problems lifting the front

ok heres my problem i have a 1992 suburban and i have 2600 airbags a 12 gallon air tank and 2 viair compressors it takes alot of air to lift the front becaouse it is so heavy the back lifts up fine also the play time with the bags sucks because it runs out of air quickly what can i do to solve this problem some 1 told me i should do an engine drivven compressor will that solve my problem if so what kind should i get or should i jus add two more comprossers

2) problem # 2 i have a really bumpey ride what kind of shocks can i use that are really good or what else should i do to get a smoth ridei would really appreciate some feedback

On the full size Chevy trucks I use Firestone pn. 26c. It would be more like a 2800lb bag.

GM used a lot of leverage on their front ends. That has made lift an issue for most air systems.

I'm sure that 10 more people will chime in and tell you to run more pressure, but the right cure is the larger bag.

Our systems have full lift at about 120psi

For shocks, I would call Bilstein and see what they suggest. They do cost a little more, but can be taylored for your application.

If you have any other questions you can call me at the shop.

What kind of pressure are you running, you might be able to run a little higher pressure, that would supply the extra lift and more play time. Also 12 gallons with 2 viars is a lot of tank, might think about more compressor, like engine driven. Finally, the best shocks that I have used are monroe sensatrac.

What type of mounts are you using, you may also want to make sure that your bag is being fully collapsed when aired out. IF the bag isnt fully collapsed the initial flow of air wont lift the truck, so it takes more air to lift. Its basically wasted air. Larger bags would be my second guess and I agree that 12 gallons id definitely taxing those compressors. What pressure switch are you running?

stiff ride? before youtry other shocks, how about this, it wont even cost yu any money.. take your front shocks off. drive around for a bit, see if you like the ride. we used to never use shocks on the fornt and most people still dont..

I'm sorry. I don't agree.

Although air systems do have "built in" dampening, not running shocks is not a good idea.

Drive along next to somebody that doesn't have shocks and notice what the tire is doing. Even if you could get away with no shocks under normal driving conditions, when you hit something big, it is not good at all.

Also if you run a big wheel (i.e. 20" or larger) you really do need the extra dampening to control the heavy wheel.

Edited: 10/18/2006 12:10:24 PM by lowboy

If you're looking for "switch time", get a nitrogen bottle or and engine driven. I just put air lifts engine driven on a suburban. A little pricey but a good kit. The burb i just finished clears the tire at 90 psi. Hard to diagnose whats wrong with yours, but is your bag misaligned, or is it not totally compressed, or slack so when you lift the front your not getting the total benafit of the expanded height of the bag. If thats the case, and you're having to run a bunch of pressure up front, that would explain your "bumpy" ride. Me personally, I would always run shocks.