Thread: replacing springs with air bags

I would look at the shocks more so than the springs. These will have a bigger effect on the ride quality, most notably with their bump valving.

reciprovac,

If you want to know and find out for yourself I am sure that an air bag D2 owner could give you a ride. It would help if we knew where you are located.

not everyone is dumping their air bags, I wouldn't have a D2 without them. Ride comfort and the all important self levelling and variable height are a boon. I once had a much loved Isuzu County that I had two sets of springs for and that still didn't give me the flexibility (as opposed to flexiness) my current beasty has.

Originally Posted by reciprovac

I notice many suscribers are dumping their air bags and going for coils as the cheaper option.
I have a D2 on coils and just cannot get a good enough ride for my arthritic backside,despite many combinations of ARB coils.
I previously had a patrol on which I fitted air bags with a good result,can some one who really knows tell me that the airbags will give a softer ride.
Also if I fit air bags with just a single inflation valve to each bag would this be a good arrangement.
I could also cross link them which may improve articulation but how would this affect highway driving?
any knowledgable advice/opinions would be appreciated.
Regards Reciprovac

Hi Reciprovac, I have just changed from a coil spring D2 to a later maodel airbag D2 and they are quite differen't. The air springs are much more comfortable and flexible off road, especially with the ace off. I find it a little less at home on road than the coils, but I think this may have something to do with the shocks.

listen to Slunnie,,,

I have just replaced my rear shocks(and bags!)
before was the wonder limo ride,
after,, well, it isnt anymore.

Originally Posted by Pedro_The_Swift

listen to Slunnie,,,

I have just replaced my rear shocks(and bags!)
before was the wonder limo ride,
after,, well, it isnt anymore.

hey Pedro.
What shocks did you use?

When I bought my Dobinson shocks the Syspensionstuff guy said the Bilstiens were softer. I went for firm for handling on road more then squishy comfort.

reciprovac, Was your D2 fitted with air bags originally or are you adding arfter an after market system?

If you are refitting a factory system and need a compressor have a look around the forum for converting to an ARB compressor on the factory bags. Cheaper thene even a second hand Compressor from a wrecker.

I will soon be refitting my airbags and fitting new shocks as well.

Cheers

Matt

EFS,, They work really well with the camper on the back,, and i suppose if you were leaping huge rock ledges they would be fine,, but they tend to thump a bit unladen,, could just be the noise the new tyres make though,,
thats the trouble when you change lots of things,,,

Tha idea was to replace the existing springs with air bags,not to worry about a compressor and auto levelling, just have a line to the rear of the vehicle to pump up the bags as required. (i have a compressor on board ).
Thanks for all your input guys.