Wheelbase and airbags
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 3,739
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From: GANS
Wheelbase and airbags
I'm working on converting my beater to a trail rig- I have the rear locked now, and getting ready to swap gears in the front. I'm going to fit 34" LTBs after I whack the fenders out (ie no lift). I'd like to fit 36" IROKS, but I don't think they'd fit with just whacking the fenders out, and I don't think i would be gaining a lot of traction/clearance.
Anyways, most people have seen my beater, it is pretty rough, but somewhat solid. Question in my head is if a big bronco would have a better wheel base for all around trail riding / bogging etc.
if I would keep the F150, I would want to chop the rear frame off past the axle and 4 link it.
the other question is- would air bags make sense over coils if possible- you'd be able to let some air out for more flex and fill it up for going back on the street.
Make any sense or too much bling?
Anyways, most people have seen my beater, it is pretty rough, but somewhat solid. Question in my head is if a big bronco would have a better wheel base for all around trail riding / bogging etc.
if I would keep the F150, I would want to chop the rear frame off past the axle and 4 link it.
the other question is- would air bags make sense over coils if possible- you'd be able to let some air out for more flex and fill it up for going back on the street.
Make any sense or too much bling?
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 13,873
Likes: 3
From: Atlanta GA
> would air bags make sense over coils if possible
Airbags, by nature, have a limited range of movement or expansion, around six inches. A well designed (or even stock) suspension can droop more then that off-road to keep the tire on the surface instead of spinning in the air (no traction).
I have been seriously thinking about check limit straps on my rear axle so I do not nuke my airbags, though I did install them at the min. height so I could get the max. flex.
Coils make more sense.
Airbags, by nature, have a limited range of movement or expansion, around six inches. A well designed (or even stock) suspension can droop more then that off-road to keep the tire on the surface instead of spinning in the air (no traction).
I have been seriously thinking about check limit straps on my rear axle so I do not nuke my airbags, though I did install them at the min. height so I could get the max. flex.
Coils make more sense.
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 9,236
Likes: 12
From: Senoia, GA
lol too much bling there bremen! now you are talking Nopi and stuff. if you want flex go coils and set them up right...if you want a conversation piece and coolability go air bags! not to mention a bronco would prolly be better to start off with for a trail rig/project
good luck man...and if you go bronco i can get almost any part needed esp for the EB's so just lemme know
-cutts-
good luck man...and if you go bronco i can get almost any part needed esp for the EB's so just lemme know
-cutts-
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 2,544
Likes: 2
From: okc
man im all about airbags and 4links, as soon as i have the coin to start this is how i want to do it, check out this guys setup, it has a ranger body but was originally a 76 F-150, its freaking awesome and its exactly what ive had in my head for some time now, the only problem is getting the valves and regulators and equalizers,they are a little pricey and complicated.
hey rebocarbo, i dont know what you are using but this fellow gets like 14 inches of lift before he hits his limit straps, plus he has full control of all bags, onboard air, 4 link in rear, 5 link up front.....check out his webpage too, there are more pictures there of what it originally looked like...... check it out, ivanribic gave me this link when i asked about airbags a while back...
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=285805
hey rebocarbo, i dont know what you are using but this fellow gets like 14 inches of lift before he hits his limit straps, plus he has full control of all bags, onboard air, 4 link in rear, 5 link up front.....check out his webpage too, there are more pictures there of what it originally looked like...... check it out, ivanribic gave me this link when i asked about airbags a while back...
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=285805
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 11,945
Likes: 3
From: Spokane, WA
It all depends on the kind of bags you're using. Joe used a rolling lobe bag and he has mad flex and plenty of travel. I'm mocking up my trail rig with coils but once the 4 link is all figured out and I'm happy with it I'll be going to bags. FWIW he's jumped the crap out of that thing and never had a problem with them.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 13,873
Likes: 3
From: Atlanta GA
I am using airbags from JCW to increase my load capacity because off-road with a load my flatbed kept hitting my tires. Which is different then fabbing med. duty/tractor airbags into your truck
http://claycounty4x4.com/images/P1100029.JPG
that will be driven on the street.
His airbags probably cost more then I paid for my truck, I know the Dynatrac axle does. I guess I should have prefaced it with how much $ do you want to spend
I do like the Ranger on the F-150 frame, that is something I always wanted to do.
http://claycounty4x4.com/images/P1100029.JPG
that will be driven on the street.
His airbags probably cost more then I paid for my truck, I know the Dynatrac axle does. I guess I should have prefaced it with how much $ do you want to spend
I do like the Ranger on the F-150 frame, that is something I always wanted to do.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 11,945
Likes: 3
From: Spokane, WA
I think his airbags ran right around $800 for the 4 of them. Not cheap but considering King Coilovers run about about $500 a piece I'd say it's not too bad. There's a big difference between the overload bags and these though. I wouldn't be trusting the weight of my vehicle to overloads. 
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