Design and Build Upper Bag Brackets From Scratch! Mighty Max Ep. 17

The final piece to the rear air suspension on the Pinklet is the fabrication and install of the upper bag brackets. Today we use our home made mockup bags to help design, build, and install custom bag brackets.
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[@TacoXL]

I can't get enough of your content. I was into rock crawling, desert racing, and that sort of fabrication in my younger days. I didn't realize how much work and how similar it was to lowering a truck. I also shared in your WTF moments when learning about u-joints and all of that headache I had put my younger self through not realizing how that all worked. I was even told to just set my dif 3-5* 'down'! I wish I saw this 20 years ago.

[@GarageFab]

It’s interesting how the basics apply to just about everything. Also there’s not always as much work required to bag a truck. I make everything far more complicated than necessary just so that I have content to create. Often you can just slap an air spring in place of a regular one and you’re good to go. 😆 Glad to have you my friend. See you in the next!

[@AlexM-tx2vr]

Hey Garage Fab, I see you got a new jigsaw, nice!

[@GarageFab]

Hahaha! I did! It’s a cordless Bauer from Harbor Freight. Apparently I was living in the Stone Age with my 20 year old Black and Decker. This thing has an oscillating blade, a laser… It’s awesome so far. 👏

[@jp094283]

Great job as always Candy! Merry Christmas

[@GarageFab]

Much appreciated, Brother! Merry Christmas to you and your peeps. 🎄

[@nicholassmith2353]

Some very good tips in this video, I've done a lot of the same things during my build, nice to see other people making templates, then wood, then finally cutting the metal. A bit tedious but a huge cost saver in not wasting all that metal!

[@GarageFab]

Yes! I’m super lazy and impatient, so all that extra work isn’t really my style… but after making a few templates, I realized how much time I’m actually saving by not having to smooth out shaky cuts, and sculpt steel to fit. Thank you, Brother!! 🙏

[@kevinkirk4285]

I've never done an air bag setup but I've done some links on a few rock crawlers. Really cool designs. Dig it! Low speed rock crawlers, not rock bouncers, mind you. Those guys are friggin' nuts. My buddy here in Saudi will really dig your work. He had a couple of bagged minis. Sharing now.

[@GarageFab]

Right?! I don’t know how those balls-to-the-wall rock bouncers stay in one piece.

[@woodnwaveracer]

Great video as always. Your doing great things with this channel and always ready for the next one. Enjoy the holidays and great luck in the new year buddy.

[@GarageFab]

Thank you Shawn! Best of luck to you as well my friend. 🍻 See you the other side!

[@rockbottomoutdoors5825]

I’ve been building lowered trucks. lifted trucks, and restomod muscle cars since 94, 2 mighty maxs for myself. Your channel is by far the best on KZbin. I wish MT would pick you up for your own show. Your content is excellent

[@GarageFab]

That’s one hell of a compliment, my friend! I’m not sure how much I would enjoy working with a producer whose job it is to get good ratings. I predict a lot of fakeness. I may have the opportunity to make an appearance on TV in the near future. I’ll be sure to let everyone know if that happens . 🤞

[@TheRitchieLeeShow]

TV is all about drama. I seldom watch any TV. This u tube would probably be an hour show on the boob tube. 😮

[@GarageFab]

Truth!

[@2blazedinfl]

Since the bags are on the bars, you will get more than 12" of lift at the axel from 12" of bag travel. Just thought I'd mention this because some people might not know.

[@GarageFab]

Very true. I find myself leaving out a lot of information in fear that it will confuse people. I’ll be working on a C 10 which also uses a bag-on-bars design. I’ll try to squeeze in an explanation on that one.

[@bretleg]

Another great video. I'm shocked your sub count isn't skyrocketing.

[@GarageFab]

Much appreciated my friend! It’s a game of patience. And also learning how the KZbin algorithm works. It certainly doesn’t like creators that take seven months off at a time. 😂 All good time. We’ll get there eventually.

[@bryanmaynard905]

Great content as always. Will you be going over how to install an airbag in front suspension on the channel. I have been confused about that, especially since I have seen fabricated mounts that look like they offset the upper and lower mounting holes. As you become unable to answer every question or comment, you can group them together into topics where one answer would satisfy the bulk of questions in a given topic and do them in a q&a or quick tech style video for more content without all the extra work. Hope you week is good man

[@GarageFab]

Thank you Bryan! I like the idea of the Q&A videos. I might experiment with that. I’m not great with words without being able to show examples so I’m unsure how well it’ll work but it’s worth a shot. Yes!! I’m starting on the front suspension almost immediately. I’ve got a backlog of videos of a C10 I worked on in my “off” time, so those will likely be next to appear while I start work on the front suspension. Trucks vary a lot in the front though so It’ll be hard to to make a one-video-fits-all. What are you working on?

[@bryanmaynard905]

As far as the q&a videos, you can just take random b roll footage of whatever you’re working on; and when it comes time to answer the questions, just draw little circles on stuff. Kinda like how John madden illustrates a play or South Park drew penises all over a bunch of maps in that one episode. It doesn’t even have to be your projects really. Just take photos and videos of stuff at shows or wherever and ask if you can use it in a video.

[@bryanmaynard905]

I have a Harley Sportster I’m trying to turn into a club style bike. I bought it new in 2019 and am now getting to a place where I can fix things and make the upgrades to turn it into what I really want.

