Few questions and a YouTube video

[Bigblock65lwb]

I’m wanting to lower my truck with 2 1/2 drop spindles in the front and have bags in the rear running on a T line with a air inflation valve coming out of my roll pan. No compressor or tank. My question is is there such thing as a leak proof system, and which bags should I run so that I’m not stretching the bag too much if that’s possible. I know 2600 bags extend to like 9” and the titan 2500s extend to 11.5. I don’t want to be so low that I’ll I’m dragging headers just even and be able to throw something in the bed and level it back up. https://youtu.be/b6IwMEQoWx8 Here’s a link to my truck. And does anyone have a picture of their truck running what I’m looking to do? Thanks guys!

[Clyde65]

I have 2500 bags on the rear of my truck and the schrader valves in the license box like you, I don’t think there is anything like a leak proof setup, the tank and compressor is the way to go to keep them aired up properly without checking regularly.

[LostMy65]

Originally Posted by Bigblock65lwb

....clip... bags in the rear running on a T line with a air inflation valve coming out of my roll pan.....clip...

It's been recommended to run one Schrader valve per bag.
That way air can't move back and forth between bags when you go around a corner.

[mfm3]

Originally Posted by Bigblock65lwb

I’m wanting to lower my truck with 2 1/2 drop spindles in the front and have bags in the rear running on a T line with a air inflation valve coming out of my roll pan. No compressor or tank. My question is is there such thing as a leak proof system, and which bags should I run so that I’m not stretching the bag too much if that’s possible. I know 2600 bags extend to like 9” and the titan 2500s extend to 11.5. I don’t want to be so low that I’ll I’m dragging headers just even and be able to throw something in the bed and level it back up. https://youtu.be/b6IwMEQoWx8 Here’s a link to my truck. And does anyone have a picture of their truck running what I’m looking to do? Thanks guys!

I did my rear setup exactly as you described using a RideTech kit with a single schrader valve. I lose about a pound of air every two weeks. I have had over 1000 lbs in the bed and the bags worked great; just add air until you get the ride height you want. I use a portable 5 gallon air tank. Currently running 2” blocks with a C notch with 35 lbs (as shown in the pic). The ride is smooth and it still handles well. Damn things are pricey though. $480 is the best price I could find.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/art-11334099
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/art-32000001

Front: 2" spindles, 3" springs; the rear can go about 3" lower and still have decent ride quality.

[Killer Bee]

from years of experience working on heavy duty trucks with air brakes and air bags, there is no leak proof system..

but I'll share some tips to getting close, possibly close enough to run with minimal issues without an onboard compressor..

keep in mind that you may want to maintain enough ground clearance to get home in the event of total air loss

minimize the number of fittings and length of plumbing.. adapters, tees, bushings, etc all add leak points..

use high quality compression fittings without swivels.. push-lock and swivels leak..

leak test everything at maximum rated inflation, soap n water, snoop, etc.. repair or replace as necessary..

two home runs from each bag to it's own schrader would probably be the least amount of connections and shortest runs..

and as mentioned above, allows for balancing loads as well as launch

don't allow bags to deflate completely.. this distorts and stretches mounting seams on the ends of the bags..

may also consider using dry nitrogen, denser gas escapes less through rubber, more stable pressure during temperature changes, and dry gases contain less contamination to promote corrosion and oxidation on metal parts..

I have this little rig for reservoir shocks, works like a champ and lasts a looong time.. notice the Schrader 556 low-loss valve on my gauge manifold.. the manual valve stem depressor t handle allows precise pressure management without the 'pssst' loss when removing push-on valves..

pro tip - although valve has a hex, these handle much higher pressures than needed for automotive use and can be adequately tightened by hand so not to distort the brass seal washer

good luck!

[LVPhotos]

Torsion bar only and bags. Last pic bags all around. Firestone fronts 2600, rear 2500

[LVPhotos]

Last pick is 225/70/15 close to what the 245/45/18 thats on it now. Torsion bars only. Lil more than 2" drop front

[Bigblock65lwb]

Thanks guys for all the input and I haven’t even thought about using nitrogen that’s a good idea. Thought about using these https://www.ebay.com/p/63-72-Chevy-G...b4227dffedb270 nice trucks guys. I’ll defiently have a portable air tank on board and that’s reassuring it hardly lost any air during that period. I’ll get some blocks built for the back

[mfm3]

Originally Posted by Bigblock65lwb

Thanks guys for all the input and I haven’t even thought about using nitrogen that’s a good idea. Thought about using these https://www.ebay.com/p/63-72-Chevy-G...b4227dffedb270 nice trucks guys. I’ll defiently have a portable air tank on board and that’s reassuring it hardly lost any air during that period. I’ll get some blocks built for the back

Nice eBay find. I should have done more research before blowing $480 on the RideTech bags.

[LostMy65]

Originally Posted by Killer Bee

from years of experience working on heavy duty trucks with air brakes and air bags, there is no leak proof system..

but I'll share some tips to getting close, possibly close enough to run with minimal issues without an onboard compressor..

keep in mind that you may want to maintain enough ground clearance to get home in the event of total air loss

minimize the number of fittings and length of plumbing.. adapters, tees, bushings, etc all add leak points..

use high quality compression fittings without swivels.. push-lock and swivels leak..

leak test everything at maximum rated inflation, soap n water, snoop, etc.. repair or replace as necessary..

two home runs from each bag to it's own schrader would probably be the least amount of connections and shortest runs..

and as mentioned above, allows for balancing loads as well as launch

don't allow bags to deflate completely.. this distorts and stretches mounting seams on the ends of the bags..

may also consider using dry nitrogen, denser gas escapes less through rubber, more stable pressure during temperature changes, and dry gases contain less contamination to promote corrosion and oxidation on metal parts..

I have this little rig for reservoir shocks, works like a champ and lasts a looong time.. notice the Schrader 556 low-loss valve on my gauge manifold.. the manual valve stem depressor t handle allows precise pressure management without the 'pssst' loss when removing push-on valves..

pro tip - although valve has a hex, these handle much higher pressures than needed for automotive use and can be adequately tightened by hand so not to distort the brass seal washer

good luck!

Why couldn't someone use one of those small 12v compressors?

[Killer Bee]

^ sure, I don't see why not..

seems like a viable solution as long as it has the capacity required for the bags..

tucked away under the seat in case of air loss away from home..

good luck!

[Bigblock65lwb]

I was sure I had found some 3 inch drop spindles on amazon for $200 but I didn’t take into consideration the size of my wheels. So on the prowl again. Does anyone have a picture of a truck with just lowering spindles on the front?

[Bigblock65lwb]

Which brand of drop spindles is everyone liking?

[Clyde65]

Early Classic Enterprises, Classics Performance Parts are the front runners. CPP has horable service though, great parts. ECE has always been good to me for parts and help.

[mfm3]

Originally Posted by Bigblock65lwb

Which brand of drop spindles is everyone liking?

I like CPP's parts and always buy from Summit; can't beat their price, free fast delivery and great customer service. The link shows two CPP options (2'' and 2.5" drop). The 2" "modular" drop spindles require additional caliper brackets (2nd link) but offer the option of running OE calipers or aftermarket big brake kits. I believe this is why they are referred to as "modular".

https://www.summitracing.com/search/...rder=Ascending

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/c...7dbk/overview/

[Bigblock65lwb]

Well guys I got some Jeep springs for the free yesterday and man they lowered it quiet a bit. Then I threw my wood in the bed just to see what Itd be like and they don’t take great to weight at all. Gonna ride these for a while and then make the switch to bags.