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Air Bag Suspension FAQ
Air suspension is becoming more common nowadays. It is very reliable when properly installed. Here is a list of Frequently Asked Questions.
This guide will be frequently updated. If you have suggestions, please post a comment on this post.
1. What kind of parts do I need?
There are many different components you will need. There are also many different setups. Here is a basic list of what you will need and approx. prices.
Air Tanks $50-$100 each
These will hold the reserve of compressed air to fill your air bags.
Air Compressors $130-$400
These will fill your air tanks with compressed air.
Fittings $100
These will connect your components together along with the airline. There are several different types, compression or push to lock. The compression fitting are less expensive and tend to leak less, but there is more work installing them. The push to lock fittings are easy to install and replace, but have a tendency to leak.
Air Line $50-$200
This will connect your air system. There are different types and sizes. The most common is air brake line. This can be purchased in 3/8", 1/2", 5/8". You may also choose to hardline your system with either copper of stainless tubing.
Valves $200- $600
These will fill(raise) and empty(lower) the air bags with air. More on these later.
Air Bags $350
This is what you replace your coil spring with in the front and install on the rear. There are many different brands. The most common are Firestone, Contitech, and Slam Specialties. Some have a 3/8" port, 1/2" port or dual 1/2" port.
Wiring $50
You will need wiring to run power to your valves and compressor.
Pressure Switch $40
This tells your compressor when to turn on and off
Circuit Breaker and relay $40
This will help to make sure your truck doesn't catch on fire to to faulty wiring.
Switchbox $50-100
It controls everything. You can build your own or buy cookie cutter 10 switchbox's.
2. How many air compressors and tanks do I need?
1 compressor and 1 5 gallon tank would be the minimum I recommend. You can go with a smaller tank, but I don't recommend it. The more compressors you have the faster the tanks will fill up. The more tanks you have the longer it will take to fill up, but you will have more play time. Currently I have 2 compressors and 2 5 gallon tanks on Smokindakota.
3. How many valves do I need and what type?
First you must determine what you intend to do with the truck. Do you want to hop it? Adjust front and rear? Adjust all 4 corners or hit sides?
Next you must determine what type of valve you are interested in. A 2 way electric valve, 3 way electric valve or manual valve. A manual valves is the slowest and does not require any wiring. A 2 way valve will require 2 valves, one for fill and one for dump, per corner. A 3 way valve will require 1 valve per corner. If you are want Front Back Side to Side(FBSS), you will need (8) 2 way valves or (4) 3 way valves. For a Front/Back(FB) setup, you will need (4) 2 way valves or (2) 3 way valves.
What size valves and lines do I need?
This depends on how fast you want to go. If you are using a manual valve seup, you should go with 1/4" or 3/8" line. If you are on a budget, 3/8" valves and 3/8" line. Usually the bigger you go, the faster your truck will raise and lower.
How do I bag the rear of my truck?
There are a few different ways to bag the rear of your truck.
MonoleafThis setup consists of you removing all of your leaf springs except one and installing bags over the axle. This is the worst setup. The ride is horrible, you do not get much lift, and the leaf spring can snap.
2 Link This link setup consists of replacing the leaf springs with 2 link bars from the front leaf spring perch to the axle. You will also need a panhard or traction bar to keep the axle from swaying side to side. This is the current setup I have on my truck. The bags are mounted on the link bars at a 2:1 ratio. This provides more lift. Some people refer to this as Cantilever setup. However, it is not a true Cantilever setup.
4 Link There are a few variations of this setup. Parallel, Triangulated, and Reverse Triangulated. A Parallel 4 link has 2 bars on each side and connects to the frame and axle. A triangulated 4 link has 1 bar on each side and 2 bars that are triangulated from the axle to a crossmember. A reverse triangulated 4 link is just wrong. It is a triangulated 4 link but all of the bars are reveresed facing the rear of the truck.
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