Air Bag Install

[OneQuikV6]

Anyone have a link to a page with an Air Bag install? I'm looking for a detailed page with pics to help me with installing the Air Lift Bags. Anyone have a link??

 

[John Larkin]

No links but it's very easy. Squeeze all the air out of the airbag. Make it as flat and thin as possible by folding the end w/o the nipple over. Shove it in between the spring winds about halfway up the spring. Keep feeding it in and squeezing until it's inside the spring (this is the hardest part). Then slip the spacer donut under the bag and around the nipple. Slide one end of the line onto the nipple (give it a little spit or water to make it slide onto the barbed end). Then route the line to the rear bumper (you can go through the frame rail if you like leaving a good bit of slack between the bag and the frame rail hole for suspension travel). When you get to the bumper, look for two holes that aren't drilled all the way through on the bottom of the bumper. Drill through the one that's about 4" outboard of the bumperette. Squirt it with a little paint to prevent rust. Then install your valve there. Now do the other side. Finally, install your heat shields on the exhaust so you cover as much of the bag as possible. Taking your time, it should take about 1.5 hours start to finish.

 

[OneQuikV6]

Thanks John! I didn't think it was all that difficult, but I was curious about any "gotcha's"

 

[V8_bait]

While we're on the topic...

Speaking of airbags...where is the best place to order a set?

 

[OneQuikV6]

Re: While we're on the topic...

Originally posted by V8_bait
Speaking of airbags...where is the best place to order a set?

Got mine from Ramchargers. Mike was about 3 buck cheaper than Cotton's, so I bought them there. I do, however, try and spread out my buisness to all the best vendors. I think however, that they are the cheapest from Summit or Jegs. I think about $62.00.

 

[TR Custom Parts]

No drilling necessary for air valves! Just remove two of the bolts and the valves fit perfectly. How many of you are not running the heat shields for the bags. Don't have them on my car and so far so good. Haven't melted yet and have driven steady for over 2 hours with them on the GN.

 

[OneQuikV6]

Originally posted by BuickGn Boosted
No drilling necessary for air valves! Just remove two of the bolts and the valves fit perfectly. How many of you are not running the heat shields for the bags. Don't have them on my car and so far so good. Haven't melted yet and have driven steady for over 2 hours with them on the GN.

Oh N O W you tell me I just got done trying to drill the hole with a drill bit that was a tad too small. (couldn't find my 5/16th) They work though although I don't like the angle of the valves as they come through the top of the bumper. Almost too tight to get the lines on.

Re: the sheilds...I have a custom (read: muffler shop built) 3" single shot setup and at first glance, I didn't think the sheild would fit between the tailpipe and the spring. Bent as per the instructions it wouldn't...but after a little tweaking on the shield, it went in fine. I felt the tailpipe after about 20 minutes of driving and it is waaay too hot to touch. I'd put the shield in there without a doubt

 

[Dan Thompson]

Does the valve go on top or bottom?

I made a small brack to hold the airbag valve and placed it on the inside middle of the bumper. The valve point down and are really easy to put air in them..

I was thinking about running the lines to inside the trunk where I have a small 12v air compressor. But havn't got to it yet.

 

[turbojimmy]

I don't have any sheilds, either. Seem okay.

For the fill valves, I just wire tied 'em to the shock mount on the axle. I don't need to get at them enough to justify putting them in a more convenient place.

Jim

 

[SPOOLFOOL2]

cool valve stem location.

I installed a set of bags a month ago. After pondering the different valve stem locations for about hour. I think I found a good one. Ya know when you pull down the license plate to fill the gas tank? Well, there are these two little rubber bumpers that the plate rests against when its in the up position. Pop the bumpers out, and inlarge holes to 5/16. You'll need to take apart your licence plate frame and tail lights to get proper access. I think it looks pritty slick when done. Also, make sure you put the plastic caps on the valve stems for the licence plate to rest agianst. Good luck .

 

[bar87]

no heat shields on mine....theyve been in for 4 months & still holding air

 

[OneQuikV6]

Now - how much air

Here's another question:

Where do you guys keep yours when just driving around normally? Mine have 5lbs in each and the car is somewhat jacked up in back. It needed it as I'm sure the factory springs are in need of replacing, but I'm just wondering if this is normal??

 

[salvageV6]

Yeah, they kinda suck on the street.

I put a splash of air in the drivers side and about 3-5 lbs. in the passenger side on the street, about all I can stand while cornering swiftly.

Lots more at the track.

 

[Evans Ward]

Re: cool valve stem location.

Originally posted by SPOOLFOOL2
I installed a set of bags a month ago. After pondering the different valve stem locations for about hour. I think I found a good one. Ya know when you pull down the license plate to fill the gas tank? Well, there are these two little rubber bumpers that the plate rests against when its in the up position. Pop the bumpers out, and inlarge holes to 5/16. You'll need to take apart your licence plate frame and tail lights to get proper access. I think it looks pritty slick when done. Also, make sure you put the plastic caps on the valve stems for the licence plate to rest agianst. Good luck .

Just wanted to bring this back to the top and thank SPOOLFOOL2 for his suggestion of where to install and mount the air valves. Was a very simple procedure and gives easy access to the inflation valves. Thanks again SPOOLFOOL2!!