Adjustable air springs?

[looch]

I just drove my Chief to Idaho on a fishing trip. The roof rack was loaded to the tilt, the cargo area stuffed with gear, and there were three passengers. The Jeep did great (there was about a foot and a half of snow on the highway going there!), but I noticed that the rear was really sagging. So, I have been contemplating adding those adjustable air bag helpers to the rear suspension. My questions are these---has anyone ever used these? How much will it affect my articulation in the back? Is there a company that makes them for my application (1980 WT Chief)? Would helper springs be a better option? Thanks

[porchpiggy]

My 88GW has air shocks from the PO, it helps a lot when loaded up, it's nice to have the adjustability over a stiffer "helper" spring. They work really well, which suprised me a little. Yes it will affect articulation, depends on your set up and air pressure in the shocks. The air bags you are talking about look pretty easy to install, bolts to the frame above the leaf/axle, attatches to the axle. They are expensive, but give you the ability to adjust air pressure, my father in law used them on a half ton pick up to tow a fith wheel, he liked them a lot.

[graham]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by looch:
So, I have been contemplating adding those adjustable air bag helpers to the rear suspension. My questions are these---has anyone ever used these? How much will it affect my articulation in the back? Is there a company that makes them for my application (1980 WT Chief)? Would helper springs be a better option? Thanks<hr></blockquote>

looch, I've used these on the other half's ride. 87 Missan Skyline. These best handling mod Ive ever made to a car. I think they work better on coil spring applications than leaf sprung vehicles. Advantage of the boss's set up is that they have a seperate air supply to each air bag. Air shocks tend to be connected together, allowing for a lot more sway as the weight transfers from one side to the other.

As for suitability on a FSJ, I would not think they would be to good. Limited movement = less articulation. IMHO do a rear shackle flip. this was the route I took, and has worked fine for the way I use my Jeep. Reasonably easy to do and cost would be less than lift kit. AAL's not sure of cost comparison, though lots on the forum have gone this way and would have more knowledge than me.

Have a look at this, has worked for me from nearly a year now.
Shackle Flip...My Way (http://www.geocities.com/ozbearhunter/suspension) Just click on a pic to enlarge it.

BTW, didjya cacht any fish?

[ March 25, 2002: Message edited by: graham ]</p>

[Rolling$Pit]

Has anyone tried the Roadmaster system? It looks easy to put on and it's only supposed to effect the ride when weight is added.

[looch]

Graham--Did that shackle flip make the Jeep look "front heavy"? I was also concerned with over stressing my spring pack. Yes I did catch fish---only 2, but well worth the trip--one 10-12 pound steelhead and a relatively small one about 24" long. I am now hooked.

[82wagonlimtd]

graham...started reading your post and saw...Nissan Skyline..almost fell over, then realized OH YEAH! he lives in a not so anal about performance country....I want a holden with a bed and an LS1....will you ship me one please.....oh yeah and also one of those Mad Max Falcons...

Thanks.

Andy