Simple Air Suspension Build

I am not really sure what you call this kind of setup but it's still air suspension. Most of you know Ethan, but this is his truck he's turning into a rig and he is going to be carrying a lot of weight so we settled on a simple yet functional setup. Short video but you get the point. Thanks for watching everyone!!
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[@amojak]

don't you need a panhard rod to prevent lateral wander, putting a lot of load on the front mounts else.

[@mattrivers973]

I see alot of comments on its gona stress the metal when flexing side to side. A semi truck has virtually the same suspension minus they use spring steel as the arm connected to the axle vs tube. Same style bag. And bolted to the axle not welded. I converted my kodiak c6500 to air ride with springs from a junkyard freightliner $150. 300,000 miles later still rolling no issues. Did have a trac bar though.

[@roqwire]

My dad had put those big rig air bags in his 65 chevy dually truck roughly 45 years ago with a peterbilt leveler on to level the bed. His bed road about one inch off the tires.. I'm building one similar to yours except I'm welding my mounts under and offsetting my bags further back. But great job

[@jboland1192]

I used to supply air suspension parts for HGV's, I can see youve the basic idea of the "swinging rear arms" and the height control valve is right, but id worry you have insufficient side-side movement control given the gauge of the arms and its fixing to the chassis.

[@amojak]

i agree, it needs a panhard rod.

[@SouthShoreSawSalvage]

I’d love to see a follow up video on how this suspension works out for your buddy. I’ve been thinking about building something similar for my second gen. Great video as always!

[@aaronanthonymoat]

I was looking at building a trailer with air bags and saw this. I was thinking that it seamed wrong in the way it could move side to side when going round corners. So glad I read the comments. Thanks everyone

[@lowlowsandclothes9923]

@@joel6427 it’ll flex at the point it’s connected, which will eventually weaken and break them

[@lowlowsandclothes9923]

@@joel6427 the better way would have been to keep the leaf springs and just add some bags ontop of it

[@shanewright6958]

Great job. Another great video 👍👍

[@joej.9584]

I respect the fabrication skills and aptitude HOWEVER: 1) The trailing arms are going to either snap or twist over time because your axle isn't able to articulate at that axle hinge point when flexing over uneven terrain. 4 link setup would solve that. 2) If that doesn't happen first you can expect it to break sideways when your axle walks out from underneath the truck due to there being no track bar which limits lateral movement. Lateral movement is also mitigated by use of triangulation USING HEIM JOINTS (not welded directly my guy), also typically found in many 4 link setups. 3) Bonus lesson on Universal Joints: The inherent nature of u-joints requires some operating angle (Typically no less then 1 degree on both input and output side) in order for the needle bearings within the caps to rotate and actually act as bearings (otherwise they become powder over time) so installing the axle yoke parallel to the driveshaft is a terrible idea. Furthermore input U joints and output U joints should always be on a parallel plane because either side of the u joints in a system speed up and slow down during operation (dont believe me look up a slowmo video theres a whole science behind it who would have thought), the trick is to have them speed up and slow down at the same speed and cancel each other out, hence the importance of parallel operating angles. We all remember that friend in high school that had his 'pumpkin' sticking straight up on his jacked up jeep wrangler with a terrible highway vibration (Input and output at different operating angles). Anyways i hope no one died as collateral due to this Frankenstein machine. I only give my input to hopefully help the next guy do it right. No ones perfect its just all just a learning lesson.

[@1966cambo]

pretty sure this is an exact copy of a semi trailer suspension and they don't seem to fall apart. Also I would not recommend heim joints for suspension unless you are building something with tons of travel, bushings are much cheap and quieter for road vehicles and should last a lot longer than a heim.

[@SirAnderw]

​@1966cambo A semi trailer is a different use case. Generally, the trailers are long and can twist enough to allow the tires to stay planted. Though some suspension systems allow for flex if the trailer is intended for off-road use. Semi tractors can also use this type of suspension on their drive tires but the link bar is a half spring, not square tubing, that allows the the tires to move individually. They also always have a panhard bar to locate the axle.