[@GarageFab]

That sounds exciting. I’d really like to build a bike at some point. Seems kinda silly though because I refuse to ride a motorcycle in this town. Far too many careless imbeciles on the road. 🤷‍♂️

[@bryanmaynard905]

@@GarageFab you’re gonna get that everywhere you ride. I stay in arizona and the drivers here are unbearable. Lol truth be told though, most of your defensive riding skills can be done in empty parking lots and at track days. Then when you get on the road, be diligent about watching 10-12 seconds ahead of you, and being super mindful of staying out of peoples blind spots. If you can do that, you’ll be fine👍

[@faroironandcustoms6577]

Nice one!!! Just did mine on my 50 Ford. They are big and ridiculous LOL!!!! I used a section of 2x3 for my mock bags (just watched your last vid, thanks for the tip). Gives me like 1/4" of play when laid out. A thought, since you have your bags on the lower link bars you should get a little more lift than you would if the bags were on the axle.

[@GarageFab]

Yes! A significant amount more lift and a softer ride as well. I used to struggle trying to decide if I should include info knowing it might confuse some folks. I’ve decided to avoid confusion at all costs. I’ll likely do a specific video a little later in the differences in bag locations. Got an Instagram? I’d love to see the Ford! 🙌

[@faroironandcustoms6577]

@@GarageFab Got ya! I just do KZbin and Facebook. Maybe I'll work on the Instagram thing over the weekend. I will probably post a video of the Ford outside in a week or so. I have to repaint my wife's Mazda (Protege5). So, I need to get the Ford out of the shop. I still have a long way to go on it.

[@GarageFab]

Haha. Damn Wives and the projects. 🤦🏻‍♂️ We need his and hers garages.

[@mrscrewu1199]

The previous episode in this playlist is from a different youtuber. about the mars rover. I think something went wrong 😂

[@GarageFab]

That’s weird. I’ll have to see if I can remove that when I get home. Also how do I put my self on other peoples random playlists?!

[@mrscrewu1199]

@@GarageFab I thought it was a weird joke at first 😂 It's a good way to advertise your channel for sure 🤣

[@MotoDeSoto]

I’ve just started watching your videos. You said that you switched from triangulated four bar to watts link. What’s the advantage of the watts link?

[@GarageFab]

It depends on who you ask. Some will say a Watts handles better. Others will disagree. I feel that a Watts or Panhard has better lateral stability than a triangulated 4 link, especially one with bushings. As the bushings compress in a triangulated 4 link, the axle is allowed to move side to side a small amount. I’ll be using wheels that barely fit, so that movement can’t be allowed. My biggest reason for the swap was I wasn’t thrilled with the original builders design, and I needed more room for air management. The triangulated 4 link takes up a lot of room. The parallel 4 link opens up a lot of space. My final reason is I have a KZbin channel, and completely rebuilding the rear suspension is far more entertaining to watch than leaving it alone.

[@MotoDeSoto]

@@GarageFab great answer. Thanks for taking the time.

[@GarageFab]

Anytime my friend.

[@kyleday7452]

Im old school so I think the resting your vehicles frame on the ground thing is silly kid stuff

[@GarageFab]

Haha! I can’t argue. There’s a style for everyone.

[@R.O.D_OFF-ROAD]

What kinda card stock and how tick is it?

[@onepumpgotel285]

how much do you thing it would be for someone to slam my truck for me bc i don’t have all the proper things to do it myself

[@GarageFab]

By Slam, do you mean simply lowering or installing air suspension? There are a LOT of variables in air suspension; What Truck you have, the person or company that’s doing the work, the quality of parts used… and so much more. You can lower a truck for under $1000, and I predict an air suspension install could cost anywhere from $4000 to upwards of $20,000! 😳

[@PrimalOutdoors]

You don't have to respond to this comment. Just letting you know I am enjoying the channel. Jason

[@GarageFab]

Oh but I do, Jason! You are so very much appreciated. Glad to have you my man. Happy holidays. 👊

[@dennyo3992]

I don't know how I didn't know about this channel until today. As SuperFastMatt says, "all hail the algorithm."

[@GarageFab]

Glad you found us, Denny! I wonder if Matt believes in the same algorithm I do. 🤔

[@oby-1607]

That's a dilemma. Does one cut your bag height to gain extension because it is believed to be short or be happy with your extended length. And if your bag isn't warrantied, then its all for nothing. And mounting holes are very important in this equation. As long as things go up and down smoothly, it is all ok.

[@Justintimemetal]

Glad I found your channel. I work in an industrial fabrication and welding shop but my background was in building drag cars and I’ve wanted to venture into the bagged trucks some and your videos are definitely making that more clear on how to tackle this project.

[@GarageFab]

Happy to be of service, Justin! Glad you found us too!

[@soflosuds]

Hey man, I love your videos. Do you make custom brackets that you can ship out?

[@GarageFab]

Thank you my friend! Unfortunately no, not currently. I used to do this stuff professionally but I just don’t have the time anymore.

[@windtalker4christ58]

This video was awesome!!! I'm getting ready to bag my C10 I would have made a big mistake if I hadn't watched this video I am going to watch it several times before I install anything Thank You so much for your time teaching what to properly do !

[@GarageFab]

Nice! If you have any questions, you know where to find me. Best of luck my friend!

