Testing the Strange Airbag Suspension System! Ep 6 - 1939 Hudson Rat Rod Part 16

[@deankay4434]

Well Div, you went and done it! You now have the softness of adjustable air bags while driving that now, can be infinitely matched to the stiffness of the factory Isuzu torsion bars... You are within the reach of elusive dual action softness of the "Forrest" roads. I have witnessed your previous drives and your backside will benefit. A new invention; "Air Cushioned Dual Torsional" front suspension. File your patent on it quickly!

[@ratrodsafrica]

😁 Thanks mate. The proof of the pudding will come🙂

[@ekim000]

That setup is a triumph IMO. Forest Engineering rocks!

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks boet!

[@PaulAsselstine]

I wasn't sure it would work. It works great! Looks cool too. Great job sir.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks!

[@timhanson2080]

Works nicely. And it's cool to look at.👍. Thanks for the video .

[@paulfarley9542]

It's turning out great I've never seen anyone do that with torsion bars I like it

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thank you

[@shotsrodder]

Great feature Div 😎 this is going to be a very cool ride 👍

[@TheOldaz1]

Great to see the first test passed with flying colors. Thanks Div.

[@dougstaner1220]

Hello Diff. Great stuff you have there. I love seeing it articulate. Mechanical art as it were. Yes the give for the air bags is much more than that of the spring steel. The torsion bars will not come into play until after the bags have been inflated to a high pressure. If that pressure on the cusp of ride load and road surface you will have a dynamic situation that I don't think will be problematic. Very interesting. Thanks for the brain teaser.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks. Yes, we will find out how it works🙂

[@VolkswagenTube]

👍👍 This is where art and function work well together. Thanks for the update.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks!

[@tonyengland1974]

Awesome can't wait to see the rear bag set up

[@Karkmotuning]

Looking great, Div! Cool look with the bags behind the cab. I was one of thse concerned with the spring rate. It might be too soft, but again, I hope I'm wrong. Really good shocks might help too, and a soft ride can be very comfortable. The first rod I built had unusually soft springs, and it rode very nicely.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks. Time will tell.🙂

[@robertwilliams8010]

That is so amazing Div! Can’t wait for the next episode 👍👍👍

[@glassblastcollision]

I guess the ultimate test will be with an engine a cab and two passengers . Great visual on your design! Very creative Diff!

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks. Jip, time will tell 🙂

[@donaldhalls2189]

It's coming along great, I wouldn't think that torsion bar on air bag's should be a smooth ride, thanks for sharing, all the best to you and your loved ones, have a Lekka one

[@wizardofhyd]

Very creative use of the torsion bars to remotely mount the air bags. Love the design and artistic work!

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thank you man!🙂

[@brianhaw9398]

Im glad you were listening. I was saying lift the front end and you'll get the rod out!👍🇨🇦

[@elvis4182]

I love your air bag torsion setup, stoked to see how it reacts with the weight of the vehicle 19:44

[@SchysCraftCo.]

Div it is coming along very well lately. Air ride suspension is looking really good man. Can't wait to see whats next. Keep up the great craftsmanship and hard work my friend. Fab On. Weld On. Fab On. Weld On. Keep Making. God bless.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thank you

[@flatworm00]

Really cool suspension system and I love the air compressor!

[@TheSpud1129]

Div - Very awesome build. I use these airbags every day. One thing that you may wish to do is put positive stops on your arms so that you don't accidentally over-inflate the airbags - which is easy to do because you sometimes don't think about it and "BOOM". It would be easy to do with the space that you have directly behind the suspension arms - you could make a cam-lock that seats into the space. Also on the airbag plate that mounts to the frame - you will need to account for the rubber of the airbag rolling over that side as well when you compress them, much the same as it does on the rotating arm. There could be a propensity for the rubber to catch on the plate and get cut. We normally put a 1/2" thick diameter plate the same diameter as the steel on the airbag to "offset" it and allow for the compression distance. Very awesome build and excellent engineering and design!

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thank you! Appreciate the feedback as welll

[@alexandermancha7172]

Great job Diff When you fabricate bed I would leave this set up exposed maybe use s thru Acrylic or Lexan. It’s in itself a piece of mechanical art that folks will enjoy viewing.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Yes, that's the plan!🙂

[@c-man5679]

I love that box with the controls, it looks like it belongs in a 1939 Hudson

[@stevenm3141]

I see an access door in the back of the cab. Right in front of the bolts! Just a round hole with a round piece of metal held on with a few screws.... So far you're at awesome on the meter! "Keep on truckin"

[@NzLand3r]

I think your show is so compelling because you follow each project through to completion - I love that. 😊

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks mate!

