Air Bags Advise

Submitted: Tuesday, May 15, 2007 at 20:54
ThreadID: 45521 Views:2135 Replies:4 FollowUps:6
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I have a LC100 Series V8 Petrol, Just purchased a Bustracker Camper, and a friend said I should install, Brand name "Mr Air Bags" to help lift the rear end of the Vehicle and get a better ride, Anyone know about "Mr Air Bags" and I am not talking about some of the members (Joke)
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Reply By: Member - Tim - Stratford (VIC) - Tuesday, May 15, 2007 at 20:59

Tuesday, May 15, 2007 at 20:59
Mike,

I have a 100s GXL T/D and pondered this same question for towing our Kimberley Kamper (rather heavy ball weight) - was advised to fit HD springs/shocks.

I went this option and it handles it extremely well. I went with the ATS4x4 (Geelong) kit fitted by them. It raised the suspension to a more usable level and hardly moves with the Kamper hooked up.

One thing to consider if using bags is that they maintain height rather than raise height. If you're on a trip and 'set' the air bags and then leave the van at a park or camp and go touring in just the LC then the bags may have to be let down. Next time you 'hook-up' you'll need to re-air the bags - I would find this a pain, but each to their own.

My 2c worth.
AnswerID: 240208

Follow Up By: Muzzgit [WA] - Tuesday, May 15, 2007 at 23:09

Tuesday, May 15, 2007 at 23:09
Tim, what you say about the airbags is spot on, but the one benefit with them is that you aren't always adjusting your headlights and spotties if you do a bit of night driving.

I went the heavier spring option, and although they ride very well with or without load, I am getting tired of mucking around with headlights and spotlights, looking for a wall in an out of the way place to line 'em all up.

Heavier springs (for just the rear) are way cheaper.
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FollowupID: 501221

Follow Up By: Member - Captain (WA) - Wednesday, May 16, 2007 at 09:13

Wednesday, May 16, 2007 at 09:13
Hi Muzzgit,

I bought my GU airbags from Trucksprings via email in the USA and they cost me ~$175 to my door. My 80 series Kings springs cost me $225 fitted. Not including fitting the airbags myself (~2 hours) they worked out cheaper for me.

Cheers

Captain
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Follow Up By: Member - Duncs - Wednesday, May 16, 2007 at 09:20

Wednesday, May 16, 2007 at 09:20
Adjusting the air bags is jsut like adjusting tyre pressures. It's not hard and because of the low volumes and pressures involved it takes next to no time. Even with an el-cheapo compressor plugged into the cig lighter it should not take more than a min or two.

If you run the valve system so both are side by side, say in the fuel filler area or on the rear step you don't even have to move to do it.

Duncs
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Follow Up By: mattie - Wednesday, May 16, 2007 at 20:41

Wednesday, May 16, 2007 at 20:41
Captain the bags u got fron truckspring were they for a 2"raised spring?
if so what was the part number, and did they take long to arrive?

MATTIE
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FollowupID: 501377

Follow Up By: Member - Captain (WA) - Thursday, May 17, 2007 at 12:31

Thursday, May 17, 2007 at 12:31
Hi Mattie,

My airbags were for a standard height GU (part # CR4129) while a 2" lift required part # CR4129R2. My airbags are now ~3 years old and I believe that the part numbers have now changed. From thread #26655:

"Acording to "Mr Airbag Man" the CR4129 kit is no longer available and to get the CR5042 which is for a 50mm lift Patrol, but I don't know if that is the part number used in the states as well."

Some people have trouble getting emails thru to Trucksprings, most likely due to their spam filter and the fact our emails originate overseas. May need to ring them at our night time, they are most helpful but be aware that a GU Nissan is not sold there.

Hope this helps.

Cheers

Captain
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FollowupID: 501452

Follow Up By: mattie - Thursday, May 17, 2007 at 18:00

Thursday, May 17, 2007 at 18:00
Thank u CAPTAIN i might do that as the nissan is great with a normal every day load but the ct lowers the rear to much. i am reluctant to put heavier springs as it might become uncomfortable when unlaiden.

MATTIE
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Reply By: Member - Captain (WA) - Tuesday, May 15, 2007 at 21:23

Tuesday, May 15, 2007 at 21:23
Hi Mike,

I fitted heavy duty springs to my 80 series for towing and it was great when towing. But when unladen the ride was noticably worse. When I got my GU I fitted airbags instead. I find this a MUCH better compromise as I can adjust the "spring rate" for the load I have.

I suppose a lot depends on the ratio of loaded to unloaded driving you do, but for me having the ability to adjust is worth the very minor inconvinience of airing up or letting down when you change loads. Then again, you can leave it firm and not worry about airing down ;)

Cheers

Captain
AnswerID: 240212

Reply By: Member - Duncs - Wednesday, May 16, 2007 at 09:22

Wednesday, May 16, 2007 at 09:22
Tim,

I had Polyair's on the GQ and they were great. I do not know MR Airbags so cna't comment but I can't see them being too different. Don they have a warranty and is this affected if you fit them yourself?

Duncs
AnswerID: 240271

Reply By: jeffwa - Thursday, May 17, 2007 at 13:11

Thursday, May 17, 2007 at 13:11
I've got a truck tank on the surf and when I want to inflate the air bags it only takes a few seconds, literally a couple of second can change it from 20psi to 30psi.

I think the couple of seconds when changing the load is well worth the end result. I don't think I'll ever have another 4by without the air bags, I reckon they are the ducks nuts.
AnswerID: 240529

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