A Question or two about Air-Ride suspension

REDLTD · Post by **REDLTD** » October 19, 2006, 8:00 pm

My son, Frank, would like an air-conditioner for Christmas... But if we dont get him that, He'd like an air bag setup for his '63. I've always envisioned a 4-corner setup, simply removing all but the main leaves on his spring packs, and installing overload rear bags on front AND rear. Would there be any big reasons NOT to do this that I'm overlooking? as far as safety goes, that is. I can supply LOTS of other reasons not to do it!!! LOL
Thanks for your time. Bert

FORDMANLCRACKEL · Post by **FORDMANLCRACKEL** » October 19, 2006, 9:35 pm

That was a very hot subject on here a while back. Get the a/c and save yourself.
http://fordtruk.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=353 Ok boys he just joined be nice he's just asking. thats all im going to say. LOL

Lonnie

Post by **Greg D** » October 19, 2006, 10:39 pm

I can think of one real good reason$$$$$$$$$! However new leafs with reversed eyes and abit less arch would work fine for a whole lot less.

REDLTD · Post by **REDLTD** » October 19, 2006, 11:53 pm

Kind of like the media blasting subject, or the high temp block baking subject over on the FE forum! LOL
I think the air suspension is a bad idea, myself, I just wanted to test the water. I'm just afraid he'll get it torn apart just in time to have to go back to school with nothing to drive.(He goes to college in a city about 4 hours away) I'm leaning towards the A/C idea, but its way too much money. Maybe a nice pair of socks for Christmas!! HAHA

ELpolacko · Post by **ELpolacko** » October 20, 2006, 1:35 pm

Air bags are fun to play with. Seriously, if your into carnival rides and such they are a blast. Makes your truck look tough just sitting there in the parking lot or dragging down the boulevard throwing sparks into the air.

That's not my thing though, I like my truck to look killer all the time so I built it low AND good riding.

The only problem I see with your proposed modification is the removeal of spring leafs and no addition of axle control. Under braking and acceleration forces the spring leafs keep the axle from rotating on its perch. Some of you may have noticed axle hop when you really gas it. That would be much worse with only the main leaf, dangerous really.

IF you really want to do airsprings, check out the Air Ride technologies air spring kits with the four links. I think they call them "air bars" or something silly like that. But they are decent kits.

The Big M · Post by **The Big M** » October 20, 2006, 3:09 pm

I've considered this for my own truck. Would the addition of a panhard bar in the rear be a good solution or just a band-aid fix?

To that end, how does the removal of leafs affect the front? Other than potential clearance issues from the reduced travel, that is.

ELpolacko · Post by **ELpolacko** » October 20, 2006, 6:23 pm

A panhard rod won't do a thing for you in this instance. Panhard rods control sway, not axle wrap.

Same problem with the front only more dangerous. Your axle has a slight drop to it stock which increases braking leverage against the springs. Removing spring leafs weakens the pack dramatically and when you stab the brakes, all hell is going to "break" loose.

Comet · Post by **Comet** » October 20, 2006, 9:42 pm

Yeah, I'd go with some kit or system. Just running main leafs will give you serious axle wrap like ELP said. Plus if you go to the trouble of bagging, you may as well get the full effect from them. Overload/main leafs won't compress like a full bag and linked system would.

A Question or two about Air-Ride suspension

A Question or two about Air-Ride suspension

Wow... That is a hot subject!