[@joesalazar4675]

Clean Set up I seen a guy utilize his leafspring the same way to the axle pretty neat cool video

[@dekebell3307]

Looks great man!

[@allenmckinney9533]

I've thought about a very similar setup on my utility trailer. I just haven't decided if I wanna keep the whole straight axle or go with independent suspension.

[@Tony-dz6yf]

Yu always do bad ass work man👍👍👍 thank yu for sharing

[@mccarterjg]

The tractor trailer suspensions those arms are actually spring steel and they allow the axle to twist a little bit when one side goes up and the other doesn't, I'd be concerned about hard welding the three link like that. In fact it would have been a little bit easier to just cut the leaf springs 8 inches past the axle and then threw bolt your airbag mount

[@seyranfeyzullayev6325]

Good job man

[@ANtn1969]

Lets see the suspension cycle, and flex. Like 1 rear tire on a ramp...

[@JayKay730i]

Nice work guys, are you adding some lateral support (I.e. a panhard rod)? May seem pretty solid without but you’re putting nearly double the strain on the original front spring mounts (by omitting use of the rear mounts). Might be worth looking at. Keep up the good work 👌

[@FrogsGarage]

Not really cause they are putting the weight to the frame from the bag instead of the front or rear perch, as for as forward and rear movement from acceleration and deceleration the back perch was on a leaf spring shackle that rotates so the front handled all the for and aft movement anyways while the rear just swiveled the shackle to compensate for spring compression and extension

[@j.c.smithprojects]

i really enjoy these videos...so much that i watched it twice in a row. what are you using to keep the axle centered left to right? i didnt see or hear you mention a pan hard bar. maybe you just have not got that far in this video. how much pressure are you running in the air bags? i really like putting the air bags behind the axle where it can mount lower and use the full range as needed. love how you use the plasma table to make your own brackets. makes for a really nice finished product.

[@j_moffitt]

Haha thanks Mr. J.C. , it’s basically just leaf springs without the rear leaf bracket and the fit up on the front is so tight there was literally no side to side movement, my buddy is driving it now and he’s gonna let me know if we need to change anything or if we should add a panhard. As far as pressure in them I’m not sure, we just hooked up a leveling valve and didn’t check pressures, but if I had to guess it’s probably like 5-10 psi and that plasma table is worth it’s weight in gold, awesome product

[@coreygrace4856]

We called those billy bars. We used to do this in the mid 90s because we where broke and wanted to drag frame.

[@pmaxgen]

Nice job

[@here_to_watch2115]

This needs a pan hard bar or watts link set up. Theres nothing centering the rear axle under the frame.

[@jonathangehman4005]

This type of suspension is okay for Harbour Freight go-carts but it don't like to go around any sort of corners and will tear the trailing arms off the axle housing in short order if you try. Simple, cheap, but unfortunately unable to do anything except pose around a fairground at low speed. It's a shame they don't work.

[@s.o.f.fpatriotsforlife414]

Need to adjust the leveling valve should have more of the airbag base showing

[@tomtramp3872]

What about a panhard bar?

[@sdalin27]

Very cool. How does your leveling system work? I am about to build a system for my humvee, but I think I'll either use an off the shelf system which is 3k ish, or more likely use sensors and an arduino computer to manage the compressor and valving. Are the sensors straight forward with reading resistance values?

[@jacemusgrove3073]

Nice! I like it.

[@anastasioworley3102]

Ma Shaa ALLAH good job''

[@Jimmy_in_Mexico]

That's a badass build. U have always liked the airbag suspension and want to do it on my '89 Ford 4X4 that I use as my work truck welding rig. It looks pretty straight forward and I have some double Bellow airbags that are on my Dodge truck that I might use. It may not work, but hey it's a try.

