Post by F3W on Jan 24, 2009 1:31:25 GMT -5
I would like to a give a little info on the benefits of using air bags...though there are many ways that any particular one system can be designed, I will just mention the basic components.
I am not an air bag specialist or a NASA engineer, but know enough about the benefits of AB over springs to explain some of the pros.
When building any RT and you are not sure of its final weight, AB's are not really a science here...you can talk with any spring manufacturer and you will just want to pull your hair out...they will talk about so much math, it will drive ya nuts...first they want to know the length, curb weight and the weight that is being applied on each tire...then they have a formula that will only be a close guesstimate but they can't guarantee that you will like the ride quality.
When you go the AB route, you just need to design your RT and then figure if your going to go with a power station with solenoids and valves, air tank and gauges or you could simply just tie the 2 front bags into one line with one air gauge and fill at the local station or home to the desired ride quality...depending on where you shop, you could get by pretty cheap on a starting system...you could also convert your RT's MC rear suspension from a mono coil over to a AB system as well and have a excellent ride.
The AB system is so universal that your imagination is your only boundary...you will get full adjustabilty with AB's at all three wheels so you could drop your RT in the weeds or even lower it while driving the freeway for better aerodynamics...you can raise it to full suspension travel to clear those huge speed bumps at the grocery stores.
The parts list is small and you could even maximize space by turning part of your frame into a air tank by welding in the fittings for the air supply lines.
The parts;
Air compressor
Air Bags
Air Tank
Air gauges and air lines
So this is just an intro lesson so you can determine which route you want to take...I can only say that you wont be disappointed.
Dave
I am not an air bag specialist or a NASA engineer, but know enough about the benefits of AB over springs to explain some of the pros.
When building any RT and you are not sure of its final weight, AB's are not really a science here...you can talk with any spring manufacturer and you will just want to pull your hair out...they will talk about so much math, it will drive ya nuts...first they want to know the length, curb weight and the weight that is being applied on each tire...then they have a formula that will only be a close guesstimate but they can't guarantee that you will like the ride quality.
When you go the AB route, you just need to design your RT and then figure if your going to go with a power station with solenoids and valves, air tank and gauges or you could simply just tie the 2 front bags into one line with one air gauge and fill at the local station or home to the desired ride quality...depending on where you shop, you could get by pretty cheap on a starting system...you could also convert your RT's MC rear suspension from a mono coil over to a AB system as well and have a excellent ride.
The AB system is so universal that your imagination is your only boundary...you will get full adjustabilty with AB's at all three wheels so you could drop your RT in the weeds or even lower it while driving the freeway for better aerodynamics...you can raise it to full suspension travel to clear those huge speed bumps at the grocery stores.
The parts list is small and you could even maximize space by turning part of your frame into a air tank by welding in the fittings for the air supply lines.
The parts;
Air compressor
Air Bags
Air Tank
Air gauges and air lines
So this is just an intro lesson so you can determine which route you want to take...I can only say that you wont be disappointed.
Dave