Air shock install questions

[mr scoops]

Hi folks, I've not been on here for a while but I'm back and have the mojo to get my 71 EB back out and sorted too!
I've had a DIY air-ride kit in my garage since picking it up from someone (possibly from here, I forget) at EBI last year.

So, here's what I have......




I'm sure the fella I bought it from said he had run the system on his bus, or a similar system. I just want to be able to lift the front and rear about 1-2"

Can anyone tell me what I else I need to add to this kit to install it? Anybody running similar?

I"m sorry for the questions, I know there's been loads of air related stuff before......

 

[Webbaldo]

I had air ride in my beetle until recently.

Dunno for buses but the shocks didn't have the strength to lift the back of the bug with the engine's weight. (Theyd work but wouldn't last long!) Might be different on buses.

Never tried a landrover pump like you have. Might work.

Kit doesn't look complete, the front looks like its been run off the 'T' line, connected to an electronic solenoid valve (had mine the same)

I used a Viair 380c compressor to deal with the high PSI required.

 

[*Sam*]

I run air all round and get lift no problems.
You will need a gauge and switch of some sort to turn the compressor on and off, you will also need a bleed valve to empty the shocks.
The air shocks work best with lift arms welded on to your front lower arms.

If you have a look at my build thread you will get an idea.
I started with just front air the upgraded the whole system and went for air all round with a tank etc.
If you need a gauge I have a couple you can have for £15 each.
Probably got some Union and Ts kicking around if you need them and some pipe etc.

 

[mr scoops]

Sam, just had a look at your thread Dude.
So you're running air shocks all round with the springs still in place.

If I'm right I think I need gauges, switches, manifold and bleed valves.

How much would you want for the gauges and the other stuff all in?

I've got 1,000,001 questions for you! LOL!

How much life do you get front and rear? Do I need to run a tank too? Will my Landrover compressor be up to the job or should I ditch it and get a new one?

 

[*Sam*]

I think there is probably a few way you can do it.
I think if you are running 4 shocks you need a tank as it will take a while to pump all the shocks up without.

You can use electronic valves or manual, I didn't want to deal with all the wires and the shocks I have are 200psi which pushes the cost up when looking at electronic valves.
You don't have to have 4 valves you could run them in pairs but I figured having them independent would allow me to level the bus when camping.

I wouldn't rush to change the compressor, I would do a bit of research as they tend to have run/rest times so could be something like 3mins run =15min rest. Also see if you can fill a tank with it in the required time.

You need a tank fitting kit and pressure blow of valve etc.

You don't have to have a manifold block but I think it makes a neater job.

At a minimum you would need 1 twin needle gauge or 2 singles .

Lift wise I can't remember but I have never had a problem with it no rising or not rising enough.

You can have the gauges for £30 posted but I would decide what set up your gonna run first and then decide what gauges.

If you want to PM me I can give you my mobile no.

 

[mr scoops]

Thanks for the advice mate.

I was also going to ask about the mods required to the front spindles......

 

[*Sam*]

No worries.
Sure they are from T2D and move the bottom of the shock backwards and away from the beam. It allows the shocks to work at a better angle giving more lift and taking the stress away from the rubber bushes.

I also forgot to say I used Lee savage for my air parts excluding the shocks.