Air Ride, pro's and con's ?

[Roadant]

Think of doing a four wheel air ride suspension, any comments, which one to use? how bad does it screw up the steering and front end as far as camber/caster/ etc.
Can I use a CPP 500 PS box, stock A frames?

[Chevy57Ray]

Hi, I run AirRide shockwaves 1st generation since 5 years and still going good, only at the front. The rear is stock, just lowered on leaves. I got stock front end on drop spindle, manual steering box and the alignment is just fine at a fix height, but I must says that you must find a guy that will do it correctly... not as per stock spec's. I did 3 differents garage and a set of front tires to find the good one.
The look is great, the ride is stiff and at some point can be adjust depend what's you're bargain for.

[TooBadBrad]

my son has full air ride bags on his El Camino, I don't like it. It is too firm and rides bad if it has enough air to get a usable ride ht, or it is mushy and handles bad when low. I wouldn't use it on a vehicle I was going to drive.

On my 38 Plymouth I took a leaf out of the rear and use bags to adjust the ride ht. Better, but still a little firm. I'm sticking with springs on my 56.

[NickP]

WADR................Bags or ShockWaves® I or II as with any front/rear suspension changes other than stock ride height, require proper setup. As with a Coilover shock, ShockWaves®, I or II function in much the same manner, they both have an installed height. Altering that or deviating away from the needed setting does just as described, lessens the ride/handling characteristics.

My chassis is set up for ShockWaves® I. I have complete confidence in their capabilities to perform. I might suggest that you call Air Ride Tech and visit with them regarding any questions you might have.

http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1600/2283636/6594382/89891980.jpg

[56onAir]

I have air suspension on my 98 dodge ram and my 72 chevy suburban and love both vehicles. The suburban rides better than the dodge but thats because of the way each is set up. Both ride better than a similar vehicle with a static drop. (taking out leafs/cutting coils etc) I will be putting air suspension on my 56 in the near future. I would reccomend that you go to a shop and have someone custom build yoru air suspenion rather than using shockwaves. I believe that a custom setup for your individual car is much better than trying to make a shockwave kit fit your application. Be careful and do your research air suspension isnt for rookies there are very few shops who i trust to do mine

[henrys57wagon]

I built my own air bag system for the rear of the wagon(kept two leafs) and then bought an Airlift self leveling control system and have no problems with the ride or handling, good day, Henry.
http://pic19.picturetrail.com/VOL1054/6190841/15566447/265187520.jpg