[@IronGordon]

Trying to get that extra watch time at the end of this video? lol just playing with you, but for real I got tired of responding to everyone's comments too. especially answering questions that were gone over in the video. Still apricate the interaction with subscribers and all, but man it takes time to answer everyone. Keep up the great work!

[@GarageFab]

Right!!? Glad I’m not the only one. It’s getting to the point where I’m going to have to be more picky about who I respond to. Might just have to respond with a time stamp. 😂 And yes! I did some reading on stingers. A huge percentage of Marvel movie fans stay through the credits because they’re consistently rewarded with additional material. So I’ve been experimenting. Thank you my man!! 🙏

[@GarageFab]

PS. Just checked out some of your videos… fantastic stuff! I love your humor. If you ever see something of mine you wanna paint, or need anything made, hit me up! I’d be thrilled to do a collab on something. Cheers!

[@GarageFab]

PSS. Dude! I only just realized what you meant with the extra watch time. Not sure how that dead air got in there. 🤦🏻‍♂️ I hope I can edit that out without deleting and reloading. Thanks for the heads up.

[@IronGordon]

@@GarageFab Thanks! I appreciate that. I'm working on a hot rod project now so I've been researching 4 links and bag set ups, which is what lead me to your channel. Love the way you explain and entertain so I watch whenever you put out a video. Collabs are fun, I'm down. its been a minute since I've uploaded, I need to get back on it but life keeps taking priority.

[@IronGordon]

@@GarageFab Lol, hey no judgment here I thought you wanted to try and get a 16 minute video! you can edit videos in KZbin studio on a desk top, looks like you figured it out. You're killin it, I bet you hit 30k in the next 3 months

[@jordanrios4532]

Well, air bags on a plow truck is the idea, so slamming it may not be the option. Would it still be concidered bagged? I'm thinking leaf helper style.. I want it lowered, but not quite slammed. Daily snow-able. Good idea? And input?

[@GarageFab]

Absolutely it’s still bagged! That’s a good way of going. Remove some of the leaf spring leaves to soften the ride significantly and in turn also lowering it. Then use the helpers to adjust the height when needed. (Towing, snow, etc)

[@turboflush]

@13:00 you can see the one side of the bag stretched. Would it be good to angle the mount bracket to eliminate this and just have it angled while at full deflate. Supposed to use seperate bump stops anyways. May e the bag was way beyond its max travel though.

[@GarageFab]

I believe it’s true that the life of an angled bag is shorter than the life of a bag that’s always straight, but a straight bag is extremely rare except on a parallel four link with a bag mounted to the axle. I’m not sure the small amount of extra life would be worth the headache of trying to mount the air spring so that the angle was correct while deflated. Not to mention trying to explain to all the haters at the car shows why your bag looks tweaked when the vehicle is laid out. Also this angle when laid out would rob you of an inch or so of the air springs lifting capabilities. This is a terrible answer, but since this angle is so much more extreme on front control arms, and yet it’s still the excepted way of mounting a bag, I simply wouldn’t worry about it.

[@lukefarmer5391]

Just install a spacer under the bags if you have made your plates too far.

[@GarageFab]

I almost did. Figured that video wouldn’t be as interesting though so here we are.

[@petedude2lu3]

more.likes than views. that's a testament to quLity

[@GarageFab]

We’re trying, Peter!

[@maxie9506]

I'm back, lol. Hope you're doing well/better these days. I think i asked this but if I may ask again, How to measure my vehicle's current ride height. Can i just measure ground to frame?

[@GarageFab]

It feels familiar. 🤔 there are two ways and it really depends on what matters most to you. Appearance? Ground clearance? I believe in most states, legal ride height is measured at the lowest point of a vehicle. So if you have a Crossmember or an exhaust system hanging down, it would be measured from the ground to that component. For me it’s generally measured from the ground to the bottom of a frame rail.

[@maxie9506]

@Garage Fab excellent. Today I'll me making my upper and bottom bracket templates so I need to know how much to compensate for the upper front and rear brackets to accommodate additional lift a d still get as close as possible to the ground. Maybe you can help me with one more thing, for the time being lol. I'm trying to get her as low as 3" from the ground. Can you recommend an ly low profile jacks that aren't super frigging huge? I saw a few 2" hydraulic hand pump jacks that night be able to get the car high enough for me to get a real jack under it.

[@williamherring5441]

Thank you, Kandy of the Man! For those of who never lived the bagged life and are bag curious, what inflated height does a bag ride best at and does that need to be figured in with your full inflated/ deflated bracket calculations? Also, would an adjustable upper bracket allow a worth while tuning ability? v/r wh

[@GarageFab]

The the height that a bag rides best… is a matter of opinion. Your perfect ride might not be the same as mine. Air suspension works opposite of a typical metal spring suspension. An extremely low ride height is incredibly soft, unresponsive and mushy. A high ride height is rough and bumpy and quite unpleasant. The Goldilocks area for most is right smack dab in the center. The downside to air suspension is you can choose your ride height, or you can choose your ride quality, but not both. That said, your adjustable bag mounts is really quite brilliant. I’ve pondered over the years about a hybrid suspension, half hydraulic and half air that would allow you to adjust the firmness of the suspension with the air and the height with the hydraulics. But an adjustable bracket could do the same thing.

