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View Poll Results: are air shocks worth putting on??
yes, great to help out a little
33.33%
no way, either seriously beef up the rear suspension or leave it alone
26.67%
I have no idea what you're talking about
0
0%
other (please reply with explination)
40.00%
Voters: 15. You may not vote on this poll

air shocks ???

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Old May 21, 2011 | 12:42 PM
  #1  
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From: Bremerton, Wa
air shocks ???

anyone use them anymore?

my old man had them on our old Torino Wagon, and both of his rangers (along with helper springs) because he was always hauling stuff and wanted the vehicle fairly level

I also had a set on my 1979 Camaro

I was wondering if people still used them
and if there's much choices out there

I'm considering doing something to help level out my 1977 F250 when the Camper is in the back
it's already got Hellwig 2500lb overload springs (I may just tighten them up) but it rides decent when empty, and I don't wanna mess that up.


Thanks in advance,
Russ
 
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Old May 21, 2011 | 12:54 PM
  #2  
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raytasch
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An air bag set up is a much better set up than air shocks. Air shocks benefits are limited by the strength of the shock mount where air bags are designed with heavy brackets and mounts. Plumb your air bags with separate fill provisions, much greater stability. Yes, we've all seen shock mounts break. I've never seen an air bag problem.
 
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Old May 21, 2011 | 12:55 PM
  #3  
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From: Bremerton, Wa
adding air shock info:

Monroe Air-Shocks - Shockwarehouse.com

Monroe Max-Air shocks are ideal for vehicles that occasionally tow trailers or haul loads. They are designed to maintain level vehicle height. Inflates and deflates from 20 psi to 150 psi., even while the vehicle is loaded.
Monroe shocks and struts for cars and trucks - Shockwarehouse.com Price: $77.34




Gabriel GABRIEL HIJACKERS® AIR-ADJUSTABLE SHOCKS - JCWhitney $71.99/pair
GABRIEL® HIJACKERS® AIR-ADJUSTABLE SHOCKS

Add up to 1,100-lbs. per pair of extra lifting capacity Specially designed for pulling boats, trailers, or carrying any heavy loadsImproves handling and prevents bottoming outEasy to pressurize, shocks pump up just like a tire
These are the most recognized brand of air-adjustable shocks available. A must when carrying extra loads, hauling or towing. 200 psi maximum air pressure. Diaphragm won't rupture even without air in system. Kink-resistant and leakproof air hose. Heavy-duty 1-3/16" piston. Install easily to OEM positions—no alterations needed. Shocks adjust easily at service station or order separate Air Control Kit so you can adjust shocks anywhere. Hardware and instructions included. Not available for vehicles with rear struts or with self-leveling systems; check vehicle before ordering. Sold in pairs.
 
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Old May 21, 2011 | 12:56 PM
  #4  
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I voted other...because of the loads I think you would blow air shocks.

I would suggest air bags and keep the stock shocks as well.

Airbags can be had with different ratings but generally around 5K can be put on them. You can get them in place of the bump stops.
 
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Old May 21, 2011 | 12:58 PM
  #5  
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Originally Posted by raytasch
An air bag set up is a much better set up than air shocks. Air shocks benefits are limited by the strength of the shock mount where air bags are designed with heavy brackets and mounts. Plumb your air bags with separate fill provisions, much greater stability. Yes, we've all seen shock mounts break. I've never seen an air bag problem.

we all know that air bags (air springs) are better
they also cost alot more

I honestly am not going to spend a fortune on my $600 truck
it does already have 2500lb overload springs on it.
but it squats a little with the camper in it (havn't weighed it, but I'm guessing it's about 1500lbs) nowhere near bottoming out.
 
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Old May 21, 2011 | 01:36 PM
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All an air shock is going to do with your application is reduce the impact the frame has when it comes down on the overload springs, if the air shocks will lift the truck at all. Believe me, I've been there and done that with air shocks. Figure your truck was free. Spend a few $$ and get something that will work. JMHO and experience. Over the years I owned one set of air shocks and several sets of air bags. Currently running air bags front and rear on my E450 SD chassis.
Onboard air contributes quite a bit to the price of air bags but you do not need it. I believe you'll find air bags for about twice the price of air shocks.
 
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Old May 21, 2011 | 09:35 PM
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Can I have my vote back?<O</O
My head hurts , misread, and assumed you meant Air Bags.
<O</O
Didn’t even know you could still buy “air shocks”.


ab
 
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Old May 21, 2011 | 10:33 PM
  #8  
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They are fine for minor/temp adjustments only- in no way should they be used for proper suspension
 
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Old May 22, 2011 | 06:17 AM
  #9  
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Originally Posted by albran
Can I have my vote back?<O</O
My head hurts , misread, and assumed you meant Air Bags.
<O</O
Didn’t even know you could still buy “air shocks”.


ab
My car has airshocks..but cargo is only a couple hundred pounds.
 
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Old May 23, 2011 | 12:54 AM
  #10  
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Todays shocks are made so much better, and are tuneable . If you need to level a load , airbags are the way to go . Cars that come from factory with air ride have a great ride and do last along time , but not really ment to carry heavy loads . They do make air shocks for compution offroad rigs that are very good but spendy . olllllo
 
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