Print PDF
Favorite
Email
Step 10Air Suspension
After adding the frame and growth rings, we realized that the stock VW suspension was not going to hold all the weight we still planned to add. We ended up with 2000lb on the rear axle, and 1000lb on the front (we weighed it at a truck tire place).
We needed the ability to adjust the suspension for the load (ie: the number of people on board) so the car was drivable at street speeds. Air bags seemed the simplest and Slam Specialties (http://www.slamspecialties.com/) offered to sponsor us after seeing the car. We fabricated custom mounts for two air bags to lift the frame off the axles. Once welded into place, we plumbed fill and dump airlines to the 12v control solenoids and regulator used to adjust the psi for load. We were now able to raise the car up and down by filling the bags as high as 160psi.
This system was originally run on co2, but later was converted to an on board air compressor and tank for ease of use.
We needed the ability to adjust the suspension for the load (ie: the number of people on board) so the car was drivable at street speeds. Air bags seemed the simplest and Slam Specialties (http://www.slamspecialties.com/) offered to sponsor us after seeing the car. We fabricated custom mounts for two air bags to lift the frame off the axles. Once welded into place, we plumbed fill and dump airlines to the 12v control solenoids and regulator used to adjust the psi for load. We were now able to raise the car up and down by filling the bags as high as 160psi.
This system was originally run on co2, but later was converted to an on board air compressor and tank for ease of use.
| « Previous Step | Download PDFView All Steps | Next Step » |
 |
Add Comment
|