[@williamherring5441]

MK: Thank you very much for such a detailed response. I realize that may not be a reality as your channel grows. I apologize for the late response because I had to let your words percolate. Perhaps another path besides hydraulic over air (which would be very cool) is a bag parallel with a coil spring (or coil over) connected at the top with a bell crank. An over head teeter totter if you will. The bell crank could have a couple of mounting holes to vary the leverage on the bag and the spring independently. You could adjust a ratio/bias like a gigantic roller rocker. Adding tabs while you make the bell crank mount double sheer would allow a place to put a dummy link for tuning. You would inflate the bag to near max, install the dummy link, deflate the bag and spin the adjustable mount up or down (as we discussed above) to dial in ride height and spring rate. Re-inflate the bag, remove the link and go cruise. Also, I watched your video about your buddies C-10 and in that application being sprung on the axle wasn’t ideal. My idea about a parallel spring and bag would be simplest on an axle or spindle/ A arm; however, the rear could be done with the bag on the parallel upper bar, but the spring would need to fixed inboard on the frame with an offset cantilevered bell crank over the frame. Finally, all of that complicated packaging, would also suit your hydraulic proposal just as well. Trust the cardboard. v/r wh

[@GarageFab]

Talk about needing to percolate! That sounded like some brilliant stuff but I’m going to have to review again at a later date. (I was up till 5 am finishing the last video and now it’s midnight.) The brain just ain’t braining right now. 😂 I look forward to discussing this in the future. Until then… thank you William!

[@maxie9506]

Shifu, ive been doing a lot of research since we last spoke and I am proud to say i stated buying my components. Cant wait to get my frist set of Dominators. I pretty much have a good idea for the rear setup but the front is gonna be tricky. I have a crown vic and I have determined I will need to relocate the front shocks, however, if i have ride height sensors do I need the shocks? Can the shocks be non adjustable with right height sensors if i do need shocks?

[@GarageFab]

Congrats! That’s exciting. 👏 You always need shocks. Many people will tell you you don’t. Some air suspensions don’t have excessive bounce so it seems shocks are not needed, but shocks absorb a lot of other rhythmic vibrations that cause funky tire wear and help keep the tires planted for traction. I’m not sure what you were asking about the adjustable shocks. The shocks can be regular shocks, they just need to have enough travel to NOT bottom out at your lowest or highest ride heights.

[@maxie9506]

@Garage Fab you answered my question. Plus I just heard a story about how a buddy's shock blew out the top without dampening sooooooo yeah let's not do that lol

[@doublecheeseburger1712]

Awesome video!! What plazma cutter do you use? Our snap on must have something wrong with it because i can't get it to cut like yours does... it's probably operator error...😂

[@refugiodelara5001]

Do you have any videos, or are you planning on making any on how to bag the front suspension? Your videos are very informative, I have many of them saved for refrences.

[@GarageFab]

I don’t yet. But I’ll be starting in the front suspension in the next couple of weeks! I’ll be building everything from scratch so I’m unsure how beneficial it’ll be will fit Mighty Max owners but I’ll try to do it in a way the shows info that would help everyone. Thank you my friend!

[@refugiodelara5001]

@Garage Fab thank you, I'm looking foward to your new videos. I'm currently working on a Chevy s10

[@laurensmith1828]

Valuable info,straight forward and easy to understand. Thanks

[@56collin]

First of all, I would like to say, I really enjoyed all your videos. I especially like the suspension videos as I am starting a project of my own. The first question I have is there a rule of thumb for the length of the rear bars and second the distance between them. I have a 1959 Chevy Apache with a short bed 2 x 5 tube frame with the 80s Camaro stub front steer. I won’t be able to lay frame but I would like to lay rockers. I’m going to build my own brackets, but I would like your opinion on where to buy the bars and the watts linkage. I brought this truck back from Arizona 40 years ago on plans of restoring it when I retired which is now any advice would sure be appreciated. Sorry this is kind of long. Thank you.

[@christopherharris3041]

Hey i have suzuki grand vitara 2nd gen year 2000 and i want to replace the coil spring with air bags ,could i do something like this?

[@GarageFab]

You absolutely can, but I’m not familiar with the vehicle so I can’t be sure how. Doing a quick search, I found some bag over strut assemblies available for that model. That might be the easiest way but I’m unsure how low that will get it if that’s what you want.

[@christopherharris3041]

@@GarageFab oh can you share thr link. And I am not worried about the lowering just want the comfort in ride lol

[@GarageFab]

www.x2industries.com/product/1999-2005-suzuki-grand-vitara-plug-and-play-air-suspension-kit/?Google%20Shopping&GOOGLENEW&UA-10567206-2&gclid=CjwKCAjw5_GmBhBIEiwA5QSMxM8mzS8R4s49NE0XrYrzQeP_zHyl3Qeu1vLkNCqCcMFrLorc4FveqxoC2tAQAvD_BwE

[@valdoarechiga5267]

I would appreciate it very much, greetings from Mexico

[@valdoarechiga5267]

Hello, could you help me with my 95 Chevy S10, I have not been able to configure the bars and the bags, I feel that I have very little space and I do not want to cut the chassis so as not to modify the box.

[@maxie9506]

My welder can only go 3.2mm steel. Does anyone know if i could overlap my welds to fill in the channel of the bracket? Or would some of you not recommend that?

