Switches... only two?

[smashingchuck]

Well as things go I'm starting to think out my interior because I'm running the wires for my valves. In the past I had four switches, one for each bag. I was wondering if I would have any trouble only running two switches (one for the front and one for the back), or am I going to want to keep the independent control for each corner? My major concern is that the truck would sit crooked because I can't manipulate each corner independently.

Discuss....

[N2TRUX]

If your going to run manual switches with no automatic system I would run 5.
I like one for each corner, and one to dump the system.

I know you have seen the pics a gazillion times, but I"ll post em again anyway.

[blime81]

Agree with N2TRUX.

I'd want independent control on each corner. Should you get a leak or have an uneven load you'd have no way to compensate.

You could put in your 2 switches in-dash and then run a seperate switchbox in your glove compartment or under the seat should you need it.

There are some pretty small 7 and 9 switch boxes out there.

7 = ea bag + F + B + all
9 = ea bag + F + B + S + S + all

Good luck

[smashingchuck]

The separate hidden switch box had crossed my mind, I'm just trying to keep the controls, and layout of the interior as simple as possible.

[N2TRUX]

The way mine are mounted, I usually have to point them out to people. If done correctly you can hide them in plain sight.

[blime81]

BTW I like your switch panel N2TRUX, it's very clean.

Is it metal? I can't really see how it is mounted up.

[cajundragger]

I've seen before the use of 4 function switches. where the arm of the switch goes both forwards/backwards/and side to side.

[AceX]

I've seen a Ford Excursion that used the power window switches to control the valves. The rear switches were used, and the "Lock out" switch would switch between front and back so it was only 3 switches, but it was like having 4.

What about one of those little ART digital control modules? A friend of mine has his molded into his dash, and I've seen a couple people put theirs in the ash tray or glove box.

Ken's set-up is my favorite so far though seeing as I've already stolen the idea and twisted it for my own sick pleasures...

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by blime81

BTW I like your switch panel N2TRUX, it's very clean. Is it metal? I can't really see how it is mounted up.

Yes it's metal. I wanted something that would not detract from the stock interior. My buddy Roger built this for me and it bolts to the seat frame.

[smashingchuck]

AceX-
I have the ART gauge, it just doesn't fit (with the switches it came with) in the cluster very well. And it's something I really don't want to hide.

Ken-
I'd be all over copying your method, but I've got a four speed, and the stick almost hits the seat as it is. I don't want to move where the stick is cause then I would have to lean over to shift.

[N2TRUX]

Several options come to mind. I have a late model GM "small" overhead console that I planned to use in my Blazer. It big enough to fit gauges and switches.

Another option is build one similiar to mine that comes from under drivers seat. Or you could have one come from under the dash.

[protrash64]

Ive posted this before as well, but the idea is that it is dual purpose. I replaced the junky metal bracket for the 'knee freezer' hanging off the dash. Just thought you mite think of something you need/want to do and incorporate the switches it into.

N2TRUX .......wish I'd thought of the dump switch; I may have to wire one in somewhere.

[Twisted Minis]

I love the simplicity of two short toggles. I had my truck that way at one point. I had two switches to the right of the steering wheel on the bottom lip of the dash pointing down. One for front, one for the back.

You could always hide another two, one for left front, one for right front up/down, in the ash tray. I've put switches there too on Chevy's. And you really don't need independent control over the back on a solid axle, the front will be more effective for leveling your ride height.

[lowestsixty7]

I agree with Twisted Minis...i have 2 toggle switches in my trucks and seems to work very well. At IF we typically will put a 3 switch box in the trucks we build.(Front/Back/Pancake)

[AceX]

What about using the piece like Ken has, but moving it to the driver's side, or to the side of the seat (in between the seat and the door).

The other option is to convert to buckets and build a small console.

What about using a set of power window switches?

[fixit-p]

How about 3 switches two DPDT switches for fill and hide the third to dump. With the DPDT switch's side by side you can control all four independently the switch on the right would control the right side (forward for front right and back for right rear) the left side would be the same way (forward for front left and back for left rear). Could be either a rocker switch or toggle.