Ford L9000 Episode 18: COMPLETE FRONT AIR RIDE DIY, no kit needed!!!

In this Episode on my 1987 Ford LN9000 I fabricate and install a complete custom front air ride system on the truck to improve the ride quality and allow height control via fill/dump switches in the cab.
For reference these are rear bags from a Kenworth Airglide setup. 3.9" minimum height, 7" design height and around 10.8 max so they go low enough to fit a front setup. 5100# rated at 80 psi so good weight carrying capacity for this size truck. The Kenworth part # is K30322. Just beware that the air fitting doubles as the mounting bolt and it's big (1-5/16" - 12), requires a Kenworth specific adapter fitting so it adds to the cost.

[@markengle2199]

I loooove those bits.

[@Smokeroux]

Looking and Working Great!! Been looking forward to this video. This video has help me a lot in trying to configure “none work” truck air ride. Been Very Motivating! Keep up the Videos!!

[@robstruckshop80]

I appreciate that, glad it could help!

[@cliby25]

not bad project coming along nicely

[@robstruckshop80]

Thank you sir!

[@mileswatkins6472]

Beautiful

[@flyinsaucer64]

Great job!

[@robstruckshop80]

Thanks!

[@harrykendall5549]

Looking forward to the shock install and test drive see next week

[@robstruckshop80]

Thanks, it might be a hair longer wait though, I’ve got another L9000 project happening in the next week or 2, stay tuned!

[@harrykendall5549]

@@robstruckshop80 sweet

[@gruasestradayamigos6893]

❤

[@CMWorks-sd2fs]

I didn't catch it if you mentioned it. But I was wondering if you have any info on the type of bag you are using. Great setup I like it.

[@robstruckshop80]

They are rear bags from a Kenworth Airglide setup. 3.9" minimum height, 7" design height and around 10.8 max so they go low enough to fit a front setup. 5100# rated at 80 psi so good weight carrying capacity for this size truck. The Kenworth part # is K30322. Just beware that the air fitting doubles as the mounting bolt and it's big (1-5/16" - 12), requires a Kenworth specific adapter fitting so it adds to the cost.

[@CMWorks-sd2fs]

@@robstruckshop80 Thanks man. I really appreciate the detailed info. I think these are exactly what him looking for.

[@Carla-tz7qw]

I took one look at that and that was enough. Good luck 😅

[@Carla-tz7qw]

I drove one in the 90s. Manure spreader. Tough as hell. 360 Cummins.? It would fly with a seven speed transmission. There is never enough time and goodies to put into your own Rig. I'm a loud woman so I always liked Detroit Diesel.

[@Carla-tz7qw]

7 speed Eaton Fuller. Easy shift and no splitter

[@gavainemattison5924]

Am the first comment so can we have a convo where I call and talk to you

[@vaterstallion]

What air bag did you use in your LN 9000 if you have a part number that would be awesome!!!

[@robstruckshop80]

On the front air setup it’s a Kenworth K30322 which crosses to a bunch of aftermarket numbers. Note you’ll need the Kenworth specific fitting to feed and mount the bag too .

[@truckerstyleshawn]

What’s valves did you use?

[@robstruckshop80]

They’re just Vixen valves from Amazon: www.amazon.com/dp/B076GPS5P3/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_6X8GN98J0TNH32FRN006?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

[@truckerstyleshawn]

@@robstruckshop80 I appreciate it brother. I’m building a front air ride kit for my cabover

[@robstruckshop80]

I’ll keep an eye out for that, love that freightliner

[@zachmonday1034]

@truckerstyleshawn any progress on the cabover?

[@zachmonday1034]

did the bags come with the top mounting bracket?

[@robstruckshop80]

The bag Kenworth P/N is K30322- that’ll cross to a ton of aftermarket numbers. It comes with the mounting bracket but you’ll need this fitting a1truckparts.net/products/air-bag-adapter-kenworth-177-3015-automann?variant=40080624386113&currency=USD&gclid=Cj0KCQiA_P6dBhD1ARIsAAGI7HDU5e6xAFewP3JfMNbWb9EUxKbhFiWOCYYxd7jrVeHeySOf34XsfO0aAr4IEALw_wcB to adapt to the big 1-5/16” mounting stud- the fitting doubles as the nut.

[@zachmonday1034]

@@robstruckshop80 sadly that particular bag will not work for me... i need something that has a lower collapsed height.. i have found a bag that has a 2.20 inch collapsed height but will probably have to mke my top bracket

[@zachmonday1034]

what control valves did you use?.. and i am assuming the back axle doesn't have mechanical load leveling switches

[@robstruckshop80]

I used Vixen 3/8” normally closed valves, Amazon specials. I originally plumbed the rear end with the same valves, but didn’t like having to constantly adjust pressure in the cab to compensate for load so I eventually converted to a standard height control valve/dump valve setup

[@zachmonday1034]

can i see the new setup

[@zachmonday1034]

so the 2 valves on the firewall are solely for the front bags?? ine to raise oneto lower?

[@robstruckshop80]

Correct, they are normally closed so the system holds air- 12v power on one side of the switch opens the fill valve, 12v power on the other side of the switch opens the dump valve

[@gruasestradayamigos6893]

Look my ford truck l9000

[@tossedsalad5532]

It not for commercial operation its for pleaseure NOT FOR HIRE use

[@robstruckshop80]

??

[@tossedsalad5532]

@@robstruckshop80 the truck you are working on is not commercial

[@robstruckshop80]

I have used it commercially, it was inspected, plated and insured commercially for a couple years

[@tossedsalad5532]

@@robstruckshop80 I understand it may have been a commercial used truck previously but not you are turning it into a NOT FOR HIRE truck project and it will be used as a Private use truck for shows and parades etc etc etc