To the point! My air ride system on my 50 Chevy works good, but the front raises and lowers entirely too fast!! The rear being lighter comes down nice and slow, but also raises too fast for my taste. Any suggestions on how to slow it down a little? Like maybe a regulator or something? Thanks!
What size lines and valves are you running? I've done many bag jobs the larger lines the faster. Also turn down the pressure in your tank from your compressor I go with a lower psi shut off valve in my tank. Hope this helps there are a lot of ppl on here with great info hopefully they can help/add to it Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
Install reducer bushings in the bags and valves, new fittings (or a fitting that accomplishes both, and lines, of the next smallest size. Typically, I run 3/8" lines all the way around.
Running 1/2" lines is a common mistake. Downsize to 3/8" and you should be good. If it still drops too fast, you can adjust the drop speed, by getting plugs that fit in the output side of the dump valves, drilling a hole in them, at 1/4", at first, and enlarging as necessary, to get it where you like it.
Haven't gotten into my new garage yet so I was truthfully looking for the most painless way to go about this. I love the idea of using a plug on the exhaust port of the front dump valve, and drilling small to larger holes to slow that rate of drop. But can you think of an easier way to raise it slower? Or are the reducer fittings the way to go.
Like gimpy said reduce the line size and fittings. Smaller is slower that I've seen. Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
A lot easier way is to just install adjustable ball valves in line between tank and bag (the kind Home Depot sells). I have 3/8 lines and it was way to fast. With the ball valves you can set it to the exact speed you want. It's also nice to be able to match speeds at each bag. That way when layed out at a stop light I just tap the all up button and it goes right to the correct level with the push of one button and no having to fine tune to get level.
reduction fittings will work great for the lift as it induces a bottle neck. Wouldn't go the drilled plug route for slowing the lowering though, it works but makes an obnoxious, cheap sounding "whistle." You can very affordably find slincer slow downs for air ride systems, you can easily adjust the speed on each valve and it also sounds much nicer. They just thread right into the dump side of your valves, you dont even need to bother with thread sealant since they dont do any sealing.
links to such items http://www.ezairride.com/12-Hand-Adjustable-Valve-Slowdown-Muffler-Silencer_p_42.html http://www.airbagit.com/product-p/upgrade-098-1.htm
Item #5406-08-04 is what I typically use to reduce 1/2 NPT air bag ports down to 1/4" for slower lifting on light cars, from http://www.discounthydraulichose.com/ sorry for the three piece response, let me know if you have any more air ride questions.
They do have inline push connect adjustable flow controls to help with the lift. http://thorbros.com/air-management/valve-fill-controls/12-ptc-valve-fill-controls I have 1/2 & 1/2 on my DD. I don't mind the lift but the dump was way to fast. I used a 1/2-3/8 hex bushing and a brass filter/silencer and it works for me. And it doesn't a have that pop pop pop like open valves do. I can get pix if needed. And DO NOTbuy anything from airbagit or any of his other companies !!!!!!
I used a npt plug in the dump valve and drilled a hole in the centre of it. I started small then went larger until I was happy with the speed. They are about 40 cents a plug cheap easy and doesnt take up any more room sent via my black box
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