Viair 480c's are nicer in the long run.
However how often do you plan on going up and down seriously?
if its just now and agian and not constant.
1 5gal tank and 1 compressor would be enough.

MHO

 

Talk to Chris [Chris03HD] who has the sweetest air setup I've ever seen. You could also talk to Paul at TITS, Ian [Pitstain], and LightningMike from Rhode Island as I think Mike has a multi-link with bags... but I could be wrong. Chris's setup had everybody's jaws dropping when he demo'd it down at Vinnies Mod Party.

 

My plans are to drive the truck at the lowest possible ride height where the truck is still smooth and comfortable. Will drop the truck only at shows/meets and when needed. I've been told the novelty wears off in the first month. So no, it won't be going up and down constantly. I do plan on getting the wireless remote option to mess with people thou.

I mainly want to know just how violent the truck is with 1/2 lines and fittings compared to a 3/8 system? I don't want the truck popping up.

LightningMike from Rhode Island as I think Mike has a multi-link with bags...

My suspension is already set-up with the same system he has. It's a 4-link designed for coil-overs or bags.

There are new AirBags that RideTech just came out with that I will be running. They have electronically controlled valving that is controlled by a button inside the cab. Hit a button and the shocks go from sport to comfort. With the option to install the ride level sensors inside the Shockwaves, install is now clean, simple and fast.

 

Thomas 327 pumps are .50cfm @ 150 psi. (19.6 amps)
Viair 400 pumps are .71 cfm @150 psi (29 amps)

 

3/8th line and valves will be slower and alot more managable then 1/2 inch line and valves...

i used to install air suspension alot when i was into that sort of thing...

you can even put a silencer or (muffler) on the valve exhaust side and it will slow it even more.. and make it so you can put the valves inside the cab if you wish

 

I dont know much about the big red valves, but I would make sure they are rebuildable....maybe try here streetscene.com

I found these at suicide doors.com....

Dump valve control http://www.suicidedoors.com/air-management/valve-dump-controls/12-npt-valve-dump-control

Fill control valve- http://www.suicidedoors.com/catalog/air-management/valve-fill-controls

Most of the stuff is available at Grainger too. Dont forget a water seperator.

 

http://www.accuairsuspension.com/pages_faq.html

Just spent some time oin this site. They have alot of good info. Only thing I dont like is the control arm for their ride leveling. But how bad can it be OEM's have been using this type of level control for a long time.

The connectors on this system are superior to any other systems Ive seen. Weather pak connectors really arent a watertight as you might think. The duetsch connetors are really nice.

Let me know if you need a hand wrenching sometime. I would love to see how it turns out.

 

i would run 1/2 line because its way easier to slow things down then it is to speed the system up. if i had to do it over again i would use more tanks. i run 1/2 inch line a 7 gallon tank and 2 viair 380 with a pressure switch set at 170 on and 190 off with 1/2 inch parker valves. the dump was extremely too fast but the up is reasonable to me. i drilled holes into some brass plugs and installed them into the dump valves to slow it down to the desired speed.

 

1/2" line = fast response time in airing up or normal operation on a F350 or equal size truck.

3/8" line = normal operation nothing special. Basically what your looking to get out of the air system.

 

I dont know much about the big red valves, but I would make sure they are rebuildable....maybe try here streetscene.com

I found these at suicide doors.com....

Dump valve control http://www.suicidedoors.com/air-mana...e-dump-control

Fill control valve- http://www.suicidedoors.com/catalog/...-fill-controls

Most of the stuff is available at Grainger too. Dont forget a water seperator.

Thanks for the links, gets me to thinking of just running a 1/2 dual tank system with the above dump control/fill control valves installed.

I have an air set-up in my garage and am aware of just how much water gets in the lines. :cheers

Let me know if you need a hand wrenching sometime. I would love to see how it turns out.

Will do, most of the frame welding will be done in Clearwater. I plan on building the trunk and custom bed floor here in Orlando.

i would run 1/2 line because its way easier to slow things down then it is to speed the system up.

Starting to lean this way, dual 5 gallon tanks with dual compressors. By the time I weld-in all the bracing and build the rear hidden trunk it's going to be much heavier than stock. I'd rather have too much than not enough.

 

you can get a silencer or muffler for the valves.. to quiet them down and to slow them down.. its very easy..

you should also think about what kind of connectors you are gonna use..

push and pulls or compression fittings

 

From my past experience. run all 1/2 valves, you can reduce the air release as stated above with brass drilled plugs.

I would run at least two 5 gallon tanks. You may also want to look into Oasis compressor. More $ but fill times are way less. On my old truck I ran an EDC (engine driven compressor) it would fill my two five gallons from 120psi to 160psi in under 90 seconds but with electric comps you are looking into 3-5 mins+ and ton more noise.

I was never a fan of the big red valves, of all the valves I tried the SMC took to abuse and out lasted anything else I tried. Even in the middle of winter they would never stick closed.

