I think that there is a lot of good and bad information out there about Air Suspension. And there should be 1 good source of information for some one who is thinking about Air to go to. And i want this thread to be that. This is going to be a break down of your standard air suspension setup, along with its uses, tricks, pro’s and con’s.

There are a lot of experienced People on this forum who have Years and Years of playing with Air under there belt. And there voices are who we should be listening to! So please feel free to chime in with any useful information you have.

THANKS

Components of the air suspension. An air suspension has Two basic groups of components. The air supply (Air Management System) (AMS) and the air bags. Now Remember, there are many different types of these components and different arrangements of how these components can be used. Be Creative! But also be safe.

The Air Management System consists of an air compressor, the air tanks, air valves and air lines.

The Air compressor(s) are what fills the tanks with air. They are hooked up to 30/40 amp relays and a pressure switch. When your PSI drops below a certain level they turn back on to refill the tanks. There are different pumps with different duty cycles, PSI limits, and CFM ratings.

The AMS is maintained through an arrangement of air tanks. Air tank arrangement is one thing that varies greatly between different air systems. It all depends on how much you are playing with the air. Or if it’s just meant to get you up and rolling low and slow.

There are different valves used in the air systems also. There are Manual valves (paddle valves) and Electric valves. The valves control the amount of air that is allowed into each bag.

Air bags. Air bags are simply a rubber bladder that holds air. Air bags are also referred to as air springs or bellows. The air bags are located between the frame/body of the vehicle and the vehicle axles/control arms.

There are Different types of air bags. There are air bags, air struts, and air can’s. -Air struts are just like your standard factory strut. But instead of a spring, there is a bag there. Struts make it so you can keep the smooth ride of air, without the extreme bouncing or the large amounts of body roll.-Air cans are a hydraulic cylinder that is modified for air. It allows you put have air plumbed into both sides of the piston. So you can lift your car, or lower it enough to pick your wheels off the ground. Air cans are a VERY stiff ride.

There are 3 normal types of AMS kits. -Front back. This uses only 4 valves. • 1 to lift the front. • 1 to drop the front. • 1 to lift the back. • 1 to lower the back

Front backs are cheaper but are not as safe. It locks the air into the front of the car, but it doesn’t determine which bags it goes into. Allowing the air to transfer between both bags and giving the vehicle A LOT of body roll.

-Front back side side. This uses 8 valves.• 1 to lift the front right • 1 to drop the front right• 1 to lift the front left• 1 to drop the front left• 1 to lift the back right • 1 to drop the back right• 1 to lift the back left • 1 to drop the back left

Front back side side kits are twice the money in valves as FB kits, but they are safer. With the air locked into each bag then you do not get near as much body roll. Also, it allows you to level out the car better. If you have a lot of weight in one side then you can just tap up that side.

Paddle Valve systems are only 4 little plastic ¼’ valves. One goes to each bag and fills it REALLY slow. And when you dump it, the exhaust exits out the back of the valve into your cabin.

I know there is a lot more to it. So keep on adding Fellow NICO members!!