Well, my truck won't be a daily driver, so any extra wear on tires, steering components, etc. will not be a major factor. I do enjoy riding on air. Very smooth ride. I'll be looking for some double convoluted airbags. Every vehicle type has it's pros and cons for suspension choices. As for the Continental (and the Lincoln MarkVIII), if I had to replace those I'd be ticked too. I can understand because I've been pricing airbags for the last couple years and when those pop up on ebay, even used, they are sold for way more money than I can see them being worth. Way overpriced IMHO for just tube sleeve bags.
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I've also read magazine articles that DID point out some possible cons with their airbag install articles. They mentioned adding a metal bracket on the lower A-arms in case of catastrophic air loss while on the road to keep the suspension from bottoming out.
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Bottom line, it's really up to the buyer/driver to research all the pros and cons of whatever suspension setup they may want to use. There will always be those that are for or against airbags and/or coilovers.
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As for me, I'll stick with my original game plan. Bag it baby!!!!

 

I would agree that there are pros and cons of both, but like you said its up to the owner. We have an older buddy down here who bagged his 51 Merc and he loves it. He did set up the system so if a bag blows, he can still limp it somewhere to get it fixed (With all of the air out of the bags, it doesn't quite touch the ground). I do like his set up. I would love to bag mine and I still think about it frequently. For more ideas or pros and cons of certain products, you may want to check out some mini truck sites (They can have some pretty good info). Anyway, good luck.

hotrod48

 

I have been weighing these options myself for my Heidts MII front, I have thought about bags and coilovers, still havent decided either, I am leaning more towards coilover as I prefer a Stiffer ride more like a sports car than a luxury car. But I have never ridden in a car with either one, but it seems to me the coilovers would be more sports car like.

 

The ride character is determined by several factors: (1.) the spring rate of the spring in #/in. What type of spring is used really makes no difference in ride quality on a smooth road (one causing < +- 1" of deflection) if the rate is the same. (2.) the design of the spring i.e. is the rate linear or progessive, IF and only after the road surface or maneuver produces more than +- 1" of deflection. (3.) The shock absorber valving in compression and rebound compared to the spring rate and condition of them. (4.) The rate of the swaybar(s) if so equipped or the lack of them.
Each factor affects the ride (and handling) in different parts of the ride or maneuvers, so each can potentially be adjusted separately to maximize the areas of most importance, but all must be considered in the ride equation.
A well handling performance vehicle will likely use soft linear springs, stiff valved shocks in rebound and compression, and stiff swaybars front and rear.
A boulevard cruiser (floater) will use very soft, slowly progessive springs, softly valved shocks and medium rate swaybars.
A heavy duty hauler will use stiff rapidly progressive springs, soft shocks and soft or no swaybars.

Coilovers use linear rate springs, typically include stiffer valved shocks. They have the advantage that the ride height is (relatively) easily adjusted, once set and locked it will remain constant until readjusted, and various rate springs for them are inexpensive, easily swapped and readily available. The shock rates can be matched to the spring rate. A broken coilover spring is very rare and doesn't negatively affect the safety of the vehicle should it happen.

Airbags are rapidly progressive rate springs. The shocks are not part of the package therefore valving is unknown and less of a consideration in selection than range of travel. Ride height is only adjustable by changing the spring rate (static pressure), and conversely changing the spring rate always changes the ride height. Since the spring rate is infinitely variable and not selectable, it is impossible to match the shock valving to them. Bags are subject to wear and abrasion, road hazzard damage, damage from contact with hot surfaces and certain chemicals, aging especially when stored for long periods of time, and leakage. Failure is sudden, without warning, and in the case of vehicles with enough travel to "lay frame" potentially deadly. Ever experience a tire blowout? That's nothing, since the wheel keeps rolling and the steering and brakes still work, compared to a corner of the vehicle suddenly dropping onto the pavement! Think about it!