Air ride suspension.. Opinions needed!

B

bigmoneycloser

New member
Ok
So this has come to topic again for me.
Since the big brake kit won't allow me to run my spare tire Ever....

We could mount a 5 gallon tank and two compressors in the well and after deadening the compressor sound won't be that bad.. Since it only runs 60 seconds at a time and only when needed..

I know about the flex running air.
Was curious if anyone else has experience or opinions on it? Other than cool factor..

Good, bad, performance, comfort..
All the feedback I have gotten is that it will be better in all aspects...
Thx guys




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With your rims and H&R springs, the ride height of your ESport looks about perfect to me, why would you want to go lower? Isn't that the primary reason to go with an air suspension? I see cars with air parked, dumped all the way down and  sitting on the frame rails, It looks cool on a 63 Impala but an Explorer ???
 
That's part of my question too.
The air would allow me to ride higher when I'm just cruising or want more travel and then low for more aggressive driving and then the ability to drop it to the ground..


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bmc's looking to do a run at the track, maybe it will help to have a lowered suspension there?  Not sure how air compares to springs/coilovers.
 
OK… here's my opinion… 

You have H&R lowering springs on your ride which looks stellar at that height.  You do something beside drag racing 99.999% of the time your driving it.  If the H&R's give you the ride you want, and your not going too invest in Meth and NOS for all out performance where a little more lowering may mean a faster trap speed, I'd say spend the money on another mod…...your like me,….. always working out a new mod….. so I know there's another one coming.

I  do agree the "cool factor" is there… but my son has front airs on his F150… and so is the nuisance factor every time he starts it.

 
Problem right now is the need to custom-make everything on the front struts.  This will be easier with coilovers, which could be then done up with some airbags or something. 

As you know, the 2013+ setups (my Flex, your Explorer) use a different strut mounting method up front, and the aftermarket hasn't caught up yet.

FYI, the spare tire well is where my subwoofers go.  It is a very nice place if you want to utilize it. 


I just carry one of my full size wheels and tires like luggage in a bag when I go on trips.  Works well and raises the confidence factor that if we have a flat tire, we're not forced to limp for a few miles praying someone is open to fix or replace a 22" tire.
 
Yeah, the set up will be custom made for my truck but they said it's no big deal and no more expensive then a pre done set up as this is how most of their kits get started.
I'm still on the fence about it...
I really think the air will be COOL.... The management system allows for 3 presets and ability to set an auto up/down and start/shut down.. Plus individual control. Along with self leveling and control via iPhone wifi...

Airs up in seconds and tanks fill in less than 60 seconds...

Any other input welcome.. Still on the fence..

 
bigmoneycloser said:
Yeah, the set up will be custom made for my truck but they said it's no big deal and no more expensive then a pre done set up as this is how most of their kits get started.
I'm still on the fence about it...
I really think the air will be COOL.... The management system allows for 3 presets and ability to set an auto up/down and start/shut down.. Plus individual control. Along with self leveling and control via iPhone wifi...

Airs up in seconds and tanks fill in less than 60 seconds...

Any other input welcome.. Still on the fence..
Click to expand...

Half the fun of MODDING is that not everything comes off the shelf ...

CUSTOM one of's are WAY COOL ..... GO FOR IT !
 
Lol
I really want to do it..
I'm just having an internal struggle with whether or not I will really take advantage of it.. Or even like it...
Still considering..lol


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It may be "cool" but I think you are looking at a major expense without any real benefit...how many times would you really need/want to adjust ride height, unless you are showing the system to someone? Your truck looks great now, and I'm not sure about weight, but you would be adding some weight with the air ride system.  If you think the expense is worth it, it would be neat, but I just don't see you using it enough to justify the expense, but hey, that's just me...
 
How much are we talking about?

I've been considering this, but I'm hearing numbers into the many-thousands.  I had thought about doing this with a hideaway tank or pair of tanks, behind the bumper area.  Can't use the spare tire well in my case.

Kiwee (a Flex member) did his 09 Flex on bags, and it cost a LOT.  He first had to have custom coilovers made, and then those fronts were cut up and bags installed.  Then the phone-controlled ride height system, which is awesome.  He can lay down to the subframe I think.
 
bigmoneycloser said:
I'm waiting on an exact number.
But should be between $4k-$5k parts labor.... And layin on the ground..
Click to expand...


Ehhh, think I'll wait for coilovers.  Those will be under 1/4 of that, and may actually end up riding better.  I'd rather spread that money out on audio and such.  But by all means, rock it if you got it.
 
Some of the,best riding cars use air ride. The auto leveling feature is great for towing or even a car full of people and lugage. Yes its expensive. But ther is a reason land rover, porsche, mercedes benz use this tech on there suv and large cars. For all out cornering and grip its not the best but still better than stock shocks and springs. Not sure they could compete with coil overs in the sport aspect
 
panther427 said:
Some of the,best riding cars use air ride. The auto leveling feature is great for towing or even a car full of people and lugage. Yes its expensive. But ther is a reason land rover, porsche, mercedes benz use this tech on there suv and large cars. For all out cornering and grip its not the best but still better than stock shocks and springs. Not sure they could compete with coil overs in the sport aspect
Click to expand...

This is acknowledged but from experience of an actual member who installed air-ride in their own Flex, he said it doesn't ride all that great.  Be mindful that our suspension is not as sophisticated as the cars you mentioned.

You know what would be cool though?  I'd like to see if the Lincoln MKT's air ride suspension could be adapted.  That probably would work.
 
Price came in at $4800.
I gotten have the downpipes and catch can installed first..
They will take some measurements and pictures while in there to confirm and double check all the fitment for it...
Then I have to make a decision...


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