Airbag man 'on-air' ??

[MB]

G'day Members,

I was hoping somebody out there may have or know of someone who has installed the AirBag Man's 'On-Air' coil replacements?

Back in early 2014 I purchased from WA a highway setup 1999 GU rear coil steel tray ute that has been customised to an extra cab by Laingley in WA and a 6.5L Chev Brunswick diesel up front = a very heavy rig!

It currently has the PolyAir coil assist bags in the rear inflated to their maximum of 30psi as they do not have the kevlar bags installed and no rear spring tower strengthening done yet either.

I'm now wanting to get back up into the Vic high country with this new rig and need a suspension upgrade, yet I do have concerns of a friends suggested AirBag Man's 'On-Air' coil replacements for both front and rear:

* Are they reliable?
* Are they just a highway solution and no off-road ability / limited wheel travel ?

Maybe there is a better solution out there for 'heavy' serious off-road capable GU coil utes ?

Cheers in advance!

[threedogs]

I recently enquired about a full airbag kit for my GU wagon
From memoery it wasnt that bad $$$$ wise I think ET may
remember the prices. I was trying to acheive a smoother ride
[Stuffed back]

[the evil twin]

Awesome bits of kit but unfortunately E.T. can't remember the prices ( I have trouble remembering what I had for breakfast yesterday)... now what were we talking about again?

Oh yeah... Ok...

MB, I have a twin brother of your rig, Laingley stretch, Coils with air bag in rear, Chevy etc but mine has a 4L85e Auto now as well.
Why are you running 30 PSI in the bags?
(I run 5 PSI empty and 20ish PSI loaded with the 'Van on the hitch.
How old are the rear coils?
How much is it lifted?
Is it a 2 metre tray or the shorter version?
I would have thought any of the heavy duty coil sets around would be OK.

Tower bracing is an excellent idea

[threedogs]

@ MB sorry for the thread hi jack but what ever happened about those thermo fans last summer???
Im assuming it was you

[MB]

Thanks for getting back to me gents, appreciated !

ET, AB actually just gave me the heads up on your awesome rig.
As you may know mine came from Bunbury as an urgent work replacement for my written off 2001 DX 4.2TD ute, Western Australia certainly does have some awesome conversions getting around !

I do unfortunately have to run 30psi at the moment as the rear coils are quite shot and the steel guards need redesigning to keep the rubber from almost cutting with only the highway 33"s on there.
It is a 1.9m steel tray with two rear heavy steel boxes mounted up under the back and I generally have it loaded daily with tools, 80L Waeco and MSA drop slide which in itself is quite heavy.

Maybe you are right mate, just a good new set of coils all round and some fresh 'Coil-Rites with kevlar bags' in the back would probably do the trick. (and of course tower bracing as a must)

Was just quite intrigued about these 'On-Air' systems suggested to me with on board compressor for on the move adjust ability.

Its been 15+ years since my high country 4x4 days and I'm really keen to be able to get this rig up and running on both highway for work and also conquer the infamous staircase on 'Butcher Country Track' again :-) !


Cheers!

[threedogs]

If you put heavier even Mine spec coils in the rear and have that much weight.
Wont it restrict articulation being so firm

[Winnie]

If you put heavier even Mine spec coils in the rear and have that much weight.
Wont it restrict articulation being so firm

Not when the car weighs so much more, it is all relative to the weight of the vehicle. But heavier car, firmer springs, more stress on the suspension.
Have you ever weighed the car Mark?

[the evil twin]

Yes, I do know yours came from Bunbury... you shouldn't have reminded me, I was going to buy it if you didn't

Nah, all good, I wasn't quick enough.

Anyhooooow, here is what I would do...
Brace the towers and get a quality heavy duty set of rear coils and pop the airbags back in.
I think you will be suprised how much better that will be.

If you really wanted you could go the air suspension but I am not 100% sure that would be ideal.
Reason I'm not sure is, apart from some work in a Hertz 6 ton Truck on top of Mt Baw Baw, I have done absolutely zero Vic High Country style driving but I would guess you guys use as much flex as you can get?.

If the air bag/coils doesn't suit then you could sell 'em anyway and still go the air suspension.
I am still seriously considering full air but I don't do much gnarly stuff anymore and already have on-board engine driven air plumbed front and rear.

PS stiff suspension and no flex aside... it's amazing where you can get a Hertz Rent a Truck if your game (or is it stupid) enough

[MB]

Thanks for all your feedback Gents,

Apologies if I'm ticking the wrong buttons on the iPhone to appreciate your efforts here. Its all a bit new to me but this 'Forum Runner' now seems to be much easier than the 'TapaTalk' :-(

ET, thanks mate, I'm convinced now to first try good coils and bags again and like you said they can always be posted back here for sale if not what the beast truly needs.

Back in my heyday, OME was the only trusted spring brand across the board. What do you blokes recommend these days? 'ThreeDogs' did mention 'Mine Spec - weight' up above.

Cheers to all for your guidance !

[threedogs]

OME are tried and tested nothing but good .
Mine spec is just extra heavy duty.
May weigh the front and rear axles and with that info see whats avaiable