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Old Jan 11, 2021 | 08:53 AM
  #1  
TOM B1's Avatar
TOM B1
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air bags

I work on big rigs all day and am thinking about installing rear cab air bags, I do not see anyone with a kit so I will
have to look around and make one myself.
anyone do this to there truck or is there a kit.
 
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Old Jan 11, 2021 | 10:16 AM
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I am not aware of an Air bag kit to retro fit to our trucks but possibly one is out there. As you probably already know by working on vehicles, that the major components would be...... Sensor(s),Air Bag Control Module (brain),actual Air Bag(s) itself, Wiring/harness, & of course if doing a steering wheel type bag (which I know you're not),a person would have do the the clock spring.
With all that said I think my biggest concern would be the sensors placed properly to trigger the bag. I have repaired a zillion vehicles in my body shop that were absolutely destroyed in the front end & the bag(s) did not deploy much to the amazement of many !!! The next minor accident the bag might have gone off ,which makes you wonder why did that deploy. So, I guess I would question reliability after all that work of installing.
 
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Old Jan 11, 2021 | 10:35 AM
  #3  
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Originally Posted by vtpkrat2
I am not aware of an Air bag kit to retro fit to our trucks but possibly one is out there. As you probably already know by working on vehicles, that the major components would be...... Sensor(s),Air Bag Control Module (brain),actual Air Bag(s) itself, Wiring/harness, & of course if doing a steering wheel type bag (which I know you're not),a person would have do the the clock spring.
With all that said I think my biggest concern would be the sensors placed properly to trigger the bag. I have repaired a zillion vehicles in my body shop that were absolutely destroyed in the front end & the bag(s) did not deploy much to the amazement of many !!! The next minor accident the bag might have gone off ,which makes you wonder why did that deploy. So, I guess I would question reliability after all that work of installing.
I think he's talking air bags for his Cab, not suspension. And all he'd need is 2 small air bags, 2 HD hinges for the front and a mechanical leveling valve, the only electrics would be the air compressor unless he does a mechanical compressor off the engine.

If he does want air ride suspension, I'm doing mine with no electronics, just load levelers and mechanical air valves. Im is a '66 with a '79 4x4 front end.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...-air-ride.html
 
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Old Jan 11, 2021 | 01:53 PM
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Thanks Eric ! As you can see ,my reply was well thought out !! I am surprised ,in my apparently early dementia, I did not give the pros and cons of installing a do it yourself air conditioning unit. To cover my tracks just a bit ,if possible, is I am always thinking outside of the box and constructing off the wall stuff ! (My oldest son is worse than I am ) So,installing your own side air bags seemed pretty neat on first thought. gary
 
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Old Jan 15, 2021 | 05:16 PM
  #5  
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Im sorry, I am talking about rear cab air bags and get rid of the rubber bushings. it would give the cab a much better ride.
I think I found some air bags that are small but carry a 1500lbs load each. I will have to make brackets
 
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Old Jan 15, 2021 | 09:46 PM
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Originally Posted by TOM B1
Im sorry, I am talking about rear cab air bags and get rid of the rubber bushings. it would give the cab a much better ride.
I think I found some air bags that are small but carry a 1500lbs load each. I will have to make brackets
What are your plans for the front cab mounts? What about the front fenders? They are attached to the cab and won't take flexing very good I would think. Just thoughts to ponder.
 
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