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 :blowup:

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

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

[the evil twin]

I 'think' you will only find "Mine Spec" rear suspension upgrades available in the leafies but could be wrong.

I'm a Tough Dog user myself but any of the quality suppliers should be OK... Kings, Tough Dog, OME etc

[threedogs]

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

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

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

Found many a stolen car down some tracks that required a bit of skill to master.
Seems they go further stolen lol

[nissannewby]

The hardest thing about full air suspension is shock setup. When setup correctly you wont find much that is more comfortable to drive.

[the evil twin]

The hardest thing about full air suspension is shock setup. When setup correctly you wont find much that is more comfortable to drive.

True dat... pretty much only thing stopping me is mine is mainly a 'Touring Tug' so sits parked up a lot then does BIG K's in one hit.
When its parked up I can't quite justify it all... soon as I hit the road I am kicking myself for not doing it...

[threedogs]

Memory is coming back I think all up it was $6k with in dash monitoring system and airbags all around
Hopefully I wasnt paying as it was the softest ride option I could think of

[Robo]

http://www.airbagworld.com.au/airbag-man-coil-replacement-airbag-suspension-kit.html

[MB]

The hardest thing about full air suspension is shock setup. When setup correctly you wont find much that is more comfortable to drive.

Cheers Nissannewby,
(Judging by your awesome Avatar can't imagine you're a newby?)

You've inflamed my interest again for full air all-round.

Any chance you might know if they can be tailored to create serious off-road travel and still low ride for the high speed highway fuel consumption?

A little worried also on their true strength if an unknown branch/stone was to wedge against and rub/penetrate between fuel/grub stops checks?

Cheers mate !

[nissannewby]

The bags are relatively hardy and would take a pretty serious hit to puncture one. All semis run airbags at much higher loads without to much of a drama.

I personally know of a setup that is full airbag on a gq ute. He has managed 17" of travel front and rear. He has his ride set at 500mm chassis height. I believe he is using an accuair controller. So he basically has full control with it being able to be reset back to his preset ride height.

[MB]

The bags are relatively hardy and would take a pretty serious hit to puncture one. All semis run airbags at much higher loads without to much of a drama. I personally know of a setup that is full airbag on a gq ute. He has managed 17" of travel front and rear. He has his ride set at 500mm chassis height. I believe he is using an accuair controller. So he basically has full control with it being able to be reset back to his preset ride height.

Cheers Nissannewby,

I'm definitely feeling more comfortable with the concept now from your great suggestions above. Good call, Road Trains Australia wide suffer Roos /Sheep/Cattle & Metallic trash in their under carriage hourly!

Would truly appreciate hearing more about your mates GQ ute setup when you're free.

Enjoy your weekend, thanks again !

Cheers MB

[MB]

http://www.airbagworld.com.au/airbag-man-coil-replacement-airbag-suspension-kit.html

Thanks Robo,

Spoke to the blokes at ABW they're getting some detailed info on a best suited kit for the GU stretch back to me tomorrow.

Sounds like keeping the on board air simple and manually operated is a fool proof way to go. Maybe there can be glitches/human errors possible with the preset ride height systems

[the evil twin]

Thanks Robo,

Spoke to the blokes at ABW they're getting some detailed info on a best suited kit for the GU stretch back to me tomorrow.

Sounds like keeping the on board air simple and manually operated is a fool proof way to go. Maybe there can be glitches/human errors possible with the preset ride height systems

Awesome, keep us in the loop...

[threedogs]

Ill try and find the quote they sent me ,for you

[the evil twin]

Ill try and find the quote they sent me ,for you

Cool, I still have the dudes contact details you PM'd me as a point of interest but no $ numbers

[MB]

Awesome, keep us in the loop...

Will do ET,

Sorry, thought for sure we'd solved my indecisive dilemma by sticking with good springs and bags.

I've been doing too much Yankie YouTubing and got the full air bag bug back again, so must keep on the exploration process !

Cheers mate!

[MB]

Ill try and find the quote they sent me ,for you

Much appreciated ThreeDogs,

I reckon you were on the money of around $6k +

Bloke at ABW briefly mentioned startup was $4k + shocks + sundries and optional extras etc...

Cheers mate!

[threedogs]

Ok went back through my thread about needing a softer ride.
Price was $4200 which included a 3 gallon tank 4 bags with all bolt ons
this is not installed, which I think would throw an extra $1500 maybe

[nissannewby]

Heres a couple of pics of my friends patrol. He has gone all out though and done a triangulated 4 link rear and 3 link front with panhard.626086260962610

[the evil twin]

Strewth... nice bit of work that..

