Air Baggin 1950 suburban

[50 burban]

any one ever air bag a 1947-54 chevrolet truck? I need ideas or suggestions especially with the front steering arm & axle.It is really close together.I really want to leave it original as possible.I know i got to take some leaf springs out,im fine with that.Any pics or ideas?

[rebarjoe]

Why do you want air bags? If you want as original as possible,and the spring do look kind of weak, go for a set of springs for couple of hundred and set of shocks.

[50 burban]

I want to be able to raise & lower it.I also want the ride to be smooth like coils with the bags.I have investigated the mono leafs & thought about lowering blocks.Those lowering blocks make a real stiff ride.

[rebarjoe]

I just spent a little time going throught the archives and didn't come up with any air bag conversion for '50. Plenty for '67 and up. If your looking for a smooth ride, have you thought about a IFS kit? You could get lift/lower kits to fit and you'll have everything you want. Have you tried posting this question on suspension forum? Give that a try maybe some one there can help.

[Seon]

What you're wanting to do would require some engineering. Best to call Air Ride, bet they can come up with a solution.
However, if you want to lower the front end, you could either get a dropped from axle or go with a mono leaf spring.
Good luck and let us know what you've come up with.

[50 burban]

Thanks.I 'll try to figure this out.I know someone has done it.

[N2TRUX]

It can be done. Anything can be done with a bit of fabrication. My question is "why" do you want to keep the straight front axle. You would be much better off converting to an IFS and bagging that.

It's your truck, so do what you want, but I think you are defeating your own intentions by trying to get a decent ride with what you have. Besides if you went with IFS you would aquire disc barkes at the same time

[3100 special]

I've got the same front end. I've just been saving my money...
been back and forth in the decision process. I've decied to go with a complete IFS front end. I'm not after keeping it original. When I bought the truck years ago it was so that I'd have a vehicle that I'd be happy with, would ride comfortably and, would had eye popping power.
The way they were built back then, the last two items just didn't come from the factory back then....

[rebarjoe]

Have you found any info your looking for or made any decisions?

[50 burban]

I think im going with a dropped axle & then that should leave me some space for the bags & should give me the drop i want,leaving the bags to do the lifting when i need it.What do you guys think before i invest my money in that set up?

[rebarjoe]

I count 3 votes for IFS and I still lean in that direction. What do you think it will cost you going your route? Like N2TRUX said, anything is possible with a bit of fabrication. My concern is, how much fab. and will it be safe. Will you do the fabing yourself or farm it out and at what cost? I'm going to pose this question to a friend of mind in Ca. and see what he comes up with. He teaches automotive, 25yrs worth, and is real knowledgeable. I'll keep you posted on his theory. Old saying, To many cooks spoil the broth, but one more cook to stir the pot might help. Good luck.

[rebarjoe]

got this from that friend in Ca.

[Marty Gable]

Mine is already bagged in the front ... but I have IFS - 72 nova ss front clip built the cans and bought the bags,tank, etc. from Air Ride Technologies.