[@Geordo1960]

That’s awesome work. Can you tell me how you figured a spring rate. I suppose you went by of the vehicle and then bought the bags? Or did the manufacturer figure it? Alsowould love to see the finished truck, way to cool not to share!!

[@nathan00campbell]

ok on my Freightliner, there is a single THICK leaf that goes from the frame like you did in your design. then it u-bolts to the axle just like the OEM spring on that truck would have. it then bends 90* down to be as low as the bottom of the axle then 90* to the rear of the truck for about 8 inches, then it 45* to center the bag under the frame. The bag is quite far past the axle. this design works great. IT does however have a panhard bar. The only thing i see wrong with your set up is the lack of a panhard bar and the bags should have been farther back for a better ride. i also think it would have been best to mirror the design on the Freightliner vs rigid bars welded to the axle. you probably could have actually used the heavy single leafs from a semi truck.

[@mariolarouche5318]

Nice work! I would have gone with smaller diameter bags for comfort

[@Gad1768]

I wish I had the time to build this myself. This is a standard suspension for all semi trucks. Mind blowing know one makes a kit for pickups. Had to settle for a over prices four link setup. 😞😭

[@nAZdzlPwr]

Rayco Granning makes air suspension for ambulances, we got a retired f350 with air bags in the back and use it at the ranch, basically a mini semi

[@user-bq3mb8kk4l]

Good job frend

[@rembertful]

Love the set up where can I get those air bags from

[@kustomjoe12esquivel66]

Thank you for the content👍🏽 this stuff should be on regular TV instead of the garbage they feed these kids now days. What plasma table is that you are using? New subscriber👊🏽

[@emanuelnamseth1469]

What was parts cost? Great build.

[@trevenhatahlie8759]

Good video.👍. Will subscribe

[@ismaelgutierrez2147]

Nice Job Friend..👍

[@36363ace]

Looks jank awesome. Something different going on here.

[@dodgeman4046]

I didn't see a panhard bar in there did you put 1? Other than that trailing arms work good I've bagged some older Chevy that had them

[@j_moffitt]

No panhard, might add it later but there was no side to side movement

[@jamesgazdag876]

Bad ass 👍

[@user-rq8mz2qp2m]

Were is Panara or Watt mechanism? What is limiting rear axle displacement from side to side?

[@haroldsanchez8235]

Yes real simple

[@fatnfurious9171]

What locates the rear end? No panhard bar or triangulated 4 link?

[@donnystarwalt8589]

I was curious as to what you did foe a panard bar. Any pics? Looks great as usual. 😀

[@j_moffitt]

No panhard. Thing was solid side to side

[@kevinhornbuckle]

For safety, do a panhard bar from the bottom of one air bag to the bottom of the frame. When you get a load on there, or pull a trailer, you don't want to find out the hard way you should have added one.

[@jonathancaldwell322]

how decent is the ride quality for a set up like this? thinking about building my 3500 dually like this for towing if it's reliable enough

[@KOSTASFK1200]

Awesome vid and perfectly explained. Just sub'd to your channel. Your the only channel that helps DIY people like me fab your own airride system on these trucks step by step. Awesome!!

[@j_moffitt]

Thanks and welcome!!

[@anthonymann392]

Nice

[@colinlawrence2186]

Awesome job awesome video 🙋‍♂️🇬🇧

[@maxjlg2319]

Fantastic desd brazil 👌🇧🇷

[@kaibinrubber]

nice

[@fraserfab68]

I'm interested to know how long it lasted without a panhard bar. Seems like too much side stress on those front leaf hangers.

[@chuckofthesouth4674]

I was like please say something about a panhard bar lol

[@monadking2761]

Since you're not using the springs and you're just pivoted from the front mounts, do you walk from side to side much, or will you need a Z or cross bar?

[@nickonickster1]

Does it ride smoother than normal?