[MB]

Holy cr@p, where do we even start with that :-)

Cheers !!

[AB]

Heres a couple of pics of my friends patrol. He has gone all out though and done a triangulated 4 link rear and 3 link front with panhard.<img src="http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=62608"/><img src="http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=62609"/><img src="http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=62610"/> You realllllly should not of showed Mark those photos Matt...

[Winnie]

You realllllly should not of showed Mark those photos Matt...
Show him more photos Mat, Mark is gonna have one sweeeeet ute soon ;)

[the evil twin]

Holy cr@p, where do we even start with that :-)

Cheers !!

At the bank... asking for a higher Visa card limit

[MB]

At the bank... asking for a higher Visa card limit

Pisser ET :-) !

Unfortunately the Visa burst into flames the other day at the 4WD SupaCentre decking out the Mrs's GU wagon, I'll have to see what M/C can do for my ute project :-) !

[MB]

Thanks Robo, Spoke to the blokes at ABW they're getting some detailed info on a best suited kit for the GU stretch back to me tomorrow. Sounds like keeping the on board air simple and manually operated is a fool proof way to go. Maybe there can be glitches/human errors possible with the preset ride height systems

G'day Robo,

Keeping you in the loop as requested for all by ET a few posts back.

Ed (Great & Knowledgable Bloke) from ABW has been flat out with running the show there whilst his main 2iC is off.

ThreeDogs was smack on the money with cost, Cheers TD.

Official quote/specs should be emailed in within the next few days.

We're looking like a 3-4" lift with all the sus/shock bits needed to achieve including compressor and recommended non digital - needle gauges for mine & Ed's preference agreed.

My next step, another question here again Gents, does anyone know a potential/trusted fitter of these kits in Vic ?

Cheers in advance NP.com.au !!

[the evil twin]

My next step, another question here again Gents, does anyone know a potential/trusted fitter of these kits in Vic ?


Perhaps a better question for Ed maybe?

[MB]

For sure, was asked, and was kindly suggested to me that blokes were slightly known locally but personal-policy is to not recommend a fitter of which I can understand through custom applications, aka GU Stretch with BB Detroit.

Keeping supply & install separate I guess which is ok !

Rossco, any chance you can have a crack whilst I'm OS and maybe clean my old FJ55 High Mount up too ??

Cheers!

[Winnie]

Rossco, any chance you can have a crack whilst I'm OS and maybe clean my old FJ55 High Mount up too ??

Cheers!

Don't trust him, he's a dodgy operator! I mean, have you actually SEEN his Patrol?

[MB]

Don't trust him, he's a dodgy operator! I mean, have you actually SEEN his Patrol?

Haha Winnie, for sure ?,

Rossco the gun, SEEMS to have done an awesome job revamping/6hp his HM reclaimed from what I believe was a corroded paddock found mess!

Darren down 'AFL-CATS' way (sorry Darren, haven't worked out your UN yet) did an amazing job on AB's HM, I'm pretty sure that one was reclaimed from the brink also.

Maybe from on old F-Truck Dollie Towie I believe ?

Cheers AB !

[MB]

Apologies Winnie, the ? was actually a yellow smiley face prior to sending :-( !

Bloody 'emojy' things, I did warn you back in introductions that I'd accidentally offend one day :-) !

Cheers mate !

[Rossco]

Don't trust him, he's a dodgy operator! I mean, have you actually SEEN his Patrol?
Yeah totally! ! Have you seen Winnies high mount - seriously smick, think he is the man for the job [emoji4] . . .

[Winnie]

Yeah totally! ! Have you seen Winnies high mount - seriously smick, think he is the man for the job [emoji4] . . .
Nahhhh, mines rubbish =) http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2015/11/139.jpg

[the evil twin]

Nothing a redneck with CRC, cable ties and duct tape couldn't fix...

[MB]

Nahhhh, mines rubbish =)

I'm pretty sure Rossco's looked a bucket load worse than that prior to working his patient Magic :-) !

[MB]

Just to completely stuff this thread up Gents, my apologies :-) !

I honestly do need to re-learn, but how does the 'new age' application with rope on winches work?

TransPen Malaysia - early 90's (Warn's greatest achievements I believed ) helped further develop/create the ultimate 'sports' winch with 8,000lb - nearly twice the pace and 48Lm of cable stock off the shelf well above all others and their own low mounts at roughly 36Lm.

Admittedly, the Aussie's were running lightweight fibro-top 4 runners with 'Buick-GMH' V6's to be able to extend the full 48Lm and haul in/up without doubling back for 16,000Lb's like a beast/Patrol needs :-) !

