Been wanting to throw some bags on the rear of my '54 Ford. Wondering what route I should go. Valves/Lines/Fitting/Compressor isn't my concern...that's all taken care of. Actual airbag style, mounting, & placement is what I'm wondering. I was flipping through the Air Ride Technologies catalog and saw that they have an "AirOverLeaf" kit for my car for $375. This includes shocks, hardware, brackets, and 1,000# Firestone Rolling Sleeve bags. Problem is...I don't think this kit will get me as low as I want to get. It says "by removing 1 or 2 leafsprings", also...this is a "bolt-in" kit...which is a ****py way in my eyes, and it turns me the other direction. The other direction would be a 4-link setup, notched frame, and some 2600# double convoluted air bags. Problem is...I dunno what's better, Parallel or Triangulated? I figure with a 4-link kit, and the cost of bags,plates, and brackets...it'd be about even with the cost of the "AiroverLeaf" kit, but with a better ride, & better drop. I really want to lay frame in the rear, or really close the the frame. BTW: Gas Tank will be a 15gal FuelSafe cell I have from my autoX racing days... I'd like to see some visuals, and hear some words from other 49-54 Ford & Merc guys who've gone the air bag route. Of course, anyone else with tips & suggestions, please chime in. Thanks!
If its worth doing then its worth doing rite. I ran the air over leaf for a short time on my late model. Then I got serious and did the four link. As far as Paralell and Triangulated I much prefer Triangulated on an adjustable suspension. That way you avoid side to side movement as you go through the range of travel.
I did the air over leaf on my 54 Chevy, and it only had a travel of about 3-4 inches. The leaf springs limit the amount of travel the air spring can go. If you want to lower and lift the full 6-7 inches, you'll need another type of suspension. On my 46, I used a late model Monte rear, left the attachment brackets on it, boxed the stock trailing arms, and then built brackets, and a crossmember to the stock frame, to bolt up the Monte stuff to. Then replace the coil spring with an air bag. Just another option, if you want to do it on the cheap!
looking into total homemade setup for my 51 plymouth... i dont care about huge adjustability, just wanna slam it down, then be able to raise it 3-5" to drive away and not rip off my rear end entirely.... anyone wanna shoot ideas out for me as well?? i like the crazy stuff, but they DID have air bags in cars as early as 58, and im a vintage type of guy... first set of hydraulics was in 1960, so why couldnt some kid have figured that bags off a chrylser windsor, or something like that could raise his car a few inches to drive if he modified them.. im ol skool on my car all the way, even only weldwith hangers and torch... any ideas for my way?? and yes, thanks to generator, i am 12v
Triangulated 4link is the way to go, doing it this way gets rid of the panhard bar so the suspension goes straight up and down, no side to side movement. Goto Ruffrodders.com and check out a couple of cars in the builds and how-to sections. Spiderbite and How-to bag a Merc, Good stuff and pictures in both.
as far as 4 link goes, hows about these. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=7963534895&category=42609 http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=4536042442&category=34200 both are pretty good prices, i think.. the cheaper of the two would be the way id go, cuz im a cheap ***. im thinking of doing this to a 53 victoria. i need to get the car inside, so i can take the body off and see what im working with. do either of these look like a good way to go, anyone? trey
I have a 51 Plymouth also. I already have all of my bag parts except for long airlines for final installation. I'm buying my 4 bar setup from Suicide Doors because his stuff is heavy duty and can be custom fit for length. I ordered some front bag cups for an S-10 from them and they are fantastic.
Go with a 4 link and notch the frame and raise the ****** tunnel. That's how mine is done on my 50 and it's sits on the frame when dropped. Here's a pic.
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