[@ishsiriram8286]

WOW,,, THATS KWAAI. I love it. Awesome job Div. Thank you for sharing. One of a kind. Work of art bro...Truely unique...

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks boet!

[@alanpaulick7815]

Wow Div your engineers has payed off. Great airbay fab. Take care boet and waiting for the next updates.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks boet!

[@terrencebuller7676]

Nice job Div, that air bag system is really awesome. The Tyre inflation system box is really cool also. Keep up the great work and I will see you next time. Be good my friend and have a Lekka day. 👍

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks brother!

[@morneviljoen6733]

Howzit Div Been a minute ....hope you're doing well? The suspension is working a treat....great bushcraft engineering...have a super awesome week a head 🙌....gooi 🌽🌽🌽

[@ratrodsafrica]

😁 Gooi mielies pappie!😂

[@RobertTarantino-c9e]

Thank you, very informative and imaginative. Looking forward to seeing more

[@donniehodge2548]

Another good video Diff KEEP THEM COMING 👏 🇺🇲 👌

[@johnnym1320]

Pretty cool! you could always use a leveling valve from a truck suspension to adjust the ride height

[@joshuadille5005]

Ya may haft to pre load the system. But I think you can pull the bars an twist them . Looks good man wow . Great work next level for sure.

[@robertmorrison886]

Awesome 👍👍

[@AndysDogHouse]

Hey Div. I really like how you have that figured out. Great job. Now get the rear end working. Thanks for sharing.👍👍🍁

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks man. Yes, rear end next!

[@Grizzmakes]

Evening Diff, I got almost nothing done on my build this weekend, but your post here has lifted my mood already. I enjoy you enjoying your own successes. Mooi Man !!

[@ratrodsafrica]

Real happy that I could help to lift the mood man!

[@chrismedaris4873]

Really cool u think outside the box so much and it turns out so cool great job

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks Chris!

[@EarlyIronAddict427]

Shut the Front Door !! lol. How cool is that ? That’s WAAAAY COOL MAN ! You will have all the big auto manufacturers trying to get your ideas. lol. Better patent that buddy. Love it ! 👍🏻✌🏻

[@ratrodsafrica]

😁 Thanks man!

[@darellsunderlin4670]

I'd say your thinking is spot on , it's a beautiful piece of work ! And if your happy what the hell else matters!!! Lol

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks man!

[@JESUS-POTENTATE]

That is some highly scientific rat rod calculations Div. Im diggin it. Have a lekka one...

[@ratrodsafrica]

Uncle Bob might approve 😁

[@DustyMacsGarage]

Nice work Div!! Your design worked out awesome!!! Excited to see this build progress!! Also enjoyed learning about that old tire air machine. Have a lekka one boet!!!

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks boet!

[@donaldwayne4219]

That is some pretty tidy fabrication, real nice

[@williamchildress1459]

I love this setup. You have inspired me to do something similar. Great job can wait to see the truck finished.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks. Happy if I can inspire

[@grinchthe8469]

Wow, that looks cool now. Not just an idea anymore! 🇨🇦👍

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks! The only difference between an idea and reality is persistent action🙂

[@croccustom]

Nice work...........Nothing like old school engineering.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks!

[@tommellen8151]

the airbags look cool. like a muscle man flexing go man

[@robertstevison1448]

Awesome morning brother another awesome adventure with my brother from another country looking awesome going to be another awesome build when you finish !!! The clearance problem is just a minor setback you have already figured out how to fix by the time I am commenting lol !!! Have a lekka one brother and say hi to everyone for me

[@bradpage8967]

Div, you have made a one of a kind suspension there my friend!!

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks man!

[@tomtruesdale6901]

Pretty slick set you designed and built. Very nice job Sir.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thank you Tom

[@Drmcclung]

That truck is gonna have a very nice and pleasant ride to it, given the extra bit of spring rate divided between a real torsion bar and an airbag. Can't wait to hear what it rides like on the road, especially over bumps. Huge added bonus for a low riding rat rod!

[@ratrodsafrica]

Yes, very keen to find out how it's going to work

[@andrewmantle7627]

Great fun Div. Thanks.

[@WILDDRAGON1942]

LOOKS AWESOME

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks!

[@WILDDRAGON1942]

@@ratrodsafrica MY TOY I`M BUILDING kzbin.info/www/bejne/apLLioevYpmeiKc

[@thestreets5206]

Diff , super awesome bru , I could see your plan in my head and always thought it would look sick ☝👍👍🙌🙌👏👏

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks boet!

[@matthewfocke5360]

Amazing ingenuity. Great engineering Div.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thank you brother!

[@jesusbakle2972]

Absolutely love this build thank you for sharing cant wait to see it done!

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thank you and pleasure man!

