Edumacate a dummy on air bags, please!

[67_C-30]

I have an air ride set-up that I acquired that I thinking about using on a C-10. I was going to sell it, but I'm thinking I might use it. I don't know anything about this stuff except that we tested it and it works, and I don't even know of this would be a good system to use on my truck. The set-up I have consists of (2) Viair 450 C compressors, (4) Contitech 2 ply bags, (8) GC 250 Extreme valves (I think they are 1/2" NPT) (2) tanks (I'm not sure of the size), a cut off switch, wiring, and switches. Is this stuff good, decent, junk?

I care absolutely nothing about being able to slam a truck in parking lot or show out. I am simply because I love the look of a lowered truck (meaning like 3/5 or 4/6 lowered, not slammed), and I like the look of stock trucks. I'd like to have the ability to put some 17's on the truck and run it low most of the time, with the ability to put stock 15's and hubcaps back on it and run at stock height when I want to. I would want the switches/controls hidden (maybe in the glovebox?) to not be see out in the open. I would also want the compressor and tank mounted under the truck out of sight.


Is this practical or feasible with what I have? What else would I need?(meaning what is needed to mount the bags and what would be a good hose to run)

I am only interested in this if it will be a trouble free, reliable set-up. I have attached some pics to help you guys help me. Below is what I have. The stuff was installed on a car that wasn't finished and has no miles on it. Al I need is a simplified set that would be let up and down occasionally. Thanks for any and all help!

[cubber]

Not a bad collection of stuff there! The thing about bags, though, is that you kinda set them up to run at a certain height while driving. That doesn't mean that you cant ride higher or lower, but if you set up yoursystem to run at a lower height, when you are at stockish height, you will have lots of pressure in the bags, which means log wagon type ride. Of course, some of these older trucks rode like that new.

In order to mount the bags, you will need front and rear mounting plates (readily available in the suspension marketplace, try ProPerformance). You will also need some DOT airline, and all the fittings. what you have is a GREAT start!

[andrewmp6]

The tanks are 3 or 5 gallon kinda hard to tell but either way big enough.If your c10 has rear trailing arms just buy bag brackets and shock relocator brackets.The only tip i can give you is buy a tubing cutter because if you don't cut the air lines prefectly straight they will leak at the fittings.If you want a simpler switch box avs makes a 3 switch one for 80 bucks which gives you front,back and both.

[piecesparts]

I personally like a static drop in my vehicles, vice running an air system. I am not downing the air bag thing, but I do not want to spend all of my time fixing air leaks, getting the truck at "Just the right " height so the wheel alignment is close to proper, getting parts for the air compressor, since they don't always work. I use the latest "Thing" that my Son and Daughter-In-Law purchased. A 1998 Toyota Tacoma, air bagged and wore out. So after a winter of putting on new bags, new bushings in the lift arms, a new compressor head and rings. Connecting the lines to the proper fittings, and replacing the controller in the cab, we now have a truck that is drivable--Of course, now if you lower it a lot, then you have to rework the sheetmetal in the fenders to get clearance.

Oh I did mention wheel alignment earlier, didn't I. He is heading for his second one since hitting the road this spring--for some reason, the first guy could not get it to drive without pushing the front tires and cutting the shoulders. You have to set the truck and align to the air pressure setting and then that is where you drive it the most.

As for a static drop, set it and go, and then go some more, and finally go some more -- a lot. I hope you are not offended by my point of view.

My 84 GMC is lowered 4" in the rear and 3 1/2" in the front. My old 91 Silverado was lowered 3" in the front and 4" in the rear. The 2011 GMC daily driver that I now have is lowered 5" in the front and 6" in the rear. All of them static drop.

[andrewmp6]

Piecesparts that's why you never buy a bagged mini truck most i have seen for sell around me scare me it drives down the same roads i do.But if you take your time plan things out and have a understand how things should be air ride can be easy to have.I preach do your research understand what your going to do and never cut corners if not you have problems and hate the truck in the end.

[67_C-30]

I'm reviving this thread, because I'm thinking I may actually do this. Are these Viair compressors known to be reliable? Am I have going to have to worry about driving in the rain?

How is the ride quality with bags compared to lowering springs? I put a set of springs on my old '69 Chevy and it rode OK, but was a little stiff. I'm assuming that the truck will ride better at a lower pressure.

I'm also assuming that the desired ride height will be set by a certain amount of psi on the gauges. The desired ride height/psi setting is where you would want to get the alignment done, right?

How fast will this set up raise and lower the truck? IOW, if I go to a show and let it all the way down, will it raise back to ride height pretty quickly with the 2 compressors?

Sorry for all the questions, but I have never even been in a vehicle with bags, and I don't know anyone that has one!

