Front air bags

[1stgen4evr]

I see ads for add on air bags that go inside the coils for the second gen trucks. Has anyone adapted any configuration of air bag or air shock to their first gen front suspension. If so what did you use and other details of the installation.



I have bags mounted over the rear axle that are from a Kelderman set. I really like the benefit of air bags and would like to have them on the front as well.



James

 

["Mad Max"]

James-

Haven't got them fabbed up yet, but I'm doing airbags on the front of my '78 Ramcharger as we speak, meaning no leafs or coils, just the air bag/spring and a 4-link. Granted, the weight of a Cummins is more than a big block, but I'll be pretty close as my RC has a lot of armor (rock sliders made from 3/16" square tubing) going on it. Here's a link to a site that makes the bags I'm using - they're Firestone bags with a lot of articulation (14" total - lot for a bag).

http://www.offroadonly.com/products/suspension/airock/

I'm probably using bigger bags with less articulation for my '93 Cummins when I get to it, but same principle.



When we get the brackets made I'll be sure to post pics for the bag mounts as well as the how-to.



Later man,

- Sam

 

[RSchwarzli]

Go to Keldermans link here http://www.keldermanairride.com/category.php?id=21 and click on 1st gen 4x4 front. I can't remember if yours is 4wd or not, if so this link doesn't help.

Robert

 

[1stgen4evr]

Not 4x4

Everything I have is just two wheel drive. If I had the leaf spring front I could do what I did on the rear. I was hopeing that someone had done a refit of an air bag inside the coil or an air shock adaptation or something that would be less extensive than the system Sam is working on. But thanks to both of you for trying.



James

 

[TKingsbury]

Are you looking for a better ride? You could do like alot of the street rodder types and poopcan the spring altogether and replace it with an airbag. There are lots of companies doing this, so it shouldn't be hard to find someone to talk to. Check out street rod/custom/lowrider type magazines for companies that offer such things.

Travis. .

 

[cerberusiam]

Use the airbags for a 94 2x4. The spring dimensions are almost identical with the 94 springs being a little shorter. Firestone and Ride Rite both make a set that will fit the springs. The only difference is the max pressure the bags are rated at, 20 psi to 30 psi if memory serves.



I built the external shock mounts out of the front shock holders for a gen1 4x4 and bolted them tight against the upper a-frame mounts. On the lower a-frame I drilled a 1/2 hole and am using a grade 5 bolt to hold the bottom of the shock. As soon as I get a welder and time I will build the lower mount out of another set of 4x4 front shock holders and it won't be such a red neck installation.



By adjusting the height of the mount on the frame I can now use a 4x4 shock in place of the wimpy stock units. Much larger selection of shocks and rates. The Firestone air bags are on the way and as soon as I have a free weekend we shall see how they work out.

 

[Mel Fuelling]

Air Ride Technology builds an airbag with a shock mounted through the middle that may be heim joint mounted on both ends, a four link air ride system, and several lengths, diameters, and capacities of air bags. They will also sell you the hardware

and airbags in kit form to replace coil springs, however when I called asking about 1st Gen applications, recommended spring rates, travel, geometry, etc. they weren't very helpful. Someone with a lot of airbag experience could probably help spec out some

good 1st Gen solutions, all we have to do is find them.

Mel

 

[MaxMartin]

Do you have any pics? I am trying to eliminate the leaf springs on mine and go with an air bag sysem.