[@czenglazing4630]

Please kindly give me the link to cnc plasma cutter used in the project

[@Chris-hd7lr]

The title says SIMPLE air suspension build Next scene they’re pulling out an industrial plasma cutter 😂

[@dominickowalski6359]

Atta boys. Hey for your next potential build. You know you can buy “torque” arms pre-fabbed universal and adjustable style for relatively cheap. Comes down to how you calculate your cost on labour.

[@rmmmodifikasi]

Good 👍👍

[@ricksasek5483]

Great job

[@michaelg6890]

Does this style of suspension not need a track bar? What keeps it centered?

[@T2Media.]

“Swing arm” should keep that puppy centered

[@SteveP-vm1uc]

Shouldn't the trailing arm bolt/pin, have been much larger?? It seems like that small diameter bolt/bushing would wear quickly and allow the axle to dog leg. Big trucks are not bushed at that point, are they??

[@timlabarr6131]

What bags did you guys use?

[@adrianruiz7671]

Good chingón amigo te llevaré una Ranger

[@hawkeyetec]

What compressor is being used? Electric or belt driven? You would think that the oems would offer this . Its the best for our un roadworthy roads..

[@iceship1]

So how does it ride

[@s-peterburgtj1764]

Good 👍👍👍👍

[@freightshakernation9429]

Man I wish you were making a trip to North Carolina some time soon and could help me out with air bags on my flat bed lol...I like your work!

[@j_moffitt]

Where at in NC??

[@freightshakernation9429]

Swansboro NC

[@freightshakernation9429]

I've got an 02 single cab dually, 6 speed manual

[@j_moffitt]

I take 95 to get to PA once in a while but if I’m heading that way I’ll stop in

[@calvinl9814]

Can that setup work on a 1970 C50 flatbed truck?

[@richshauling5701]

I would like to know where u got the bushings for the hangers?

[@j_moffitt]

Several off-road/fab companies have them but I ordered these from nfamusfab.com

[@justinlongoria9306]

I'm no engineer so please don't kill the question. Are you not worried about axle wrap or droop if he backs into a ditch or hits it hard in reverse?

[@j_moffitt]

If you think about it it’s not much different than leaf springs just without the rear hanger, yes there isn’t as much flex in the bar as leaf springs but it will still flex a bit

[@ANtn1969]

@@j_moffitt yes, it will flex, but mild steel will not continue to flex over & over. It will fail. That's what spring steel is for, aka "leaf springs"

[@TheCoryjones26]

No pan hard bar?

[@zmeygod2844]

Красавчик👍

[@wanderleyzaneti5243]

Boa noit amigo como colocar suspensão ar no Mercedes 1513 um hot q tô fazendo

[@michaelanthony3433]

Awesome video ur brave for putting urself out there for all these chicken head trolls to talk shit about u I couldn't do it ur 1st class in my book fuck the haters keep up the good work

[@bobcreamier9854]

No trac bar?

[@davidelang]

Just ran across this and was wondering how it lasted. I note that on later builds you seem to have moved to a 4 parallel bar suspension instead, was that because of problems that they ran into with this? For all those saying that these will break, can't work without a panhard bar, etc. I'll point out the Chevy C10 rear suspension, it angled the arms towards the center a bit, but they were solidly bolted to the rear axle, not a lot of articulation, but if the vast majority of your weight is on the rear axle anyway, I question if the axle is going to articulate much, or if the body will roll to match the axle (except for momentary impulses) also, those arms act as a huge castor angle to keep them in place most of the time. When backing or getting a significant side load there is some stress

[@j_moffitt]

Only real problem was the bags weren’t the best choice. I didn’t allow for enough travel for these particular bags and it was just a very rough ride without weight. Never noticed any ill affects in handling or sway.

[@lopesluizh]

Aqui o comentário em português que você tanto procura!!

[@jonathancaldwell322]

what bags are these?

