Air Bags Limit Articulaton - Myth Busted!
Submitted: Monday, Nov 14, 2005 at 11:49
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Member - Jeff M (WA)
I fitted my new rear
suspension on Thursday and Friday to the surf, we went down the road and did a little test to see the flex. I've got the firestone airbags in and have heard the ruhmors that they effect "serious" articulation... Nup. I don't think so.
Firestones were at 15psi and the car was'nt loaded up with any gear.
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Reply By: Rod W - Monday, Nov 14, 2005 at 12:29
Monday, Nov 14, 2005 at 12:29
Jeffery, what do ya mean 'wasn't loaded'... going by the list in your vehicle description, its loaded to the hilt.
Catch ya
Rod
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Follow Up By: Member - Jeff M (WA) - Monday, Nov 14, 2005 at 12:56
Monday, Nov 14, 2005 at 12:56
Well comparativly speaking anyway... hence the third upgrade to the rear
suspension since I've had it. ;-)
Still sitting about the same as she was though, maybe an inche higher. I was after more ground clearance just a better ride off road for the kinds in the back (and my gear) and much better articulation to counter the IFS. At least now the back
wheels are always on the ground!
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Reply By: Roly - Monday, Nov 14, 2005 at 17:01
Monday, Nov 14, 2005 at 17:01
I've heard that cross linking the airbags, with an inline valve that can be opened when off-road, will give you more articulation.
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Follow Up By: Member - Jeff M (WA) - Monday, Nov 14, 2005 at 17:27
Monday, Nov 14, 2005 at 17:27
Sounds like I good idea. I don't think I'll need it at this point as the shocks still had more down travel in them and as it is I need to work out a way to strap the coil to the base so it doesn't fall out! ;-)
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Reply By: Crackles - Monday, Nov 14, 2005 at 22:46
Monday, Nov 14, 2005 at 22:46
Gaday Jeff. I don't think you've quite busted the theory yet that air bags restrict articulation completely, rather for your model vehicle it makes very little differnce.
In a previous leaf sprung Hilux I owned I fitted Polyairs only to have the travel lessened by nearly 50mm with only 5 PSI so different cars & different spring set ups may have a different result.
My current 105 Cruiser has the Polyairs & although like your car it appears not to effect travel, when hitting bumps at speed or multiple rocks when slow I don't believe I'm getting the full travel to the bump stop like I used to.
Air bags are a compromise which I fitted so I can pack in enough gear to keep 4 woman happy ;-)
Cheers Craig...........
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Follow Up By: Member - Jeff M (WA) - Monday, Nov 14, 2005 at 23:30
Monday, Nov 14, 2005 at 23:30
Well fair enough, Leaf springs would be a totally different kettle of fish, and I havn't had any personal experience with air bags on leafs. However if what the surf's doing now is a comprimise, I'm more than happy with that! ;-)
We went up to
Wilbinga (sand tracks/dunes etc) on the weekend and it was articulating very
well with 20psi in and a moderate load. it was flexing so much the tail shaft was rubbing the petrol
tank guard and that was on basic sand tracks.
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