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Old 01-24-2014, 08:59 AM   #1
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General discussion on Airbags

I've seen several post and questions about the application of Airbags for additional load carrying capacity or leveling of sagging rear ends...

The problem I have seen several times with all of the Airbags I have seen on vans is that they really restrict suspension travel, especially bump travel, and make for a really bad ride.

Here is a picture of a E series with Airbags - can you see what is wrong?




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Old 01-24-2014, 09:32 AM   #2
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Re: General discussion on Airbags

What's wrong?

Maybe no heat shield between the bag and the exhaust?

Maybe too little clearance to the tire, could rub on full compression?

Something else?

How many guesses do I get?

Mike
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Old 01-24-2014, 11:18 AM   #3
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Re: General discussion on Airbags

No idea what is wrong, but i think the stroke of this bags is much to short.
BTW i am thinking to convert mine to an full airride system. I will built it myself.....
Does anyone have some know how and will share it with me
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Old 01-24-2014, 01:20 PM   #4
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Re: General discussion on Airbags

I don't know if mine are right or wrong but after re-adding them when Deaver Springs took them off, I can tell no difference in ride unless the bags are fully inflated. The bags can lift the rear about 3 inches.
Did I make a mistake putting them back on?
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Old 01-24-2014, 02:38 PM   #5
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Re: General discussion on Airbags

Firestone sport rite seems to be the best option among the available airbags

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Old 01-24-2014, 03:38 PM   #6
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Re: General discussion on Airbags

X2 on the Firestone. They have about 13" of total travel.

The single-convoluted bags like the top picture have maybe 4" of travel? I had a very similar set from airlift. They were actually fine if was hauling REALLY heavy, when limited travel is desirable. But other than that, they made the ride worse and could really create some bucking rebound on some concrete freeways.
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Old 01-27-2014, 06:33 PM   #7
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Re: General discussion on Airbags

My experience has been that air bag systems don't like extreme off-road situations. Look at the Ujoint system. They may have solved that problem.
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Old 01-27-2014, 06:50 PM   #8
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Re: General discussion on Airbags

id guess that bag setup doesnt allow enough droop or range in the suspension?
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Old 01-27-2014, 11:08 PM   #9
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Re: General discussion on Airbags

Quote:
Originally Posted by shenrie
id guess that bag setup doesnt allow enough droop or range in the suspension?
Yes. Or compression/bump travel.
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Old 01-27-2014, 11:51 PM   #10
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Re: General discussion on Airbags

Quote:
Originally Posted by carringb
Quote:
Originally Posted by shenrie
id guess that bag setup doesnt allow enough droop or range in the suspension?
Yes. Or compression/bump travel.
Exactly!
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