Airbag suspension?

[abigaillozano]

Hi there, I'm fairly new here and I'm interested to know what are the benefits of having s.com/category/towing/air_suspension.aspx"]airbags suspension[/URL]? I see it often in truck shows and I'm curious as to why they are doing that to their trucks. Do they have some special riding benefits or do they just help make the truck look good or what?

Thanks in advance for your replies!

[kev2809]

Originally Posted by abigaillozano

Do they have some special riding benefits or do they just help make the truck look good or what?

its really a little of both. air ride, if setup right, can handle and ride better than stock. plus, it just looks cool

[tech@scottshotrods]

Going with a pre engineered kit like the ones by Ridetech will benefit you in multiple ways killer stance, adjustable height, adjustable spring rate which will allow you to fine tune the suspension to handle and ride to your liking it is extremely versitle..... If you have any questions let me know I am a former Air Ride/ Ridetech employee and have over 12 years experience in the aftermarket air suspension industry...

[Gman7]

Originally Posted by jon@scottshotrods

Going with a pre engineered kit like the ones by Ridetech will benefit you in multiple ways killer stance, adjustable height, adjustable spring rate which will allow you to fine tune the suspension to handle and ride to your liking it is extremely versitle..... If you have any questions let me know I am a former Air Ride/ Ridetech employee and have over 12 years experience in the aftermarket air suspension industry...

Jon, I have a question?
How do you set up the front alignment with an air ride system and how do you know when it is right?

[tech@scottshotrods]

you will set it up at ride height, once you figure the amount of pressure it takes to get the truck there you will then have it aligned, so then each time you go to drive the truck all you have to do is bring it to the propper air pressure and you are set... The alignment shop when aligning the truck will align it like they would a static truck

[abigaillozano]

Thanks for the quick reply! I have another question..does an airbag suspension make the sound like those trucks with air brakes? (The sound that's like a train slowing down).

@Jon, Hi there, are there differences between the different brands? Thanks!

[leftcoast66]

Originally Posted by abigaillozano

Thanks for the quick reply! I have another question..does an airbag suspension make the sound like those trucks with air brakes? (The sound that's like a train slowing down).

@Jon, Hi there, are there differences between the different brands? Thanks!

The only time you ever hear it is when your airing up starting and then if you adjust, or when you air out. That's it. Other than that its basically a sealed unit, like a balloon in theory so it never is changed. It compresses like springs and has a rebound like springs, only difference is that you can change how firm it is by adjusting the pressure.

[tech@scottshotrods]

Originally Posted by leftcoast66

The only time you ever hear it is when your airing up starting and then if you adjust, or when you air out. That's it. Other than that its basically a sealed unit, like a balloon in theory so it never is changed. It compresses like springs and has a rebound like springs, only difference is that you can change how firm it is by adjusting the pressure.

correct as long as you use all D.O.T fittings and line and bubble tight valves (which is important because most are not and have a leak down tolerance) and you make sure you have nice clean cuts and connections at the lines, clearence around the bags and use grommets for the air line you'll be good to go... Typically any time you are installing air suspension on a vehicle you are going to want to run a double convoluted bag on an independent suspension or any time you have a motion/ leverage ratio like your front IFS because a double convoluted bag has a real progressive spring rate (it builds rate as it compresses), now on the rear of a straight axle when installing the air springs on the axle (on top, in front, or behind) you are going to want to use a rolling air bag because it has a linear spring rate which is consistent through the travel which will result in a smooth ride quality.

As for different brands yes it does make a difference, alot of companies will claim to have a complete kit then once you recieve it you will find that you have a box of universal parts, or a kit missing hardware, fittings, gauges etc. which are all important and will eventually nickle and dime you and bring you to realize that bargain wasn't such a deal. Ridetech offers the most complete true bolt on vehicle specific kit on the market, it is more than most but there is a reason...