Custom airbag suspension installation

Keep reading to learn the basics of airbag suspension and how this upgrade can take your ride to the next level. Factory suspension systems have a steel coil spring that goes over the shock or strut. In an air bag suspension system, the coil is replaced with an air spring airbag.

These air springs can then be inflated and deflated at the touch of a button, allowing for instant adjustment of ride height for comfort, looks, and driving performance.

If you are wanting to upgrade to a performance suspension or get slammed there are a few options: lowering springs, coilovers or air suspension.

With that said, springs, shocks, and other suspension components will need to be incorporated, as when the bags are not filled with air, the suspension will sit lower to the ground. This installation process varies greatly across vehicles and in many cases may require custom work to operate properly. Once again, we are going to turn our attention to RideTech. See a pattern emerging here?

These guys know air suspension. With application-specific product, plus everything you will need to fashion a custom kit, you can essentially make an air ride suspension system for virtually anything.

Air management systems will change in shape and size depending on the application. Additionally, plumbing and wiring installation will vary in terms of the lengths of wiring, air lines, and fittings used. In many cases, the kits will have pigtails and predetermined power sources to hook up, making your life much easier. The part you need to be very careful about is routing the wiring and air lines. You will be setting this up under the vehicle.

You will need to take the time to pick the safest route possible in order to avoid pinching, tearing, or harming the lines and wiring in any way. With an air ride lift kit or performance air ride system, a fairly large on-board air compressor is necessary to run the system. With a pickup truck or off-road application, finding the right location for this tank is easy, as cargo space is more abundant. Under the rear seat or in the bed of the truck are two popular locations for owners to permanently mount their tanks and compressors.

When air cylinders are used, ride quality will be rigid since the metal cylinder will not give like a rubber bag. To solve the harsh ride quality, install strut bags which utilize a small air bag that sits on top of a cylinder.

Click below to learn more about the uses of automotive air suspension and the components that are used:. Monthly Specials. Upcoming Car Shows.

All About Custom Cars. How to's Section. Custom Car Show Coverage. Custom Street Car History. Unauthorized duplication or publication of any materials from this site is strictly prohibited Your Custom Car, Kannapolis, NC. If the front is going to be addressed, remove the front struts from the vehicle as per the kit instructions. Step 3: Prepare to install the air suspension. If the kit being installed uses a compressor, the most common place to install this is in the spare tire well.

Remove the spare tire and any interior panels required to make room for the compressor to sit in the trunk. Step 1: Install the rear air spring. Install the rear air spring, or rear coil, in place of the previous spring. Step 2: Install the front air struts. The front air struts will be installed in place of the previous front air struts. Step 3: Install the air compressor and air tank. Step 4: Wire the compressor for air and power.

The air compressor will need power to operate. Each corner of the vehicle will need its own airline that is then run to the compressor. These air lines must be tucked under the vehicle so they do not bend and break when driving.

The lines are attached to the compressor so the air suspension can be controlled. Step 5: Do a final check of the installation and setup. Look over the installation and make sure all components are tight. Most air systems will also need to be cycled a few times and checked for proper operation. Operate the air suspension to confirm that the vehicle attains the proper ride height. This may require some adjustment.