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If you’re looking to get an air suspension system for your vehicle, you should know more about what all that entails. Fortunately for you, we’re experts on the subject. We started in 2012, but many of our staff have been working on air bagged vehicles since the 1990s. Point is, we know our stuff, and now we can help educate you on what everything is and what it does.
So let’s just dive right in. There are a few key components found in any air suspension system, and it all starts with …
Air Bags
Air bags are the method used to lift, lower or add extra capacity to your truck. They come in many different shapes and sizes, and some are vehicle specific. Regardless, they all do the same thing: support the weight of your vehicle.
Your suspension likely has a spring of some kind and a shock absorber. The spring holds the suspension at ride height and allows it to travel up and down. Meanwhile, the shock absorber dampens that travel, which can either be kept tight for handling capabilities or loose for a smoother ride.
Air bags usually replace the spring, but in the case of rear air bag helper kits, they provide extra carrying capacity. If you are replacing the spring, then you get an air bag that can lift and lower to specified amounts. Your suspension travels up and down with the amount of pressure held in the air bag, and that also controls your ride height. This is how some people have cars or trucks that sit literally on the ground and are still able to drive them.
Air Compressors & Air Tanks
An air compressor takes the air in the atmosphere and then pressurizes it for storage in an air tank. This combination creates a pressurized vessel that holds up to 200 PSI (pounds per square inch) of air. You need that kind of pressure to lift the weight of the vehicle, particularly the engine.
Depending on what you own, you can get different sizes and quantities of air compressors and tanks. Speak to one of our specialists for specifics, as they can help guide you down the right path.
Air Valves
To get the air to the air bags, you need a method of delivery. Air valves do that job for you. By hitting a switch, the valve will open and direct the air either from the tank to the air bag or vice versa.
Air Line
Air line delivers the air from the valves to the air bags. There are different diameters of air line, and you can get D.O.T. approved and metal hard line. Both need to be secured to the chassis via hose clamps or something similar, as you don’t want them to fall and drag on the ground.
Air Controllers
This category involves products from companies like Accuair and Air Lift Performance. These are digital air management kits that give you a special controller (naturally) and sensors that allow you to save your ride height at various levels. In some cases, all you have to do is turn on your vehicle and the car or truck will lift to your ideal ride height. They’re pretty great.
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Now there are other things involved in air suspension systems, and if you have additional questions about them, don’t hesitate to reach out. We also sell a book on the subject called How to Install Air Ride Suspension if you want to go even deeper.
