air suspension ideas...

ok so who of you that have been following my vans progress know what i have and will get but for those of you that dont......i have fully adjustable silkroad coilovers and the roberuta cup kit (only for the front tho)....
[img]http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/12/web/252000-252999/252370_165_full.jpg[/img] [img]http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/12/web/252000-252999/252370_187_full.jpg[/img] [img]http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/12/web/252000-252999/252370_186_full.jpg[/img]
 i want some on the fly adjustability for my reat tho... i am thinking of replacing my rear springs with some bags... what would that entail? as you can see with the roberuta kit i get a compressor and tank....what else would i need? and other ideas?

Not having any real experience i wouldnt put too much weight on my opinion but i'll post it up anyway:

Most air systems have a tank which is kept at a certain pressure by a pump and a pressure switch. Lines go from the tank to air valves which will direct air to each of the air springs (Roberuta cups are just another form of air spring). In your case you have a tank but only one or 2 valves to direct air to the roberuta cups.

If you got two more valves, you can direct air from the tank to another pair of air springs (the rears). So i would think all you need is a couple of electronic valves, air lines and the rear bags. The question then is whether the airtank is enough to supply 4 struts...


By the way, how much are the Roberuta cups on their own? I have a friend who offered me a cheap air kit (no airbags), and i have been considering these lately...

It's actually not that hard to install an airbag, but it does involve some sort of fabrication. Simply put, you need to replace the stock coil with the air bag. It needs to be bolted down on the top and bottom mounts and this is where the fabrication starts. Also depending on the bag used, range of travel, space issues and desired height, you might also need to buy or fab a spacer to lengthen the over all distance between the top and bottom mount of the bag. 

what air bag should i use.....how can i telll?

[quote=shawnthemonster ]
what air bag should i use.....how can i telll?
[/quote]

would these work on your sus..  they basically replace the coil if you have coils on your shocks.. just customize some mounts/ adapters to your exsiting shocks to keep'em secure (from shifting.)... (see V8_Aristo's post) .. 

if you're on a budget and can't wait.. you could even use a shrader valve and screw it on these bags and fill'em like you would your tires..  that'll give you more time to buy a tank, compressor, etc.. 

[quote=shawnthemonster ]
what air bag should i use.....how can i telll?
[/quote]

Let me try to take you to the steps on how to find the right bag.

1. Take off your coils and support the axle on jack stands with the wheels still on.

2. Drop the body to where the you want your lowest position where the bags are fully deflated or you bottom out the shocks.

3. Now measure the distance between the top and bottom coil mount, this will give you a good idea on the total length of the bag and spacer, you might not need a spacer if it looks like the top and bottom mount of coil are touching or almost touching.

4. Lift the body to desired max. height or fully extend the shocks.

5. At this point, you will be able to find out how long of a bag you are going to need by measuring the mounts again. 

Don't worry if you can't find a bag that is long enough, the more important thing is to find a bag that will give you enough travel you want.

Check out [url]http://www.universalairsuspension.com/main.html[/url], here you will find bags, weld on universal mounts and other things you might need for your project. Also, check out their tech section. They have installation instructions on how to use their products.

leaf suspension? then this you can use regular bags and go for this.
look at the comparision
[img]http://airgasmkustomz.com/mcart/images/ebay%20ad%204%2013%20inch%20bags%20vs%20firestone%204%20web.jpg[/img]

no leaf.....its seperate spring and shock..... i will already have a tank and compressor... couldnt just mesure the springs with the adustable mount at its highest and use that?

shawn.. here are the air runner pics for the rear bags/shock. the fronts are bolt-on but the rears requiring welding. sorry no install pics but hopefully soon. yeah i know im laggin. :-\

but mike im soo excited for you tho brah... you will have a tight van soon

[quote=V8_Aristo ]
Let me try to take you to the steps on how to find the right bag.

1. Take off your coils and support the axle on jack stands with the wheels still on.

2. Drop the body to where the you want your lowest position where the bags are fully deflated or you bottom out the shocks.

3. Now measure the distance between the top and bottom coil mount, this will give you a good idea on the total length of the bag and spacer, you might not need a spacer if it looks like the top and bottom mount of coil are touching or almost touching.

4. Lift the body to desired max. height or fully extend the shocks.

5. At this point, you will be able to find out how long of a bag you are going to need by measuring the mounts again. 

Don't worry if you can't find a bag that is long enough, the more important thing is to find a bag that will give you enough travel you want.

Check out [url]http://www.universalairsuspension.com/main.html[/url], here you will find bags, weld on universal mounts and other things you might need for your project. Also, check out their tech section. They have installation instructions on how to use their products.
[/quote]

Wow! This was the information I was looking for in my thread...

[quote=shawnthemonster ]
no leaf.....its seperate spring and shock..... i will already have a tank and compressor... couldnt just mesure the springs with the adustable mount at its highest and use that?
[/quote]

As I said, don't be too concerned about the fully raised height. Most bags will give you the travel and length you're going to need, usually around 6 inches. The most important measurement would be at it's lowest position, you don't want the whole weight of the van sitting on you 2 rear shocks. 

[quote=Ender-DI ]
Wow! This was the information I was looking for in my thread...
[/quote]

Glad I can help.

Hmm,, sorry i guess i misunderstood your question :D But seriously, how much did you get the Roberuta cups for? Did you buy them retail from the website? Have you fitted them yet?

[quote=mdenoga ]
shawn.. here are the air runner pics for the rear bags/shock. the fronts are bolt-on but the rears requiring welding. sorry no install pics but hopefully soon. yeah i know im laggin.  :-\
[/quote]

You wanna just bring the parts down here to have welded already? And then I can grab your stock front struts, too! gonna need them soooooon =X