[@GarageFab]

Again, not an officially trained welder here… but I think it depends on how well your welder is melting the base metal. It’s common practice for very large gaps to be filled with several passes, but if your welder isn’t powerful enough to bite the thick metal, you may be just filling up your joint with weld though it’s not penetrating/bonding well. I’d suggest doing a test weld and inspecting it. There are some videos available using a cutting/buffing/etching method that allows you to see how deeply you penetrated.

[@maxie9506]

@@GarageFab So im teaching myself how to weld but im not so arrogant to try this now. I have every intention of practicing until i feel comfortable. My life and others in my car on on the line.

[@GarageFab]

Commendable! I think everyone should have the confidence to build their own vehicles, but there is definitely a lot of responsibility required. Good on you mate. 👏

[@kriswhitlock1142]

Will having the lower bag mount offset on the lower bar instead of center on the bar affect the bushing wear. And can it have any other negative effects. Also does lower bag position on bar matter? Thanks

[@GarageFab]

This is something I’ve always avoided on my own personal builds, Kris. And when I purchased this truck, the offset bags drove me nuts. By not centering the bag it’ll cause the bar to twist creating unnatural pressures on the bushings… …in theory. But I drove the truck for years with that design and the bushings look brand new. I decided to leave it because it obviously wasn’t damaging the bushings, and this design allows the bars to be closer to the frame. Wider set bars are better for stability and also better for the axle tube. (Because bars too far in can cause the axle tube to bend over time) As for the bag position on the bar; I assume you mean front-to-back position and YES! It matters a great deal. First in the amount of lift. An 8 inch tall bag mounted on top of the axle will give 8 inches of lift. But as you slide the bag forward towards the front link bar pivot/bushing, the amount of lift increases with the same 8 inch tall bag. An 8 inch bag mounted on the center of a link bar would provide upwards of 12 inches of lift. I would not recommend mounting a bag any further forward than the halfway point. As you move the bag forward, lift increases but the weight the bag is subjected to increases as well because of additional leverage of the link bar. Not only is the bag under more stress but so is the link bar. And lastly, when the bag is under more stress because of additional weight, this softens the ride significantly. Bag on bar is a very firm ride. Bag near the center is soft and luxurious. Any further forward would be complete mush. Hopefully that wasn’t overwhelming. I think that would be a good video. 🤔

[@kriswhitlock1142]

Thanks so much for the reply. I was thinking of running bag on bar but it would have to be off set. I guess I'll just keep to my original plan with sleeve bags on axle. I have zero room back there and just want to keep it simple . Your videos have helped me understand and help me with my projects. Keep up the good work. Thanks

[@GarageFab]

Sounds like you’re on the right track my man. 👏 Thank you for the kind words!

[@kyleburgess6475]

This was perfect timing for me. I am about to add air bags to my truck for payload support. I know it’s a little different then your build. But do you have any recommendations on bag manufacture or anything else? I’m new to air bags all together.

[@GarageFab]

Yes!! It’s different but exactly the same. And certainly just as awesome. I have only used Slam Specialties bags for the 15 ish years I’ve been building stuff. I hear good things about Firestone, and Air Lift products. All I can say is avoid the knockoffs. Familiarize yourself with names of quality brands and don’t stray. For example Air Lift creates the “Dominator” line of bags. But there are companies that sell “Denominator” bags. 😂 Reach out if you need guidance. Best of luck, Kyle!

[@Viralclown]

Should the top plate of the bag stay parallel to the bottom plate as it lifts? Looks like the bag is leaning?

[@GarageFab]

That’s nearly impossible on everything except a bag mounted to an axle with a parallel 4 link. The nature of control arms or link bars is to angle away from parallel. So the best you can do is to make sure the bag plates are parallel when they’re fully deflated. A leaning bag will not last as long as a straight one but is often unavoidable.

[@Viralclown]

@@GarageFab I thought it would be better the other way around. If they aren’t perfectly parallel when deflated there’s no load so doesn’t matter but as they are all the way up it would be better getting back to parallel, just Looks like the bag could pop out sideways under a big shock load. But hey I don’t know shit I’m just asking 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@GarageFab]

It’s a possibility that it’ll prolong the life of the bag as long as the the two bag plates aren’t touching when aired out. The two downsides will be, you’ll loose an inch or so of lift capability since the bag technically isn’t fully compressed when deflated, and if anyone can see it, you’ll get an earful that your bags are installed “wrong”.

[@Viralclown]

@@GarageFab I meant tilting the bottom plate only a few degrees nothing major.

[@2blazedinfl]

I love the channel😁

[@GarageFab]

Thank you my friend! Glad to have you. 🙏

[@jeffreyandmeaganfertikgree9325]

Great content!

[@GarageFab]

Thank you! Very much appreciated. 🙏

[@maxie9506]

Good morning. I just recently decided to do my own suspension. I have an 07 Crown vic and I was hoping you can suggest a way to build a lower bracket so that it would sit on the spring perch instead of welding cups to the axle which is what I dont want do. In the even I decide to install coilovers, ridetech and viking has options for the crown vics that utilize the OE rear spring perches.

