Air bag suspension setup

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caseykeenum

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Nesbit, Mississippi
Ram Year
1990 D150
Engine
2000 Ram 5.2L/318
Alright ladies and gents, let me know the complete A to Z setup I will need for an air bag setup. I have a rough idea, but let me know everything and the pros and cons (also brands). I know I need bags, bag brackets, air line of some kind, solenoid valves, pressure switches, filters, check valves, compressors, tank and more. I have been told that although Accuair appears to be leading the way, it isn't necessarily the best and for a guy like myself (Building on a Budget) definitely not the right price range. My buddy said he liked SMC valves for the ability to "rebuild them". Throw me some more helpful info and what I could look for and where to find those thrifty conscious buys. I am looking to do this project with an experienced friend and a not so experienced friend. Should be fun, let me know what you've got.
 

crazzywolfie

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under the truck
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81 93
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5.2
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caseykeenum

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Nesbit, Mississippi
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1990 D150
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2000 Ram 5.2L/318
i don't know a whole lot about air bags but what i have seen is there is no such thing as cheap. the one place i know of that lists a complete kit for these trucks want $1700 for a kit and that probably don't include shipping.
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crazzywolfie I am not looking to be the cheapest project around, but be mindful of what I can be with a budget in mind. I have spent $1400 so far (price of my project truck and donor truck). I am trying to recoup some of that already by selling the trans from the donor truck and the bed as well. Labor will cost nothing as it will be completely done by myself and friends. The real cost is tools and parts. I say that because I am not going to use easy DOT soft line, I want to use hard line of some type. And we all know nothing is cheap going that route. Also, the package deals you get are okay to get someone started, but I plan to make this as much as possible, a care free driver. On that note, please feel free to offer more insight for Project Low Country. #LOCNTRY
 
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caseykeenum

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1990 D150
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2000 Ram 5.2L/318
Alright, i just got through with a conversation on a FB page dedicated to this generation and asked one of the guys how he got his truck in the weeds. The reply I got was a dakota front clip. Anyone have the information on this? Or will the gentlemen himself perform a write-up on this process? Just curious about the options.
 
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caseykeenum

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Nesbit, Mississippi
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2000 Ram 5.2L/318
Anyone know exactly what I need to take with me to remove the van lca's? Trying to plan my next trip to the scrap yard.
 

Matteo

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Calgary, AB
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2012
Engine
Hemi 5.7
Alright, i just got through with a conversation on a FB page dedicated to this generation and asked one of the guys how he got his truck in the weeds. The reply I got was a dakota front clip. Anyone have the information on this? Or will the gentlemen himself perform a write-up on this process? Just curious about the options.
whats the name of this fb group?
 

codered

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in da ghetto, FL
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1998 QCSB
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magnum 5.9/360
I would try air lift since they're a vendor on the site. Imo I've had people who dealt with arnott products and they were very pleased. Give them a holler and see if they have a kit for your truck. Unlike many compressors sold they don't come with adhesive spray that prevents rust while arnott has that. But, get ready for the price of these babies you get what you pay for especially suspension components. Best of luck and make sure to maintain it all. It also depends on how advanced you want it. I've dealt with Lincoln air suspension that had ride height sensors, the air springs, the compressor, air lines, rubber seals you have to watch and ****** valves. Ford did an ok job with them but maintenance is key. Good thing is you won't bottom out, the air springs rebound faster, the ride remains the same under heavy loads.
 

codered

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magnum 5.9/360
In regards to my previous comment the air lift vendors might be best since you can adjust the ride height by a Shrader valve or by a remote depending on what compressor you go with. Arnott is OEM parts for cars that came factory with air suspension. Imho aftermarket air suspension is better than factory since you can hook the compressor and all your goodies independently. Instead of them being all tied into the computer of the vehicle. Also choosing how many springs on each corner, my guess is a 4 corner. Lowes or home depot has good air lines if the kit you buy doesn't come with any.
 
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caseykeenum

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Location
Nesbit, Mississippi
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1990 D150
Engine
2000 Ram 5.2L/318
In regards to my previous comment the air lift vendors might be best since you can adjust the ride height by a Shrader valve or by a remote depending on what compressor you go with. Arnott is OEM parts for cars that came factory with air suspension. Imho aftermarket air suspension is better than factory since you can hook the compressor and all your goodies independently. Instead of them being all tied into the computer of the vehicle. Also choosing how many springs on each corner, my guess is a 4 corner. Lowes or home depot has good air lines if the kit you buy doesn't come with any.

I appreciate all of the info, I have lucked into all of the DOT line I will need for $50 from some hookups. I plan to go with hardline later. I agree with the aftermarket air suspension comment. I am still pricing and scouting and will post updates as progress is made.
 

codered

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Location
in da ghetto, FL
Ram Year
1998 QCSB
Engine
magnum 5.9/360
I appreciate all of the info, I have lucked into all of the DOT line I will need for $50 from some hookups. I plan to go with hardline later. I agree with the aftermarket air suspension comment. I am still pricing and scouting and will post updates as progress is made.
:waytogo: I'll be looking foward to seeing another vehicle ridding on air.
 

Univoftnvol

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Location
Franklin, Tennessee
Ram Year
2018
Engine
Hemi 5.7
I would try air lift since they're a vendor on the site. Imo I've had people who dealt with arnott products and they were very pleased. Give them a holler and see if they have a kit for your truck. Unlike many compressors sold they don't come with adhesive spray that prevents rust while arnott has that. But, get ready for the price of these babies you get what you pay for especially suspension components. Best of luck and make sure to maintain it all. It also depends on how advanced you want it. I've dealt with Lincoln air suspension that had ride height sensors, the air springs, the compressor, air lines, rubber seals you have to watch and ****** valves. Ford did an ok job with them but maintenance is key. Good thing is you won't bottom out, the air springs rebound faster, the ride remains the same under heavy loads.
 

Univoftnvol

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Franklin, Tennessee
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2018
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Hemi 5.7
Arnott just launched the front air struts part number AS-3017 for all RAMS that came from the factory with air suspension. 2013-2018. They also launched the rear air spring part number A-3016 again for RAM 2013-2018 that came from the factor with air.
 

sundog_

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Alberta
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1985 D150 Short Box
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n/a :P
Ill be putting my truck on air in the next couple of months. Ive done airride projects in the past, so I might be able to help you with the components. As for modifying the truck specific stuff, thats something Im finding out myself.

The objective is to keep neutral geometry at ride height. These front ends can be somewhat easily modified to make it work, with pie cutting the a arms, or making extended uppers.

The benefit I see with a whole front clip is better steering, and more availability for arms, bj's, brakes, etc.

Let us know what you find!
 
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