How Air Ride Works | The Bottom Line

Air ride suspension lets trucks and other vehicles sit flat on the ground while still being great to drive. Though there are different ways to achieve this, air ride is the favored as it also provides a smooth ride when installed correctly. Join in as we dive into air bags for trucks with lots of information for the best way to a lowered truck that you'd love to drive.
0:00 Introduction of How Air Ride Works with Kevin Aguilar
We start off at Old Anvil Speed Shop to set the stage for this video. Kevin kicks things off by explaining that air ride suspension is one of the hottest modifications for trucks. He also points out that many vehicles featured on our website, drivingline.com use air ride to sit flat on the ground. Check out one such feature here: www.drivingline.com/articles/...
1:18 Coil Springs Vs. Air Bags
To get a better look at the differences between traditional springs and airbags, we show the two parts up close. As you will see, the springs are stiff and don’t really move and the airbags are very flexible in a deflated state. We also explain that with the use of pressurized air, ‘bags will inflate and can be used to lift a vehicle.
2:25 Air Ride Maintenance & Consumable Parts
With more parts involved to make an air ride system work, there is more to maintain. Airbags and compressors can be considered consumable parts as they will go out with time. Other pieces like valves or valve manifolds may need servicing over time and it is imperative to keep your vehicle’s battery charged as it powers the system.
2:41 Where Does Air Ride Fit In?
Paul Bosserman, owner of Old Anvil steps in to help explain why someone would choose to equip a vehicle with airbags. He also shows us around his personal ’66 Chevy C10 that has a full custom chassis. Paul shows the parallel 4-link rear suspension and how it works with sleeve ‘bags. Then, we move forward to the front and catch a good glimpse of the suspension as there is no engine in the truck yet.
17:07 Using Compressed Air
In order to make these suspension systems work, vehicles need an active on-board air generating system. We have a look at a running system that utilizes compressors to fill air tanks, which are regulated with a valve manifold that is computer controlled. The management system on this C10 can be manually adjusted and set to a few presets that use height sensors for accurate height control.
20:08 Ridetech Shockwaves
Air ride is great for smooth ride and adjustability, but won’t hold up to serious power. For those looking to have an adjustable suspension that can be tuned for racing purposes, Ridetech’s Shockwave product is a perfect compromise. The airbagged strut system comes in a small package and can be used to stand up to high-performance style vehicles. You won’t be able to get as much height adjustment when compared to a typical stand-alone airbag, but you can handle more horsepower with them.
You'll find Ridetech Shockwaves in this '57 Chevy custom dubbed "Snow White:" www.drivingline.com/articles/...
Still interested in learning more about air ride? Check out our previous video titled “Is Air Suspension Right for You?”
• Is Air Suspension Righ...
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[@drewvalenzano746]

Awesome video with a lot of knowledge. While I do not have a truck, I do have a vintage vehicle not commonly bagged and I was able to apply some of what was talked about to my project. Thanks for putting this video out!

[@Brooklyn_Powers]

Cool video!

[@fuelishmedia6717]

Thank you!

[@reedrobb]

Any advice on a bag system for my ‘01 Tahoe 4x4 with torsion bars up front? I’m sure your answer is not, “it cannot be done”. The front is a factory design which is much different than the c10 you show here. Thanks for the videos and helping a dummy learn the basics.

[@popclutch_100]

What's your opinion about accurair? I want install this system in my d21 hardbody...

[@e.fabian4154]

Great explanation I’m finishing up my air ride on my 1948 ford f1 .. just looking for the right compressor and tank set up Any recommendations?

[@fuelishmedia6717]

We use Viair 480C compressors as they are very reliable. Our pals at Switch Suspension have their own tanks that look good and can help obtain any other air ride parts.

[@popclutch_100]

I have a mini truck question. My speed gauge stopped working. I was driving around like that for a while. I fixed it recently. Is their anyway when I pull the motor or something. I can tell how many miles for sure are on my truck? Because I want have the original miles on the truck when I do my body drop build. Thanks...

[@downlowgarden7103]

I have a question I have a accuair vu4 manifold an My air controller broke. Could I buy a plug in play switchbox to control it?

[@robertzakian5249]

I just saw this guy today in his s-10 in newport beach

[@DiMeTiMe2456]

Anyone know a good book/magazine for slamming trucks

[@joelopez9773]

Wow I have 99 Tahoe 2 door would be nice .. I just know it’s really expensive $$$$…40k I think with everything …. Maybe …

[@williammayes2402]

I want bag my dodge ram 99 how much will cost to bag my 99 dodge ram

[@3dwezzy740]

how is it made

[@mikepeace6694]

Panhard bars are HORRIBLE!!!! They will cause premature wearing of your bushings because as you lower or raise your truck, it causes the rear end to shift from side to side. Watts link is the way to go!

[@jasonconnor3905]

This rouch

[@heyboss2659]

Great video, but the music sure sucks.

[@ProteinFeen]

terrible angle