Bagging a leaf spring truck?

[hatred]

Truck is a 70 with leaf springs, I see all the time you coil spring guys going to bags, is there a comparable way for leaf guys to bag/air ride a truck also? Truck sits so low if bottoms out in the rear on the bump stops. Been thinking about a small notch and maybe some air shocks, but would rather bag it than use air shocks. This wont be a frame laying/scraping thing, just being able to adjust ride height.


Thanks...

[newbe351]

I've been looking at Ridetech air over leaf system. Not so much for the air ride, but to level things out with a load (still use the truck as a truck). Much better option than the air shock idea I was toying with as well. Big problem there is the upper shock mount trying to carry a load...

http://www.ridetech.com/store/airoverleaf/

[Pro Performance]

You can go to an air-over-leaf setup, but this does mean you could get axle wrap under hard acceleration. It does have it's pros & cons, and you usually also have to run a drop shackle in order to get the truck to sit low enough when the bag is aired out.

I did an air-over-leaf setup on my project 84 truck, and honestly wished I would have just gone with a 4-link or trailing arm setup. I will be switching it now. By the time I got the flip kit bracket, drop shackle, bag brackets and spent the time fabbing it up, it would have been easier to go the other route and about the same cost after new bushings, etc.

Not saying it can't be done, but definitely just weigh all the options and costs and go from there.

Porterbuilt has their Stage 2 rear deluxe kit with everything you need to switch over to a trailing arm setup and includes bags / shocks.

http://www.azproperformance.com/Port...eluxe-Kit.html

This is my AOL setup.

[hatred]

Yah I may have to start saving for that. I've thought about just installing the stuff from a coil truck but might as well do it once and right.
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[Pro Performance]

I think in the long run, you would be happier with that setup. Finding a donor truck for all the factory stuff is definitely a good way to do it also. Then you can go with the basic kit and save some money since you would have the trailing arms and crossmember.

http://www.azproperformance.com/Port...Basic-Kit.html

[hatred]

Would you recommend finding a coil spring truck and just robbing the parts? Would I also need the rearend out of that truck?
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[Pro Performance]

Yes, if you can find one with good parts and the right price. If you end up paying $500 in order to get the parts, then add in the $800 for the basic kit.... that would be $1300. You mine as well just get the deluxe and have all aftermarket Porterbuilt for $350 more.

I think if you can find those parts for $200 or less, then get the basic kit for $800, it would make sense and save you $650. It's just a matter of finding the truck and getting the parts for a good price. I would think you could locate the parts fairly easily, and doesn't matter if it is a long bed or short bed.

You could just re-weld the new axle pads for the trailing arms, and keep your rear-end. You would have to do this either way when converting to trailing arms.

Check out the classifieds in the forums or craigslist and see what you can find the parts for.... might make sense to do this. If not, you always get the deluxe kit.

[hatred]

Yeah I'll do some digging. Having to buy the compressor and such, would be nice to scavenge some good parts. Thanks for all the info. Would love to be able to porterbuilt the whole truck, just not in the cards right now. Unless you guys start doing charity work, then I call first in line LOL.

Thanks again!!
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[Pro Performance]

No problem at all, and keep us posted on what you find. I just think you would be better converting to trailing arm rather than air over leaf. Depending on how low you want to go, there is always the Stage 1 @ $365, once you get all the trailing arm setup.

Btw, really like the yellow on your truck...

[orngsikL]

I've got 2 extra trailing arm setups.
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[64chevtruck]

Orn I would be interested in a price on one of those trailing arm kits,,,,

[andrewmp6]

Don't forget you still need the axle housing perches for the trailing arms and probably have to move the shock mounts. earlyclassic.com has the perches or one of our vendors on here can get them also.