It appears that this new 'rope' and I'm sure no doubt is a truly superior product, only seems to fit 35ish Lm on a High Mount (AB :-) ) that I believe was intended for higher volume/speed ratios ?

Should there also be any reality for my old fart concerns of moisture/degradation/rotting of rope on many blokes rigs that may only unspool once every track open season ?

Cheers !

[the evil twin]

I think my Babel Fish just had a nervous breakdown...

WTF are you talkking about MB?

[Clunk]

I think my Babel Fish just had a nervous breakdown...

WTF are you talkking about MB?
Looks like he should be in the drunken rambling thread

[MB]

Cheers ET,

http://youtu.be/kvqomPCvegA

1991 Borneo Safari -Trans Pen, it's quite a laugh and doubled up overlaid footage for some reason.

2.5 hp High mounts galore, yet all light ass vehicles :-) !

1992 footage is out there somewhere too, Aussies smashed it every year but had to politically let the Malaysian's take the trophies in front of their kin :-) !

I do have somewhere in the shed the Aussie/Malay uncut version of the 1993 VHS version which shows a Warn HM drag the 4 runner near vertical up a sloppy hill 40+ meters like a rag doll !

:-)

[AB]

You completely hijacked your own thread!

It's just much safer to use MB then cable. I wouldn't be too concerned about rot but if wound in through a river crossing or in heavy rain it should be spooled out and dried not left wet on drum.

[Rossco]

Cheers ET,

http://youtu.be/kvqomPCvegA

1991 Borneo Safari -Trans Pen

:-)

That's awesome Markie, loved the Trans Borneo safari back in the day.

Yep thread hijack! ! Seriously rope is awesome one of the biggest technologies to change the world of 4wding i reckon. Wouldnt worry too much about it rotting at all, and you can always get extensions straps or more rope spliced which is a nice idea i reckon but a few more $$.

Seriously be happy to rebuild yours for a few frothies. . .may not be quick tho. (Not the winch, getting it done! ! )

[MB]

Cheers Rossco !

Legendary you are and I do apologise to all @ NP.com.au for 'Hi-Jacking' my own thread completely off track!

Back on track (Hopefully ) ; Upon searching for a Vic installer of AirBag Man- On-Air- Coil Replacement-FireStone/Dunlop (Personally getting confused now Nationwide ?)

Patrol Apart (Lilydale) have kindly accepted the challenge that my beasts truly needs. AB's genuine/unsolicited introduction to a bloke named Aaron (2ic) appears to show he truly knows his Patrol's. Aaron did pick within seconds the GU stretch's rear coil towers were already heading upwards and needing attention also !!

Will do my best to keep you all posted on installation progress pics, ThreeDogs & ET were spot on cost wise + install :-( :-) !!

PS: Besides, highway/track ability, there is a little more method to my madness, Airbags-Left/Right/Up/Down for uneven slide off of rear tray systems for work/pleasure and speed of load-unload on Friday nights!

Would love to hear anyone else's experience's/method's for rigs that also have to do both Mon-Fri & Weekends-Adventures !

Cheers MB !

[MB]

G'day NP.com.au,

Best update I can share at this stage.

It appears that Nationally full 'On-Air' airbags x 4 are completely acceptable as long as within replacement manufacture specs/certified AS compliance supply & must be within 2/3rds of the stock cars travel before full engineering is required.

State laws by State laws do also appear to differ significantly, our shared beaut High Country Nanny State does appear to require certain idiot proof safety additions such as automatic startup preset ride heights, low pressure alarms and specific visual positions of gauges within driving line of site.

Cheers MB !

[Kimbo63]

Hey there mark these were the air fittings I was talking about
cejn air fittings
http://www.bjinns.com.au/one_way_shut_off.html
The esafe 320 series

[MB]

Legend, thanks Kimbo !!

[MB]

Apologies for delay Kimbo old mate:-)
http://www.bmackay.com.au/dp/p520samp.htm
They're Dynaplas, tuff stuff! , any more than $70 per guard and you're getting ripped! Bracketery and rails is always extra for consideration! IMHO Build your rails with 48gal+ so they can deliberately frange! Keep them playground nutserts in your chassis safe:-) !

[Kimbo63]

Thanks mark the RRP seems to be 95$ ea still good price will check the truck shops over here at only 3 kg ea that is a bonus
Probably trim another kg off to make them fit lol

[MB]

http://www.truckline.com.au/
Tell em shareholder AB from Epping Vic area region store sent you, they should kindly double it :-) !