rather than spending alot on a good drop.

I've heard the estimate of 1500 for a system. Is that for the lowest/ easiest system, or for a decent, full system?

Thanks!

We used a stick welder to do the entire rear link setup and step notch on my 83 and it put out good welds.

You can always limit your suspension by using a longer bumpstop.

loweredd · 11-19-2003, 03:21 PM

1500 isnt too far off. There are different ways you can do that front too. I saw specific kits for the front of 73-87's when I did mine, but I went with a later model 91+ cup system on mine. (it installs differently) There was more fabbing on my part, but the parts cost less than going with a kit that someone else had to do more fab work on, making it cost more.

I wont comment on the rear....there is already a thread going on here about that.

383drvr · 11-19-2003, 04:39 PM

I checked out eBay, found some great stuff. Next (intelligent) question: 3/8" or 1/2"? I dont plan on "hopping", but would like a fast rise time- (dont particularly want to wait for system to air up). How much of a difference is there in inflation times?

Also, I dont want this system to be loud, I want to barely notice that it's there. I read something about "the loudest" valves... Thats the last thing I want.

Thanks for the info!

loweredd · 11-19-2003, 04:46 PM

LOL, loud is good. I remember when I had my S10, my little brother and I pulled into the gas station.....PSSSSSST.....and this girl jumped about a foot in the air and was looking all over.....good times, good times......

anywho...I have 1/2 on mine, and I dont think it's too fast.

loweredd · 11-19-2003, 04:47 PM

oh yeah, there are "mufflers" you can buy to install on your dump vavles. It keeps dirt and junk out, and keeps down the noise. I dont have any experience with them, but I have seen them. They are a sintered brass piece kind of like some quadrajunk filters.

*edit* When you are at 145 psi, I dont think that there will be much difference in fill time that you will notice. It's pretty quick in mine. About 1.5 seconds from down to up in the front.

383drvr · 11-19-2003, 05:07 PM

Wow. 1.5 seconds? I was reading that it takes 15-20 seconds for some systems?

Izzy · 11-19-2003, 05:24 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by 383drvr
Wow. 1.5 seconds? I was reading that it takes 15-20 seconds for some systems?

Maybe paddle valve assemblies but any solenoid even a 1/8" valve is gonna do no more than 8-10 seconds.

We used mufflers on a 2001 we bagged back in Aug and they were like $3 each.

I prefer a 3/8" valve setup with all 1/2" line on this heavy a truck. Anything more on the dump and it's harder to control.

loweredd · 11-19-2003, 07:18 PM

I agree 110% with fiveeightchevy. It takes awhile for your tank to fill, but lifting is cake. If you inflated it with a schrader valve I dont think that it would take that long even.

I have 3/8 on my dump, and it is prety fast. I wouldnt want any faster.

How did the mufflers work for you? I dont mind how loud these SMC's are. They are OK.

383drvr · 11-19-2003, 11:22 PM

I found these bags on eBay, how do they look, or should I stay with Firestone or something?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...category=33586

BigChevMan · 11-20-2003, 02:44 AM

that's not that bad of a deal...about 63 bucks a bag. Having the 1/2" ports really will do nothing for you...but it's still just as cheap as a firestone for a better bag imo.

BaggedC10 · 11-20-2003, 02:56 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by 383drvr
I've heard the estimate of 1500 for a system. Is that for the lowest/ easiest system, or for a decent, full system?

I would be concerned about a setup that only cost $1,500. My 75% bolt-on kit from Air Ride Technologies (www.RideTech.com) cost $3,500.

As said earlier, Air Lift and KP Components manufacture great components.

Izzy · 11-20-2003, 10:19 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by loweredd
How did the mufflers work for you? I dont mind how loud these SMC's are. They are OK.

Worked perfect because the owner could tune the dump speed and it cut the sound in half.

loweredd · 11-20-2003, 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BaggedC10

I would be concerned about a setup that only cost $1,500. My 75% bolt-on kit from Air Ride Technologies (www.RideTech.com) cost $3,500.

As said earlier, Air Lift and KP Components manufacture great components.

That's WAY too much IMO.

BaggedC10 · 11-20-2003, 02:36 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by loweredd
That's WAY too much IMO.

That's fine but this is the best setup available.....period.

loweredd · 11-20-2003, 03:01 PM

Sorry, but I've would have to LOL at that statement.

Why is it that a lot of people think that if it says Air Ride on it, it is the greatest.

What makes this the BEST setup?

Izzy · 11-20-2003, 04:53 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by loweredd
Sorry, but I've would have to LOL at that statement.

Why is it that a lot of people think that if it says Air Ride on it, it is the greatest.

What makes this the BEST setup?

In my experience thier products are superior to most but I wouldn't say they're the BEST period. I know now that I could get stuff with the same quality for less and build a lot of my own stuff. Personally I wouldn't use anything but thier weld on parallel 4 link for our trucks but that's just my opinion.

They also have a new sleeve bag out that gives around 9.5" of lift.

BaggedC10 · 11-21-2003, 12:12 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by loweredd
What makes this the BEST setup?

The R&D, technology, fit/finish, quality, durability, and reliability are second to none.