[@GarageFab]

Hey! What type of suspension are you planning on installing. For air springs, generally simplest lower mount you can make on style axle is simply a plate the bolts to the bottom of the bag, welded to a short piece of large large tube the same diameter as the bottom of the spring. It resembles an upside-down hat that fits tightly around the bump on the spring perch, the same way the metal spring did. I can’t picture how a coil over would mount to this perch. 🤔

[@maxie9506]

@Garage Fab so manufacturers like ridetech and viking have coilovers that can utilize the spring perches and pretty much fits in like OE. Now what I was thinking was something similar to what you said but I was thinking of buying a spring seat and weld that to the short tube. The other concern is that for the top of the airspring, on an oe setup, the top of the air spring is secured with a retainer clip. So essentially I'm trying to figure out how to build an assembly for the rear axle so the bag can drop in and out like OE if you're familiar with what that setup looks like on a panther body.

[@GarageFab]

I wasn’t familiar when I woke up this morning, but after your message I had to look up some photos. 😆 I did see one with air suspension and I could see that they had clips on the top that are very similar to some of our Lexus air suspension. I couldn’t see up close what the clips or the post on top of the air spring look like, but I predict it wouldn’t be too hard to build a plate to bolt to the top of a typical air spring that has that post on top. Or if you couldn’t Fabricate that, perhaps a short threaded stud instead. Do all Panther frames have provisions for air suspension? Or do you have to modify the frame as well?

[@maxie9506]

@Garage Fab all 03+ have provisions for air ride. I've been practicing welding and I'm no fool to think I can do it now but eventually the goal is to fab my own brackets but after talking to a few buddies in the panther game, they told me to suck it up and do it right. So it seems, typically, that they cut off the spring perch so mount the lower bracket correctly and if I wanted to go back to a spring, I'd have to replace the whole axle which costs nothing ag the junkyard. Seems there's no shortcuts especially when it comes to making sure you have safe suspension. I mean it does help you stay on the road 🤣. I also want to say thank you for your detailed response. The fact that you took the time to look on your own means a lot. You have a new subscriber

[@GarageFab]

Happy to have you my friend. 🙏 I can’t argue with that. Safety should certainly be a main concern. After that, (for me personally) comes ease of maintenance. A big challenge with aftermarket air suspension, is the desired results are different. Factory vehicles aren’t meant to lay the car on the ground. So factory air springs always have some pressure (unless they fail) and this pressure is usually what keeps them in place. Hence the need for nothing but a tiny clip on top and often nothing but a post on the bottom. As soon as all air pressure is released, there’s nothing to keep the spring seated and it will dislodge. That would be the main reason that aftermarket air springs bolt into place. 🤔

[@ponchopelayo77]

I thought I new more until I started watching this channel, very helpful videos,

[@GarageFab]

Thank you my friend! 🙏 To be fair, I don’t know much either.

[@Brandon_obs_ls]

@@GarageFab can you do a video on 3 link suspension also dose a 3 link suspension need a watts link if it’s square tube

[@GarageFab]

I’m unsure if I’ll get the opportunity to build a 3 link, so a video on that specifically is unlikely. A typical 3 link would in fact require either a panhard bar or a watts link. I suppose you could get creative and angle the two lower bars to form a triangle which would then eliminate the need for a lateral locating bar, but I haven’t seen that done yet. The shape of the bars won’t have any effect on how a suspension operates, only the orientation of those bars.

[@TariqAlHajeri]

Great video as always, I’m working on my rear suspension now and nearly finished so airbag brackets next, just to add on what you have explained to take into consideration if the bags in front of axel it will give you more travel depends on how far it is from axel and the opposite if it’s on the back (also how it reacts to pumps and load capacity)

[@GarageFab]

Very true! I decided to make that concept its own video sometime in the near future. I worry throwing that kind of info at people could cause confusion. I try my best not to confuse. 😂

[@timfry3032]

Bad ass!

[@GarageFab]

Thank you Tim!

[@thomwood8768]

Once again Aaron. U DA MAN. Would love to see how you build tubular control arms and figuring the geometry.

[@GarageFab]

You’ll get your wish in a month or so. I’m starting on the front immediately. Unfortunately there won’t be much “figuring” but I’ll show how the factory arms are copied using a handy jig. Thanks again, Shawn! Have a great new year!

[@lawrencefab6084]

Love your channel. I am learning so much from it, and I can't wait to tackle my own projects in the future.

[@GarageFab]

Yes! That’s what I like to hear. Can’t wait to see what you create. Cheers!

[@ClintsStreetMachines]

Thanks a bunch for another great video. Always learn something new.

[@GarageFab]

Thank you, Brother! I can always account on you coming back. You are appreciated. 🙏

[@DinasGarage]

Not fair bro, keep teasing with pictures of your truck and we have not seen it in a video except for pictures. This was so cool. Ive been thinking of getting a plasma cutter. Hope all is well. Merry Christmas to you and your family

[@GarageFab]

Hahaha! 😈 Unfortunately all you get is teasing for a few more months. I can’t start the project until the Pinklet is done, so there’s no sense in announcing the project. A plasma cutter will be the best purchase you ever make! Thank you Brother!

[@frente2zapatista]

My Man, just in time……. ! ❤❤❤❤🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@GarageFab]

You know I try! 👊

[@creeplife2802]

What ever happened with thy gas tank mane? You said next episode 15 episodes ago.