[@Thedieselkid]

I had the same idea not same design but air bags for the torsion keys on a 2006 gmc and it was the smoothest riding 2500 pickup you ever rode in ..it had a bit of body roll but it worked well I drove it over 30 thousand miles before selling the truck with no issues so its safe to say the concept will actually work..good job👌

[@ratrodsafrica]

Nice to get some feedback, thanks!

[@floridian7143]

Thanks for sharing, always interesting!

[@62_C10]

lekka boet! so cool to see your planning come to fruition.

[@bruceslattengren8587]

It seem like an excellent system good luck with the rest of the build

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thank you!

[@jonchristensen3055]

Fun build! Keep up the good work forest engineer!!

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thank you!

[@eddiealford3579]

Good job Mr. D it works awesome job great video as normal now we will see how the back will do can't wait till next time my friend 👍👍👍

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks Eddie

[@AgentWest]

Beautiful system! Nice that the bags are now at the rear, giving more room for engine and such on the front. I would suggest bump stops on the bag arms though, to keep them from over-extending. As for that leaky air fitting, they can be rebuilt. Drain the hose, then pull back the release collar. Grab that front flange with pliers, put a wrench on the back hex, and unscrew the flange. There _is_ a spring inside, so don't let it fly out! Those quick connect fittings are rather simple in how they work, but there is a cylindrical seal inside that the end of inserted air fitting presses up against. If that seal is worn then the fitting will leak. Replace it with a DIY one (sometimes a piece of fuel hose works) and no more leaks!

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks for the feedback, I will check it out!

[@AgentWest]

@@ratrodsafrica Oh, one thing i forgot to mention about the air fitting. When you go to re-assemble it there will be several small steel balls (they are what actually locks the fittings together) that can be rather frustrating to hold in place. An easy solution is to put some grease in the holes where those balls go, then push them into it. Grease will be sticky enough to hold them temporarily. It's the same as when you are putting together a bearing, for example.

[@ratrodsafrica]

@@AgentWest I'm starting to think it's just easier to buy a new one!😅

[@AgentWest]

@@ratrodsafrica Short answer: yes. Long answer... but you have to go to the store that's some distance away, spend time walking around looking for the new one, exchange your hard-earned money for one... and couple years later you now have two worn out fittings! :D

[@ratrodsafrica]

@@AgentWest also true🙂

[@reedrobb]

This is beautiful. Just the inspiration I needed. I’m in the early stages of building a ‘59 Chevy truck into an all wheel drive Chevy Tahoe. I want to maintain the 4x4. So, the oem torsion bars are a problem with slamming the truck on bags. I had thought of building a tower in the location between the torsion keys. But it will be tight under the front seats. I could extend those bars back as you have done and build an opposing bag system as you have done in the bed of the truck. Genius! Thanks

[@ratrodsafrica]

It's experimental in a way, but looks like it will work just fine!

[@wallacejohnson316]

Really enjoy your work very very very beautiful work details to the point Alice Johnson all the way from New Orleans Louisiana

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thank you Alice!

[@Johnmick1951]

Ideas" and Ideas I use the back up button a lot when watching your content I like seeing what tools you use especially the Div made ones you might find some of the same in my work shop LOL

[@ratrodsafrica]

I love home made tools🙂

[@chriscutajar3297]

Looking mighty good Dif, awesome brother ....! Have a Lekka one Bro !

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks boet!

[@jeffmesser796]

Diff you did it again. Brilliant Forest engineering!! I think you are hiding some advanced design engineering degrees. But that’s ok because I m learning it as you teach it. I salute you sir. Jeff in n c

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks Jeff. The only thing advancing here is my age 😂

[@andrewwalizer8525]

Love the way you did it diff. Something different.

[@gregoryh4601]

Sir What awesome airbag setup. Just found your KZbin link and like to share one for you. Rat Rod Bob. So sweet to see Old School or Old School with some New tricks. 👍🏻

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thank you!

[@77Rickenbacker4001]

Very cool to see it in action!

[@dontolhurst9887]

I think you are right about the airbags working before the torsion bars.

[@ratrodsafrica]

We will find out at some point 😃

[@michaelanderson3771]

Great job Div. works a treat- Maybe a dimple in the rear cab wall for clearance over those bolt heads. Going to work flawlessly static hos about twist when the torsion bar actuates.??

[@ratrodsafrica]

Time will tell hey.🙂

[@DaSoulmann]

Another fabulous video Div... seems to be a rather involved project too. Looking forward to seeing how you recreate the rear section. Watching you welding under the frame, and you suddenly got out, then went to the other side, I though maybe ya had a welding ember on your shirt! Hahahah been there a few times! Great work, thank you for sharing your skills, imagination and humour.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks man.