[67_C-30]

One more question - is it necessary to run all 8 valves? Could one for intake and one for exhaust be used per each axle? Is "T'ing" an air bag line acceptable?

[tinydb84]

T'ing side to side will cause a huge issue with body roll
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[andrewmp6]

Vair are pretty good so they should last a long time,With a air bag the more psi the stiffer the ride is so you gotta play with it see what psi is best for you.As far as Ting the air lines i wouldn't around a curve the air will go from one bag to the other making it handle worse then it should.If you want a simpler switch box http://www.avsontheweb.com/home.php?cat=590 its 3 switch front back and all.

[502ms]

I'm reviving this thread, because I'm thinking I may actually do this. Are these Viair compressors known to be reliable? Am I have going to have to worry about driving in the rain?

I have been running two ViAir compressors on my truck since new, December 2011. Brand new setup. Never any problems. Almost daily driven. Driven in rain and the winter here in Atlanta with no issues. Initially they were at very bottom of my frame, now they are raised up to my false floor area. Driven almost 15k and a roadtrip where I was diving with two beds on my truck (in my build thread) - no issues.


How is the ride quality with bags compared to lowering springs? I put a set of springs on my old '69 Chevy and it rode OK, but was a little stiff. I'm assuming that the truck will ride better at a lower pressure.

As someone who has many lowered vehicles, I say this is my most comfortable vehicle. Bags loveit


I'm also assuming that the desired ride height will be set by a certain amount of psi on the gauges. The desired ride height/psi setting is where you would want to get the alignment done, right?

They take an average of all three heights, and set up alignment based on that



How fast will this set up raise and lower the truck? IOW, if I go to a show and let it all the way down, will it raise back to ride height pretty quickly with the 2 compressors?
A lot of your height lowered and raised is based on your methodology of getting lower. Laying on the ground requires a C-notch, dropmembers or a Z in the front. As for lowering you will be fine, as you are going very mild with nothing too crazy. They are going to pump to fill this tanks, and you can air up as they increase and have enough in the reserves for you to cycle through some quickies


Sorry for all the questions, but I have never even been in a vehicle with bags, and I don't know anyone that has one!
I love them. Besides. Tractor trailers ride on what?

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[67_C-30]

Thanks for the help. I found the bag brackets on ebay, and I'm starting to put together a plan to get it done.

502ms, I'm only about 80 miles away from you. Did you do your own install? I may call on you for advice if I run into to trouble, if you don't mind!

[502ms]

No problem! Be glad to help!
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[Domer]

to simplify your setup, i would run a 6 valve setup. individual fronts and T the rear together. as long as you have shocks, when you lift the truck and level the front the rear will always follow.

[wraprail]

If you really want a trouble free, worry free system go with one of the modern air ride controllers. ACCUAIR, RideTech or Dakota Digital. Add the height sensors (standard on accuair, optional on ridetech and dakota digital) and you never have to worry about being at the correct height for alignment, tire wear or handling.
I have the dakota digital controller and I never worry if i'm high enough to clear a speed bump or if my truck is level going down the road. I push one button for raised, another for my regular ride height and another button for my "slammed" driving.
It give me the confidence to drive like its a "regular" truck and not a lowrider.
As for cutting your airlines, yes you can buy a special cutter. Great for the guy who makes and sells the special cutters. I just used a brand new razor blade and made square cuts. No reason you can't do the same.
My truck has sat over a week without losing any noticable amount of air. Any height changes are due to temperature/weather related or the suspension settling and is corrected for by the controller as soon as I turn the ignition key.
Anyway, that's my 2 cents..take it or leave it..

I wouldn't use a T anywhere in an air ride system. If you can only afford 6 valves, save your milk money till you can afford 8.
Or better yet, ask santa for an AA-VU4. The elves will thank you

[67_C-30]

Thanks for the advice guys!

I have a few more questions. Since I'm not interested in raising the truck that often, how will the system work with 1 compressor and 1 tank?

My plan is run it low (not slammed) at times and stock height at times. I don't care anything about airing out while driving or anything. Sure, I'll air it out and take some pics sometimes, but having the truck at lower than driveable ride height is something that I will very rarely do. Remember, I am not C -notching or cutting anything on this truck, so I'm not going to be going that low anyway.

Even though I have 2 compressors, 2 tanks, and all 8 valves, I'd like to simplify the set-up and have a spare compressor and tank for later on down the road.

[502ms]

Simple answer: more power is better. Takes more time to fill a tank with one compressor than 2. That means longer cycle time on compressor filling your tank. Which is more drain on other components (a/c, radio, lights, etc).
Don't shortchange your system
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