Air ride help for a newbe

[1enick72]

I had got parts to do air bags in the rear of my truck. I was going to do a simple schrader valve setup since I would only need to air it up when hauling something. I recently bartered with a friend of mine for some more parts. I am looking now to do full air ride but still keep it fairly simple. I'm not going to be laying frame but want to to be able to set my height and adjust when I want to haul something. I have read piles of material on air ride but I still don't know anything . I would like some info on what I should get. What's the best, simplest, most reliable etc.





I have bought my bags and mounts for the front now as well and wanted to know if someone can tell me what else I will need to complete a system.

[Pro Performance]

Looks like you have a good start there and some of the main parts you need for the air ride system. Do you know how big those tanks are? A general rule of thumb, is no larger than a 5 gallon tank for one compressor. I would maybe go with 1 of those tanks, so that it will build pressure faster, and they seem to be a 4-5 gallon tank.

You will also want to make sure the pressure switch you have is a 150 PSI switch, since the VIAIR 460C compressor is only capable of 150 PSI, which is fine for your application. Just don't want to over work it up to 200 PSI.

As for the rear, the Porterbuilt rear setup is a good way to go. Their stage 1 kit has necessary bag brackets and shock relocation brackets in the kit.... along with the bags and shocks of course. Another piece you may want to add down the road is the adjustable trac bar.

I can help you get the misc. fittings you need to hook everything up and complete the system. I would also suggest an 8-valve setup, so that each bag is isolated and you don't get air transfer between them, causing excessive body roll.

Just give me a call and would be more than happy to go over everything with you.

Porterbuilt Stage 1 Rear Kit

[tubbedII]

Pro Peformance has you covered...my only recommendation is adding some reducers in your lines or something to slow down the system. By a google search, it seems that those are 1/2" valves...which are pretty fast and actually make my blazer get a little air without a flow control.

[1enick72]

I should have listed what I have total.
2 airlift 2500lb bags for rear
2 airlift 2600lb bags for front
bag mounting plates for front and rear
c notch for rear
adjustable rear track bar

I'll give a call and go over things to figure out the best route.

[tubbedII]

So nothing you have pictured you have?
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[1enick72]

Oh sorry, plus the items pictured.
I figured I would only use one tank and agree about the 8 valve setup for handling reasons. From what I understand the manual setup I have to run lines into the cab and electrical setup is just wiring. I wonder about cost verses simplicity.

[tubbedII]

Either way you have to run lines into the cab since the gauges require them so don't let that be a reason to stay away from manual valves. They are only 1/4 inch lines so they won't be that fast is all. Do you have 8 valves or just the 2 pictured?
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[1enick72]

I only have the 2 pictured.
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[Pro Performance]

Do you know what size ports you have on the tank? Let me know and I can piece together the rest for you. This way I will know what fittings you need exactly.

- Travis

[tubbedII]

Also, are you planning on doing the install yourself? If so, I would recommend ditching the 2 valves you have (since that's all you really have for air managment) and going with the accuair manifold. Much simpler to install which really helps A LOT. It'll be a bit more $ but I say it's well worth the extra cost...wish I would have known that before doing mine.

You'll need another gauge too since you only have 1 and will only show 2 corners.

[1enick72]

Originally Posted by Pro Performance

Do you know what size ports you have on the tank? Let me know and I can piece together the rest for you. This way I will know what fittings you need exactly.

- Travis

I measured the ports with a caliper gauge and came up with this.
There are 4 ports in the middle of the tank
2 are 1/2" and 2 are 1"
The 2 ports on the ends seem to be 3/4"

[1enick72]

I do plan on doing all the work myself. Other than ease of installation is there an advantage to using a manifold over separate valves? I figured since I want all 4 corners separate than I would have to buy most of the system.

Originally Posted by tubbedII

Also, are you planning on doing the install yourself? If so, I would recommend ditching the 2 valves you have (since that's all you really have for air managment) and going with the accuair manifold. Much simpler to install which really helps A LOT. It'll be a bit more $ but I say it's well worth the extra cost...wish I would have known that before doing mine.

You'll need another gauge too since you only have 1 and will only show 2 corners.

[tubbedII]

Originally Posted by 1enick72

I do plan on doing all the work myself. Other than ease of installation is there an advantage to using a manifold over separate valves? I figured since I want all 4 corners separate than I would have to buy most of the system.

That's really the advantage. The manifold houses them all in one compact unit and makes wiring, line routing, mounting and over all apperance easier/better. I think the biggest advantage is it uses minimal fittings which is where the leaks happen. With a 8 valve system, each bag about 10 points where a leak can happen where the manifold would be only a couple.
With the accuair manifold specifically, there's other things that are bonuses like a cool controller as well as the ability to upgrade to the e-level system.

[Pro Performance]

By the time you add up all the misc. fittings, it does come within $100 or so of the AccuAir valve.

[andrewmp6]

A manifold would be easier to hide and a lot less wiring too.

[Pro Performance]

1enick72, I just sent a PM with pricing based on what you said you had already. Should be very complete and everything else you need to plumb the system.

- Travis