[@ReduxGarage]

I’d love it if you took some of that industrial/military look for inspiration and made a version of that kit for inside the cab of the truck. Before you said you weren’t going to use that kit for your truck I was thinking, “PLEASE use that in your truck”.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Got some ideas for something interesting...😃

[@jimcarlisle2309]

Good Work, looks great! Wonderful if it can handle the weight, might need a support coil and shock? Comfortable ride.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks Jim. Will be able to handle the weight no problem. The bags are rated for 3500lbs each

[@jodycopeland1]

Best engineering I’ve ever seen

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thank you!

[@glenmiller3783]

Great video Div, love the design of the bag system. I did a similar valve system on my first rat rod and ran into an issue with body roll. when you go around a corner all the air is pushed across to the back on the inside of the corner causing a lot of body lean. My fix was another valve to isolate the left from the right valve.

[@ratrodsafrica]

That's valuable feedback! It's a good point, might just do exactly that. Thanks mate!

[@stashwaxroller1740]

Very Nice Div ! I am curious to see what kind of finish (paint -rust -clear coat ) will be your artistic choice. Truly a work of art man!

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks Randy! Not a fan of clear coat, so it will be paint. Not sure what color yet. Maybe Rat Rod Bob's bare metal finish? What you think?

[@stashwaxroller1740]

@@ratrodsafrica Love the idea of Bob's technique for the mechanism.

[@ratrodsafrica]

@@stashwaxroller1740 cool. Got your stamp of approval then😁

[@LauriEkman]

Nice job, as always, Div! You should think about over pressure valve like one on compressor.

[@ratrodsafrica]

The air tank will have a pressure relief valve to provide that safety 👍

[@roofabombay1338]

Great work! Amazing design.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thank you!

[@Smokkedandslammed]

Perfect, just what I'm looking for, an older SA Gentleman playing with his air bags and ball valves in his garage.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Haha!

[@tracyrenko4171]

Very interesting to watch you figure it out

[@richcaseaxon]

Very cool to see it cycle. Nice job.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks

[@dragontattooee]

Fantastic video Div, that set up. Looks great. Have a lekka one Boet

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks boet!

[@keithlalonde4308]

That contraption reminds me of a pray mantis head very cool 🆒

[@stucook8622]

Thanks for another great one Div!🍺

[@ratrodsafrica]

You are welcome!

[@falckonish]

Greating from Ukrainian Cool , really smart construction.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thank you! Greetings from South Africa

[@gordonstroup882]

Now thats purdy Cool, my friend! ✌️😎👍

[@allanpepper9651]

Watching you from Oz, great to see innovation. I’ve never seen anyone attempt it with torsion bars. Looks like it’s going to work well. You might need to readjust the torsion bars once you get weight on it, but that’s just splines so no big deal. Old guys rule👍😮 Watching with interest

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks mate. Yeah, a little experimental but we will make it work🙂

[@davidwood1923]

Mr. Frankinfab Strike's Again.... You Go!... My South African Brother

[@donhoughton271]

Very cool set up .Great idea .😊

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks man

[@keithpotgieter8202]

Hi Diff , great work , I also build rods in Gauteng but talking from experience i had on a truck I built a valve is required on each wheel because when you go around a corner the body roll loads one side air bag and so pushes air to the other when you just tee them off increasing the body roll all pro systems have a valve per wheel for this reason. Regards Keith Potgieter

[@ratrodsafrica]

That's great feedback, thanks Keith! Yes, I've been discussing this with my mate and we kinda came to the same conclusion after lots of thinking an applying some common sense.🙂 Good to hear from someone who has experienced this first hand. A valve for each bag it will be!😁

[@danielpancu9841]

Great Work, Duff... yo estaria orgulloso de un trabajo asi. Es realmente muy divertido y original... y tambien estetico.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thank you!

[@mr.markov7519]

Looked/sounded like you got some welding sparks hitting you there on 6:35ish. Well, been there done that and it´s never much fun. Ear is one of the worst places to get hit with flaming iron!! Hope it´s not too bad and won´t restict you from going on! Always happy to see you progress.

[@ratrodsafrica]

With around 40 years of welding all sorts of things, there's probably no place where I haven't been hit!😅

[@ericg303]

Can't wait to see what you dream up for the rear suspension.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Planning 4 link on bags

[@markrobertson9015]

Alright that's really cool. I think it is going to be nice. Take care div.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks Mark

[@shedbythetracks]

That was well worth waiting a week to see! Cheers from the shed

[@untouchablemetalworks1719]

Very nice work! Very interesting set up you got there

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thank you!

[@apere003]

truck is coming along awesome

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks!

[@hensleyshobbies-doug7761]

Looking mighty good Dif, awesome brother man! 🤙🤘✌️

[@richardlees778]

Very nice job cool set up