Thread: Sway bars and air bag conversion

While slogging it out on run this morning i for some reasons started to think about air suspension

Given you going to air i think there are a few thing to consider when setting up shocks and the need for disconnecting sway bars.

I run air bag man off the shelf +2 bags on the rear....it’s been designed and everything just fitted and have had no issue, but I did pay for the convenance.

My thoughts.....

The bag have recommended travel height and max. Extension. My current shocks limit the extension to less the max recommended. With my new front coils I’ve only just been able to get the rear bags operating in the recommended window.

My guess is it will be difficult to get the right length shock to limit the bags extension, I’ll be going the shock on the short side, could also use straps around the diff.

You’re considering having sway bars that disconnect, as you know bags don’t dislocate like springs and you might be extend the bag, therefore I’m guessing you might get max. travel of your bag with sway bar fitted and correct shock.

The other thing I though of is and air bag is always under pressure even when it starts extending past the normal operating range unlike a coil spring once its at free open length it’s resisting against the weight of the diff which maybe why disconnecting sway bar is beneficial for coil sprung. Where the airbag in theory will continue to push the diff down unit the bag is at zero PSI.

I guessing when touring you will tackle younger tracks than me but you still need to considering how your going to restrict the down travel of your bag.....this may mean set bar can stay in place through full range.

Food for thought.......although I’m sure there are wiser members.

Originally Posted by steveG

Thought I'd kept details on the front bags that Rangier Rover and Rovercare fitted but can't find them ATM. Not sure if I've ever had the Airbagman bag details.
Keen to add front bags to my notes if anyone has info.

Steve

Thanks Steve for the post trawl

Stolen from the posts i have read (i cut and pasted it into a doc so i have info in 1 place)

Airbag man part numbers, Front (same as replacement for RRC)
AB0002 Bellows 150x406mm ea
DP313190200M Piston 150mm MODIFIED EACH
DP314740014 170mm Top Plate Std


Rangier Rover used prado tops with AB0002 bellows - part # for prado top CC1030 and CC1031 - combo will give 320mm normal ride height.

(Rear) Rangier Rover uses Airbag man AB0056 with AB 0070 piston (might be the -7 bellow)


Closed height = 227mm

Fully extended=547mm


Bush65 uses W01-358-9327 up front and W01-358-5429 in rear (Firestone i think)


CAL415 runs 1T14C-8 bellows with NAD-18053 piston. The NAD-18053 piston is stolen from the 1T14C-7 bellow (W01-358-5426). Airbag man charge about $70 a bag to mix and match bellow to piston