darkside Question
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 307
Likes: 21
From: Carnation, WA
darkside Question
Something I have been thinking about for a while now is how I get the ride height and attitude that I desire on the truck when I eventually get around to the full rebuild.
I quite like the idea of an air ride system, where I can raise or lower the truck according to the conditions and mood at the time. But after looking around at all the kits available I have a couple of concerns, in addition to the cost!
There are quite a few different kits out there, so I would be interested to hear of anyones experiences with any of these kits.
The second is the crossmember fitment, I currently have a ford 335 400M fitted using one of the standard saddle type engine mounts. I havent measured everything up but just a cursory look seems to indicate that the motor mount would be right in line with where the crossmember for the IFS would need to be located. Has anyone fitted an IFS with a 400M and if so does it actually fit ok, or did you need to fabricate special mounts etc.
Thanks
Lee
I quite like the idea of an air ride system, where I can raise or lower the truck according to the conditions and mood at the time. But after looking around at all the kits available I have a couple of concerns, in addition to the cost!
There are quite a few different kits out there, so I would be interested to hear of anyones experiences with any of these kits.
The second is the crossmember fitment, I currently have a ford 335 400M fitted using one of the standard saddle type engine mounts. I havent measured everything up but just a cursory look seems to indicate that the motor mount would be right in line with where the crossmember for the IFS would need to be located. Has anyone fitted an IFS with a 400M and if so does it actually fit ok, or did you need to fabricate special mounts etc.
Thanks
Lee
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,190
Likes: 2
From: Riverside, So Cal
Lee -
My 56 has a 351C and an MII IFS. The motor mounts were fabbed to come off of the IFS crossmember.
Pretty much every air bag system I have seen has required an IFS and a 4 link rear suspension in order to use the bags. The 4 link rear is my current holdup or I would already have air bags for the same reason you have.
My 56 has a 351C and an MII IFS. The motor mounts were fabbed to come off of the IFS crossmember.
Pretty much every air bag system I have seen has required an IFS and a 4 link rear suspension in order to use the bags. The 4 link rear is my current holdup or I would already have air bags for the same reason you have.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 15,882
Likes: 88
From: Durham NC
The big negative of airbags that no one talks about is the ride quality if you plan on using it as a driver. The more air you add to the bags the stiffer their "spring rate" becomes and the harsher they ride. This is even more agravated by the heavy weight of our trucks, it requires more air pressure to raise a heavy vehicle.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,497
Likes: 5
From: Tucson AZ
I could possibly/probably be vilified for this, but I have never understood the attraction of air bags. For the reasons Ax mentioned as well as the expense and plumbing etc etc WHAT IS THE GAIN? I (personally) like to set 'em at the right height and leave 'em there. Sorry guys, I just don't get it!
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 15,882
Likes: 88
From: Durham NC
Just as in any other endevor there are "fashion items" that people will do/wear/buy/etc because everyone else is doing/wearing/buying/etc-ing it, from landbarge SUVs to bellbottom pants to jazzercize. First the innovators start it to be different from the masses, the early adopters see it and jump on it, the followers then feel it's a must to be part of the "in-crowd" and it soon becomes the norm. Then the innovators are no longer different so the next fad or trend is started.
Clean & Classy
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,656
Likes: 20
From: Riverside CA..
I'm right here voting with fatfenders 56 on this one, I can't see the point of only being lowered when parked, If I'm proud of how it looks driving, Then I,m proud of how it looks parked.
Last edited by B/B ford; Aug 11, 2005 at 09:17 PM. Reason: puncuation
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,552
Likes: 0
From: Adams,CO.
A spring is a beautiful thing. If you plan right you can have a great riding and good looking too. Before I made my choice, I actually rode in 4 different trucks, Mll/leaf, Mii/4 bar/bagged, Mii/4 bar, and then cordoba/leaf. All were good except the bagged unit, it was way too stiff to call it a nice ride. It also rode too soggy at a good looking ride height. The owner of the leaf/Mll also would have liked to use the leaf/cordoba but is a Ford vendor so......... Anyway sometimes it is monkey see,monkey do. The big color ads work well to start new fads/ideas but the spring has been here for a long time. I think the best ride I have been in is a 55 with Cordoba and a tri-link with Alden coil-overs. Nice truck, very adjustable rear.great ride. 
Trending Topics
Elder User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 601
Likes: 1
From: Rancho Cucamonga ca.
come on guys air bags are sweet because
1. You can change your look daily.
2. It looks so good slamed to the ground when parked.
3. when you get to one of those speed bumps you adjust and smile
4. you might win one of those hopping contests!!! oh yea
1. You can change your look daily.
2. It looks so good slamed to the ground when parked.
3. when you get to one of those speed bumps you adjust and smile
4. you might win one of those hopping contests!!! oh yea
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Ford Super Duty: 5 Things Owners LOVE, 5 Things They LOATHE!
Joe Kucinski
Every 2026 Ford Truck Engine RANKED from WORST to FIRST!
Michael S. Palmer
The Best F-150 Deal of Every Trim Level (XL through Raptor)
Joe Kucinski
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 307
Likes: 21
From: Carnation, WA
Thanks for all the replies guys. Seem to have stirred up something here!
I have to admit to not being very knowledgable on any of the setup Air/Coil/Leaf as I am a new truck owner. However I have been into 4x4's for quite a few years now and assumed incorrectly that all air ride systems would be similar.
If I explain a little more, I recently drove a brand new Range Rover 4x4, (I think they are still called Land Rovers in the US). This was the top of the range vehicle with air suspension as well as every other gizmo you could think of. I was very impressed with the ride and the air suspension that it had. You could raise and lower the vehicle as required without the ride being adversely affected. In fact if you set to "sport mode"
It would be lower to the ground and firmer for cornering.