I'm not saying companies such as Air Lift, KP Components, and others don't make great products. However, there's a reason you find ART products on everything from S10's to 100K+ customs.

11-16-2003, 03:36 PM	#1
383drvr Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Dallas, Tx. Posts: 308	Confused Newbie! Help me with bagging. I've been toying with the idea of just going right to air suspension rather than spending money on a static drop. The problem is that I'm overwhelmed with the choices and varying costs for the setup. Is there an "Airbags for dummies" website or something that I can refer to? Depending on cost differences, I'd like to either go with just the basic and easy 4 corner, bags only setup, or to a 4 link with front/rear control. Can someone shed some light on what components are essential and how much I'm looking at spending for either setup? I'm sure this has been posted about before, but I havent been able to find any threads. BTW, I've got an 83 C15 longbed. THANKS!

11-18-2003, 06:08 PM	#2
Prerunner1982 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Edmond, OK Posts: 5,904	ok... since nobody replied.... look around the message board.. there are numerous threads on bagging. __________________ Jon 1982 Chevy Silverado 350/th350.... RETIRED 1993 Jeep XJ 2 door(Cherokee) 4wd 4.0ltr/AX-15 (5spd)/NP231 .... Oklahoma Roll Call

11-18-2003, 11:53 PM	#3
jay-dawg chevelito Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Honolulu, HI USA Posts: 1,609	ditto. just use the search. jay __________________ New deadline...when my son can drive. Aloha from Honolulu, HI

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11-19-2003, 12:49 PM	#5
383drvr Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Dallas, Tx. Posts: 308	I can do some fabbing, I've got a stick welder, cutters, etc. Its no TIG or MIG, but I can make good welds. I just dont have benders or other fabbing tools. I want to drive it daily, but also be able to deflate the system and have it down low; (not lay frame, but like a 5/7-6/8 drop), If this is possible. I'm maily looking for a nicer/smoother ride. The stock springs are far too stiff. I dont mind saving for an air system rather than spending alot on a good drop. I've heard the estimate of 1500 for a system. Is that for the lowest/ easiest system, or for a decent, full system? Thanks!

11-19-2003, 03:21 PM	#7
loweredd www.loweredd.com Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Struble IA Posts: 808	1500 isnt too far off. There are different ways you can do that front too. I saw specific kits for the front of 73-87's when I did mine, but I went with a later model 91+ cup system on mine. (it installs differently) There was more fabbing on my part, but the parts cost less than going with a kit that someone else had to do more fab work on, making it cost more. I wont comment on the rear....there is already a thread going on here about that.

11-19-2003, 04:39 PM	#8
383drvr Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Dallas, Tx. Posts: 308	I checked out eBay, found some great stuff. Next (intelligent) question: 3/8" or 1/2"? I dont plan on "hopping", but would like a fast rise time- (dont particularly want to wait for system to air up). How much of a difference is there in inflation times? Also, I dont want this system to be loud, I want to barely notice that it's there. I read something about "the loudest" valves... Thats the last thing I want. Thanks for the info!

11-19-2003, 04:46 PM	#9
loweredd www.loweredd.com Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Struble IA Posts: 808	LOL, loud is good. I remember when I had my S10, my little brother and I pulled into the gas station.....PSSSSSST.....and this girl jumped about a foot in the air and was looking all over.....good times, good times...... anywho...I have 1/2 on mine, and I dont think it's too fast.

11-19-2003, 04:47 PM	#10
loweredd www.loweredd.com Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Struble IA Posts: 808	oh yeah, there are "mufflers" you can buy to install on your dump vavles. It keeps dirt and junk out, and keeps down the noise. I dont have any experience with them, but I have seen them. They are a sintered brass piece kind of like some quadrajunk filters. edit When you are at 145 psi, I dont think that there will be much difference in fill time that you will notice. It's pretty quick in mine. About 1.5 seconds from down to up in the front.

11-19-2003, 05:07 PM	#11
383drvr Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Dallas, Tx. Posts: 308	Wow. 1.5 seconds? I was reading that it takes 15-20 seconds for some systems?

11-19-2003, 07:18 PM	#13
loweredd www.loweredd.com Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Struble IA Posts: 808	I agree 110% with fiveeightchevy. It takes awhile for your tank to fill, but lifting is cake. If you inflated it with a schrader valve I dont think that it would take that long even. I have 3/8 on my dump, and it is prety fast. I wouldnt want any faster. How did the mufflers work for you? I dont mind how loud these SMC's are. They are OK.

11-19-2003, 11:22 PM	#14
383drvr Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Dallas, Tx. Posts: 308	I found these bags on eBay, how do they look, or should I stay with Firestone or something? http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...category=33586

11-20-2003, 02:44 AM	#15
BigChevMan My Thoughts Exactly! Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Ohio Posts: 140	that's not that bad of a deal...about 63 bucks a bag. Having the 1/2" ports really will do nothing for you...but it's still just as cheap as a firestone for a better bag imo.

11-20-2003, 03:01 PM	#20
loweredd www.loweredd.com Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Struble IA Posts: 808	Sorry, but I've would have to LOL at that statement. Why is it that a lot of people think that if it says Air Ride on it, it is the greatest. What makes this the BEST setup?



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