[@GarageFab]

Hahaha! Sorry brother. I’m still not sure what I’m going to do with it. I honestly don’t recall what I told you, but I’m considering stripping out the liner I put in and starting over with another brand. I’m really not sure how to do that. Gallons of aircraft stripper? Set the tank in a bonfire? Both? Next episode! 😂

[@daos3300]

great stuff. also i'd like to commend you on your efficient use of materials. literally every other youtuber i've watched tend to slap templates randomly on their material and end up generating huge amounts of waste. they must be rich. you work like i do and that's a good thing because obviously i'm biased.

[@GarageFab]

Haha! I strive to be be rich in my lifetime, but being wasteful won’t get me there. Thank you my friend! ❤️

[@kevinkirk4285]

Since you are allowing the frame to contact the pavement, how about adding some titanium rub plates that will drag while the truck is in motion and down in the weeds. Titanium makes really cool bright white sparks when dragging on pavement.

[@GarageFab]

Let me ponder that one. I know that Mini Trucks have burst into flames from drag blocks before but I believe that was magnesium blocks. I like to drag occasionally, but not often. Needless to say, blocks or no blocks, it tears up the frame and removing the majority of the weight from the tires makes it really easy to lose control. No thank you!

[@designandbuild3953]

Love your videos as always Mankandy. Great title on this one! First three words, anyway. Haha

[@GarageFab]

Haha! Thank you my man! 🙏

[@robertrusso877]

Another great video! Will you be going over how to size shocks when using air bags? Can you use what’s normally specified or do you need to do the math? Thanks again. Always looking forward to the next video!

[@GarageFab]

I was NOT going to do shocks. Because I forgot about them! 🫣 But I certainly will now. Thank you Robert! I guess I assumed (again) that the shocks I installed before the rebuild would work fine. I guess I should check them out eh? So yes, I will now be going over shocks You can expect to see that one shortly. Cheers!

[@apaulothegreat1581]

Eye Surgery didn't go so well. Gonna try it again but different doctor. 66 almost be glad to get started on the one ton. I hope that younger guys and girls. Are learning from you. Sometimes I think wish had little school house. When we gone it done. Ah just feel older. But mostly I hope they listen and learn. Have Fun. Thanks for what you do. You're a great asset to the world. Blessed ❤ Edit what's your thought on Lazer welding ?

[@GarageFab]

I’m sorry to hear it my man! Just Unsuccessful or was there damage done? Thank my friend. I never planned for it to be a teaching channel. I guess it’s kinda neat that it just sort of developed that way in its own. Honestly, I’m not even familiar with Laser welding. 🤔

[@apaulothegreat1581]

@GarageFab I will not know until I go to the eye doctor in november. But the first doctor may have caused optical nerve damage. That is not preparable. I'm very depressed over it. But thinking positive I hope it gets fixed. One day maybe I would like to meet you in person. Very rare breed. Yeah I guess you're right it just turned into an educational youtube thing. But you have the ability to be a Professor. I think in reality you are. You just didn't know it. I am subscribed to your channel and one other Pacific Mike it's a Harley thing. But both of you keep me entertained and keep my mind set. Have a great day. Thanks for prayers. Real.

[@LuisCarlos-id7ur]

Very good info on all your videos 👍,can you do a video on bagging a truck with leaf springs, not sure if the leaf springs needs to be replaced with bar links .

[@GarageFab]

Link bars are certainly superior to leaf springs but that doesn’t mean you HAVE to change them. I’ll never clown anyone for installing bags on the leaves. It’s certainly much easier and cheaper and a fun way of starting with air suspension. I’d very much like to create a video (or a series) on the cheapest and easiest ways of bagging a vehicle. Don’t hold your breath though, I’m not sure when I’ll be able to do that. Until then, I’d suggest removing all but the main leaf. This will lower the truck significantly. Potentially too much. Then slap a helper bag in there to get it back up to whatever height you like to drive.

[@bobgoodrick463]

Always beautiful work. I’m laying out a 68 C10 north of you in Fallon. I have a short clip of the full cycle on my tiny channel.

[@GarageFab]

And it looks incredible my man! I can only wonder if you were as giddy as I am when I see a system work for the first time. Well done my man. 👏 Keep at it!

[@mike_nunes]

Awesome video as usual! When you started talking about doing the math to find where to mount the bag bracket, while on jack stands, brought back some serious PTSD LOL, notch height, wheel diameter, bag height, axle height and so on. I had it drawn out on a dry erase board, double and triple checks all my numbers before I made any cuts or welds. Took me an entire night to figure it out, i was mentally drained and tired, and even then I didnt trust my math the night before cuz I couldn't remember how I came up with those numbers.

[@GarageFab]

I literally LOLed. 😂 Sounds like any math I’ve ever had to do. And this is why I create ridiculous methods of mathlessness. It’s much harder to make mistakes using cardboard, strings, fingers, etc. Thank you, Mike! 🙌

[@nicki8731]

Wow! Great video!

[@GarageFab]

Thank you Nick! 🙏

[@PeterHatch-mx7zc]

👍

[@GarageFab]

🙌

[@PeterHatch-mx7zc]

@@GarageFab 👍💰

[@frankm8533]

Looks great very intelligent work 👌 man I need to step up my game

[@GarageFab]

Never compare your work to other people, Frank! Just get out there and get to work, and your stuff will naturally get better. Good to see you again my man!

[@teejay622]

Such a great way to start my day.

[@GarageFab]

I’m thinking of moving the release date to Sunday morning. Any input? Opinions? Have a great week, Brother!