But no matter what you do spend the $ on DOT fittings and try to use all PTC (push to connect) fittings. Don't go to Home Depot and buy fittings if you do your asking for a big headache.

Air bags are nice but I got tired of them and the fun just wore off. I drove my bagged DD for almost 7 years with no major problems. But you will over time need to replace bags and valves.

I can post some pics of my S10 I just gotta find them on photobucket.

 

There are many factors in the speed of a air ride system. Placement of your valves is going to be a huge factor. The closer to your bags you place the valves the faster it will be able to release all the air out of them. If all you want to do is lower and raise your truck and you don't want to slam it down on the ground hard I would go with 3/8" valves remote mounted away from your bags. I would use just a single 5 gallon tank and a single compressor. You will need four valves to control front and rear lowering of the truck. This will be a very basic setup that is very easy to control as it will only be front and rear and be pretty slow and manageable. Any question you can PM me as I have installed many air ride systems and will give you any knowledge that you want.

 

I have the DOT fittings covered. My neighbor is sponsored and gets them for free and has already offered to get me whatever I need. I'm not sure right now how I want to run the lines? Might do all custom polished hardlines. It's hard to beat the easy of the push connections thou.

Good info, thanks!

 

 

I forget who makes them, I want to say slam specialties, but they're actuated valves that open big or small... In other words a set of switches on the big terminals and a set of switches on the small terminals, it's like having 2 sets of valves wihout having 16 air lines.

Something along the lines of slam specialties digital stealth valves. One of the many items on my "when I win the lotto" to-do list

 

Ok first off what bags are you going to be running? Also are you doing FBSS or what? all that will help in deciding what size airline you run. I have a 2004 gmc sierra extended cab and i have FBSS i have 1/2" valves in the front, 3/8" valves in the back but i run 1/2" airline all the way around and it is very smooth. If you aren't running FBSS then you're valve selection will change. Also when it comes to air management i never buy those kits they are way over priced. Compressor selection is all up to you, on mine i have a $1000 engine driven compressor and a 8 gallon tank and it is plenty for me, a smaller truck wont require as big of a tank but your have to remember the smaller tank and compressor you have the less you can show off without running out of air. Hope this helps,

 

 

Is this going on a Lightning?

 

yes

To each his own, but after owning a bagged truck. I don't think I would want to ever bag a L or any truck with a high HP motor. I would think you would loose performance or have even worse traction problems.

 

yes

 

I would go with 1/2inch, just from experance. I am running 3/8 on my 54 Chevy and just like you I am not trying to jump the car around but theres been alot of times that I wished that I could have got it up even a couple seconds faster do to pot holes and speed bumps when dragging the tail around. Might not be a problem for you but I am upgradeing once I get done with my L,would have been alot easier to just go 1/2 from the start.

 

Go with these! Best of both worlds!... Or more like literally both worlds. Fast for when you need it (potholes, driveways etc) but slow when you need more control ( dropping the front a bit when cruising 110 on the freeway?)

They changed the name to outlaw... Pricey but worth it IMO

http://www.theslamstore.com/product_p/dsv-8-12.htm

 

Go with these! Best of both worlds!... Or more like literally both worlds. Fast for when you need it (potholes, driveways etc) but slow when you need more control ( dropping the front a bit when cruising 110 on the freeway?)

They changed the name to outlaw... Pricey but worth it IMO

http://www.theslamstore.com/product_p/dsv-8-12.htm

GC were nothing but problems when I used them.

 

I used 1/2" lines, SMC valves with slow downs, with a nitrogen tank. Comes up fast, but goes down slow so you dont do any damage.

 

Yes, till the nitrogen tank comes unbolted or mounts rip through the bed floor mounts.

Nitrogen tanks are good for show only, I would never for a DD.

 

Honestly, the RideTech stuff looks much nicer than all these links in this thread. Will do more researching and decide on a set-up soon. Might just settle with this kit (below) and buy all the extra's to dial it in.

ART BigRed MAX 4-Way Compressor System. This system offers front/back & side/side control with speed you won't believe! Rise time well under 2 seconds. Includes (2) Viair 400 compressors, (2) 5 gallon tanks, RidePro-e3 controller, BigRed airvalves, 60 ft of 1/2" airline and fittings.

 

Honestly, the RideTech stuff looks much nicer than all these links in this thread. Will do more researching and decide on a set-up soon. Might just settle with this kit (below) and buy all the extra's to dial it in.

Airride does make good stuff. My old whole sub frame was by airride. But don't look for any type of customer service from them. Besure to check out sucidedoors for good prices and service. Call them for even better prices. Check out s10forum.com Sucidedoors is a sponser and there is a ton of articles there on bagging.

 

I need to stop searching... I just found all billet air tanks. :smt101

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl...bnh=118&tbnw=102&prev=/images?q=billet+8%22+tank+brackets&um=1&hl=en&tbs=isch:1