So I guess there is a big difference between an air ride sysyem on a top of the range $100K 4x4 and an aftermarket bolt on system.
Keith, absolutely agree with points 1,2,3 but no. 4 was not something I was too worried about .
Thanks
Lee
I have to admit to not being very knowledgable on any of the setup Air/Coil/Leaf as I am a new truck owner. However I have been into 4x4's for quite a few years now and assumed incorrectly that all air ride systems would be similar.
If I explain a little more, I recently drove a brand new Range Rover 4x4, (I think they are still called Land Rovers in the US). This was the top of the range vehicle with air suspension as well as every other gizmo you could think of. I was very impressed with the ride and the air suspension that it had. You could raise and lower the vehicle as required without the ride being adversely affected. In fact if you set to "sport mode"
It would be lower to the ground and firmer for cornering. So I guess there is a big difference between an air ride sysyem on a top of the range $100K 4x4 and an aftermarket bolt on system.
Keith, absolutely agree with points 1,2,3 but no. 4 was not something I was too worried about
.Thanks
Lee
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 369
Likes: 0
From: Rochester, NY, USA
It makes me laugh that anyone on this forum could call bags a “fashion item”. Give me a break! Driving a restored or rodded classic truck is a “fashion item” and we’re all guilty of that. If you don't want to make a statement, go buy a light blue mini van like the rest of the population.
Luxury cars have been bagged for 20 years. Heck, even tour busses and tractor-trailer trucks are bagged. If done right, they offer superior ride quality and added control. Most importantly, they offer a look that is not possible with springs while giving you the ability to clear that curb or pothole without taking your exhaust off.
You’ve got to do what makes you happy regardless of the cost or what the critics say.
Luxury cars have been bagged for 20 years. Heck, even tour busses and tractor-trailer trucks are bagged. If done right, they offer superior ride quality and added control. Most importantly, they offer a look that is not possible with springs while giving you the ability to clear that curb or pothole without taking your exhaust off.
You’ve got to do what makes you happy regardless of the cost or what the critics say.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 15,882
Likes: 88
From: Durham NC
There's a BIG difference between an "air suspension" and an "air lift" system. I would be the first to agree that one should do with their truck what makes them happy, but you need to also do some serious research and examine the pros and cons before making major changes for the wrong reasons and ending up with something that may be nearly undrivable. What is right to use on a trailer queen for visual effect or to win prizes may not seem so "cool" mid winter or driving on long commutes on a daily driver.
Yes, airlifts are a fashion fad, just like spinners, 22" wheels and H2s.
Yes, airlifts are a fashion fad, just like spinners, 22" wheels and H2s.
Junior User
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 90
Likes: 0
From: utah
i was thinking about bags before they were even package deals. thractor trailer trucks use them.
i personally want a truck that will drive down the road with 6" of clearance but when parked has 1" or less. being that i like low rides but i do not like the way the Ford look when they are "raked" that only looks good to me on nova's and chevelle SS.
as for a **** poor ride you will always find someone who half-azzes ever thing they do. i know there are springed leafed bagged what ever out there that rides like crap
and besides BellBottoms are AWESOME
i personally want a truck that will drive down the road with 6" of clearance but when parked has 1" or less. being that i like low rides but i do not like the way the Ford look when they are "raked" that only looks good to me on nova's and chevelle SS.
as for a **** poor ride you will always find someone who half-azzes ever thing they do. i know there are springed leafed bagged what ever out there that rides like crap
and besides BellBottoms are AWESOME
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,497
Likes: 5
From: Tucson AZ
Here goes! I hear all the ''arguements'' pro and con and there are good ones both ways. I still think that you just need to set 'em right to start with, as for speed bumps and taking off your exausts etc, you just need to build 'em to set low and think about that from square 1. my final words (maybe) humbly submitted FF56
Roast em' if you got 'em
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 21,955
Likes: 9,727
From: Rio Rancho, NM
I guess I better chime in also, I don't want the rest of you to get something I don't get.
I'll have to agree with ff56 here, set em right from the get go. Personally I don't liek the bags and/or all the jumping around and raising and lowering that goes along with it. I live in the land of lowriders and have seen much to much of that kind of stuff with the hyrdraulics and truespokes. But then again, the thing that makes this such a wonderful hobby is that each and everyone of us can (and should) do to their trucks whatever we see fit and whatever it is that pleases us.
That being said, I do have air bags. They are a cute little set of Firestone air bags that make up the suspension on an old (maybe late 50's) small boat trailer.
Lee, There are tons of options for you out there, there are probably options that those of us on this side of the pond could never dream of. Take a look out of what you want for the truck, what is available to you, how much time you want to spend tweaking it, and go for what suits you
Bobby
I'll have to agree with ff56 here, set em right from the get go. Personally I don't liek the bags and/or all the jumping around and raising and lowering that goes along with it. I live in the land of lowriders and have seen much to much of that kind of stuff with the hyrdraulics and truespokes. But then again, the thing that makes this such a wonderful hobby is that each and everyone of us can (and should) do to their trucks whatever we see fit and whatever it is that pleases us.
That being said, I do have air bags. They are a cute little set of Firestone air bags that make up the suspension on an old (maybe late 50's) small boat trailer.
Lee, There are tons of options for you out there, there are probably options that those of us on this side of the pond could never dream of. Take a look out of what you want for the truck, what is available to you, how much time you want to spend tweaking it, and go for what suits you
Bobby
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 15,882
Likes: 88
From: Durham NC
There are few shock absorbers that have enough travel to allow a 5" drop from ride height without bottoming out and damaging them. The show cars just leave them off. Leave em off a daily driver and it will handle like a bowl of jello. Name your poison...