Air Bag Suspension vs. Coil Springs

[Diggers Dad]

I am building a 71 short bed w/ stock ride height. No hauling, no racing, just normal driving. Is a manual fill 4 wheel air bag suspension smoother than the stock coil spring set up? If so any board venders sell the kit?

Thanks, Mike

[dubds10]

Airbags will be smoother riding of course, however, if wanting to do it right it isn't cheap. A static drop with coils/leafs will also be cheaper and less maintenance involved. If you want to be able to lay the truck out slammed for shows, then airbags are great, otherwise it can be a waste of money to be honest. I've airbagged a few trucks and love how they turn out for shows and how they ride, but I've also seen a lot of hack jobs out there which aren't safe for road use so make sure to do it right the first time if going that route. Don't cheap out and do your homework on it. Typically requires welding on the frame if you want to go low and modifications elsewhere so make sure you have a good certified welder who knows airbag setups if you aren't one yourself.

[Diggers Dad]

Dub Thanks for the info. I will stick w/ the stock suspension, smaller springs, taller sidewall tires. Any comments on coil springs or shocks for the softest ride?

Thanks, Mike

[michael bustamante]

early classic buddy. good drop springs, shock relocators and panhard bar kits. also if you can, use drop spindles. you wont be sorry

[Andy4639]

If you stay with a static coil springs all the way around the truck. I would suggest the helper bags. I have them at each wheel and man what a nice ride it is!
You want be sorry.

[Diggers Dad]

Andy Thanks. Were did you get the air bag helpers?

Mike

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by Diggers Dad

I am building a 71 short bed w/ stock ride height. No hauling, no racing, just normal driving. Is a manual fill 4 wheel air bag suspension smoother than the stock coil spring set up? If so any board venders sell the kit?

Thanks, Mike

The other suggestions I see are geared toward lowering or bags in coils for additional spring rate.

None of this is really required for stock height & no hauling. Stock springs work fine. The longer stock coils ride fine given their spring rate. I doubt there would be much noticed improvement swapping to bags. Bags definitely offer improved ride quality vs shorter drop springs.

If staying @ stock height, I would invest in the best quality of shock within the budget, aftermarket a-arms or tweaking the factory units for improved geometry (slight neg camber + as much caster as possible) & good quality rubber.

[Diggers Dad]

Thanks for all the replies. Going for the late model ride from a '71 short bed!
I'll start a build thread soon.

Mike