[@craigm5511]

Waking up over here in Australia to a new Garage Fab video is an excellent way to start the day! Quick question if you don't mind please - does the 3/8" plate distort a degree or two when welding up the score? If so, do you give it a little love tap to bring it back to where it needs to be? ...or do you factor in the heat of the weld when you bend the original angle, and allow for a degree or two of movement? Thanks! Your videos help my build to keep moving forward.

[@GarageFab]

Hey Craig! Funny you ask. I expected the weld to shrink and straighten out the bend a little, so I bent it just a tiny bit extra with that in mind. But when I set it in place after welding, it looked as if it didn’t change at all. 🤨 So a love tap it was! After welding on the main part of the bracket, I had to smack the gusset into place. My only guess is since the score is cut nearly completely thought the metal, the weld is getting 100% penetration, basically welding the middle of the plate rather than favoring one side or the other. Did that make sense? As always, thank you Craig!!

[@craigm5511]

@@GarageFab I'd never really thought about the "welding the middle of the plate" aspect before. Makes perfect sense. Thank you!

[@GarageFab]

Anytime my man. Good to see you again.

[@jeffreyandmeaganfertikgree9325]

Keep making videos! It makes me want to go to my garage and start fabricating!

[@GarageFab]

Yes! That’s the whole goal of the channel. Can’t wait to see what you create!

[@J-RocksCustoms]

What spring loaded punch you use? The one I got from Amazon doesn’t punch very deep. Also, as someone who completed their first air ride project this year, I highly recommend anyone who has plans to build an air ride setup thereselves to watch all of the garage fab videos before starting a project. So many useful tips and tricks to be learned here. I know the next project I do will go a lot smoother after watching these videos. And thanks for sharing the warranty info on the ss bags.

[@GarageFab]

Thank you Jarrett! I struggled for a long time trying to find a punch I liked. This one is great but there’s no name on it!! I got it off the Matco truck. I’ll try and see if he can steer me in the right direction. Congrats on the build my friend!! That’s exciting news.

[@J-RocksCustoms]

@@GarageFab thank you!!

[@GarageFab]

No luck on finding the brand on my punch. But if you can find a Facom 257 G, snag one. My brother has had his for 25 years. Best punch I’ve ever used!

[@theogre6551]

This is again informative to where everyone can understand what’s going on and why. Love it.

[@GarageFab]

Much appreciated, my friend! I don’t absorb information very well, so I try to make the videos so that I can understand them. 😂

[@hiteracing1489]

Like the idea of scoring the metal

[@GarageFab]

It definitely comes in handy sometimes.

[@a_s10_blazer]

Watching this makes me wanna build a 4 link or a traction bar set up for one of my 2 s10s for fun. Might not have the money but I'm for sure bored and wanna build something cool. Gonna 110% watch more of your videos as there's so much cool stuff I wanna learn before I actually build one.

[@GarageFab]

Yes! That’s the entire point of the videos. Your build doesn’t have to be expensive. But making it yourself will definitely make it cool. Thank you my friend! 🙏

[@a_s10_blazer]

@Garage Fab wanna thank you also for all the knowledge on this stuff. People who are very new or just starting or just need some simple info on it I would recommend your channel. as I've seen other videos about it and l they make it overly complicated. Your videos give us the important information on it and whatever else you can throw in. Keep up the great work and I'll definitely watch, also can't wait to see more videos on your wife's mighty max 🤘🤘

[@GarageFab]

My pleasure! If you find someone else in need of guidance, please share the channel. There is no better way of helping out the channel. Cheers!!

[@ArvizuDesignFab]

Awesome content sir. I'm glad to see you back!!

[@GarageFab]

Hey! I haven’t seen you in a little while. How have you been? It feels good to be back my friend!

[@ArvizuDesignFab]

@Garage Fab yeah, fortunately or unfortunately, I needed to move to PA last year, I hope I can come back near to Baja and continue creating things lol

[@GarageFab]

I will hope with you!

[@ArvizuDesignFab]

@Garage Fab thanks!!! In the meantime, I will continue learning from you 😎

[@matthewmclachlan5794]

Top work again. You explain it all in such simple terms. Well done mate. Now, just to wait for next video.

[@GarageFab]

Thank you, Matthew! I think I might have a rhythm going. Hopefully you’ll never have to wait more than 2 weeks. 🤞

[@matthewmclachlan5794]

Don't burn yourself out but we all appreciate your efforts. Top work, with a dash of humour. Awesome.

[@GarageFab]

Ha ha! I’ll try not to. Very much appreciated my friend. 🙏

[@jasonyounan9176]

I love this guy's videos

[@GarageFab]

Love you back Jason.

[@rustbeltmotors3659]

Score method is genius

[@GarageFab]

Much appreciated my man!

[@franksilva5054]

Great Job!!

[@GarageFab]

Thank you, Frank! 🙏

[@ChadListentome]

Fantastic work as always brother!!

[@GarageFab]

Thank you my man. 🙏

[@scottsprague9974]

I made a press brake with a 20 ton jack bends 3/16 no problem.

[@GarageFab]

I’d love to hear more about it, Scott. I plan to build my own just so I can make a video out of it. Thank you my man!

[@chadlegaultgmail]

Awesome, love the videos :)

[@GarageFab]

Yes! Glad to have you, Chad. See you in the next.