[@user-xt2jx1fr1z]

szep munka szeretem nezni a jo munkakat dicseri a tudast de a kerdes kanyarodasnal a lengokarok nem-e merevek es a futomu marade a truck alatt mivel nemlatom a kozpontosito rudat mennyi ideig lessz jo a busing

[@topollillo4274]

Hello guys I have a ramp truck that I'm looking to bagged the rear how much will it cost

[@melvinmariott8609]

Where did you get the bags at? I have a F-150 an want to make the back of it like a F-250 or more. Thinking of just going with spring's on it.

[@jennings20100]

Wheres the wats link or panhard bar or anything for that matter to keep the rearend straight with the driveline?? Or did i miss that? And why are you using those God-awful bags? I saw a square body S10 with 1 of those in the center of the rear that was kind of interesting but this....idk? So its Obviously been some time since this video was posted how's the truck now? Same set up? Legitimately curious

[@w1.0]

Wheres the track bar ? Gonna be all over the road

[@TJbaseliner]

Absolutely needs a track bar! www.stengelbros.net/352-5412-W01-358-5412-Firestone-Air-Spring-Assembly_p_15958.html You should have spec'd a more suitable air bag. The one you have is too big in diameter and will give a harsh ride. Air bags have spring rates, just like leaf or coil springs.

[@rossfricke2010]

that my first thought 😂 2 control arm bushings holding the entire rear end from moving left & right, yikes

[@w1.0]

I wouldn't want to drive that in a curvy road that for sure!!!!

[@shawnleakseal10]

What air bags did you use? Approximately how much in parts and materials was that? And doesn't it need a track bar? Wondering how it rides

[@luisestebanviamonterozansk6067]

👍👍👍👍

[@sugenghariono2986]

From bali

[@annkliwonraya962]

No stabilizer??

[@luiscarrillo4139]

What keeps the rear end from side shifting?

[@david.drambareanu]

Needs torqioun bars

[@DrWard-nb3vn]

Torsion bars

[@dirtyboy8336]

I want to know do the airbags ride smoother and better than just regular shocks? Because I always wanted to just put them on a car

[@carlosestrada298]

Yes a lot smoother. Of course done it by a professional.. Setup is really important.

[@dirtyboy8336]

@@carlosestrada298 I understand

[@user-gt2gy2ex1q]

Друг я из россии отличная работа! А кран управления подвеской тоже сами делали или под заказ

[@zhongxina5595]

Kalderman has left the chat

[@59vaughn]

Boss....

[@mhamdkayriy2580]

🇪🇬I am from Egypt how to get the product

[@josephlee8818]

Do you have a part number for the bag? I want to use something similar on my medium dudy truck🙏

[@j_moffitt]

Goodyear 1R12-616

[@cedarwest37]

The same is true..... While taking SLOW. !!!!!

[@kkbodyshop]

Hard to tell from the video but did you weld the tubing to the axle?

[@j_moffitt]

Yes but not directly

[@kkbodyshop]

@@j_moffitt so when you air up the bags wouldnt it make the pinion off? Also if there welded like that you wouldnt be able to go over anything with out it pulling the other wheel off the ground cause it woukdnt flex?

[@j_moffitt]

Pinion is set to the ride height, and they will flex, definitely not as much as a 4 link but it will flex

[@chrissd08]

Panhard bar??? Not needed??

[@user-vu3jm2yl2p]

молодцы. делают что хотят. ну у нас же....

[@hemanthkumark9047]

What is the cost to make this iam fro india bro

[@trailerparkgarage6574]

What air bags are you using?

[@jordonhall5719]

Semi truck Goodyear bags

[@ramirocc7316]

Is there any way that you can make a kit and sale it??? I would buy it!!!!!

[@j_moffitt]

I could but it would vary between trucks, what truck do you have??

[@ramirocc7316]

I have the second gen 3500 dually

[@EdgarPerez-iq7lw]

Same