Thread: Airbag suspension questions?

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I currently have coil overs on the rear and shocks on the front of my car. Have been considering replacing it with airbags and have a few questions. I know nothing about airbags and how they mount.

First, can I replace my current setup and bolt the airbags in the place of the coilovers and shocks, or is it more involved than that? (other than mounting the air tank and lines)

Second, As with anyting the more you pay the better system you get. What is the average cost of a good system?

Did some searching and found the Shockwave system from Air Ride Technologies that looks like it would work.

I was going to suggest Shockwave, not cheap, but from everything I have seen they are very good and high quality.

Don

Originally Posted by youther

I currently have coil overs on the rear and shocks on the front of my car. Have been considering replacing it with airbags and have a few questions. I know nothing about airbags and how they mount.

First, can I replace my current setup and bolt the airbags in the place of the coilovers and shocks, or is it more involved than that? (other than mounting the air tank and lines)

Second, As with anyting the more you pay the better system you get. What is the average cost of a good system?

Measurements, mounting points, and clearence for the bag is what to look for when changeing over to the airbag set up. Get the specs on the bags and mounting info so you can make sure the application will fit or what modifications will need to be made. as far as cost go all matters what type of kits ur getting.

Remebering Dan and I's "mini trucking" days the bag replaces the coil spring, but unless it is a shockwave (with the built in shock with the bag) you still need a shock absorber mounted somewhere to dampen the suspension. (front and rear)
Also, if you chose a shock you should chose one that is "made" for lowrider type application. A regular shock can bottom out. Keep in mind also that the shock can slow the speed of your bag system. (due to the nature of what the shock does in the first place) Generally a shock made for lowered vehicles will not slow down the lift or fall of the bag as much (important when you see something down the road that you need to clear and only have seconds to do it.
One last thought. You absolutely get what you pay for with air ride systems. Cheap=problems down the line (We know from experience unfortunately).
Good Luck! Don jr.

Shock waves work good if you dont want alot of lift. They are bound to a certain lift and drop ratio. Great for some cars bad for others. Like said before look for any interference around the bag. I have been doing air ride for a living for about 5 years. I know the great parts to have and the not so great. But this is my opinion too. Nothing is cheap when it comes to someone customizing there ride. So make sure you ask alot of questions and have someone that is willing to talk and explain what to do. If you look around here in the shop areas you will find pics of what I do for fun and it will show you what you can do with air and how much it can be in the end.