devb22
+1y
It is time that we needed on of these for those new members, old members, and overall minitruckers!!!
I hope this can help with all the questions you have, and help clean up the forum with "baggin' it" questions!!!
Keep in mind a lot of this information will be based on YOUR PERSONAL PREFERENCE!!!
Q: I want to bag my truck what do i need?
A: Air Management (Compressor(s), Valves, Air Tank, Air Line, etc..) Suspension Components (Airbags, Brackets, 4-Link or some equivalent, etc..)
Q: About how much money do I need to get a decent bag setup?
A: About $1,500-$2,000 for a basic Front-Back-Side-Side (FBSS) setup.
Q: What is the difference between Front-Back (FB) and Front-Back-Side-Side (FBSS)?
A: FB only allows you to lift/lower both the front bags at once and both the rear bags at once. It does not offer as much control over your system compared to a FBSS setup where you can lift/lower the sides as well.
Q: What size valves are good?
A: It is all personal preference most commonly associated with speed. In retrospect 1/2" valves are fast, and 3/8" valves are slow. A combination of the two; 1/2" fill valves and 3/8" dump valves is popular.
Q: How many valves do I need?
A: For a Front-Back setup you only need 6 valves; 2 valves for the rear, and 4 for the front, this can be accomplished with only 4 valves though it isn't recommended. For a Front-Back-Side-Side setup you'll need 8 valves; 2 for each 'bag (fill/dump).
Q: What brand valves are good?
A: You will find that ASCO and SMC are the most commonly used valves, both are great product!
Q: How do I wire up my valves?
A: Refer to: How To: 6 Valve Plumbing Diagram
How To: 8 Valve Plumbing Diagram
Q: How many switches do I need for a setup?
A: This is a tough one. It is based solely on your personal preference. Whether you want to just go up/down, side/side, pancake, individual wheels, etc..A general idea is 2 toggle switches (front up/down and rear up/down), but it can expand from there to 10 toggle switches and anywhere in between.
Q: How do I wire my 10 switch switchbox?
A: Refer to: How To: Switchbox Wiring
Q: What compressors are good?
A: Viair and Air-Zenith are the top producers of quality compressors.
Q: How many compressors do I need?
A: A good rule of thumb is 1 compressor for every 5-6 gallons of air. Though you do not need to follow this rule, it is just in place to serve as a guideline. Most commonly you will see dual compressor setups.
Q: How do I wire up my compressor(s)?
A: Refer to: Air Ride Talk Wiring Info
Q: What size airline is good for airbags?
A: 1/2" and 3/8" airline is the most commonly used size for 'bags. Again personally preference comes into play here, most commonly associated with speed.
Q: What size ports do I need on the airbags?
A: Most 'bag utilize a single 1/2" port, but 3/8" is also available.
Q: Do I need dual port airbags?
A: Dual port 'bags are usually recommended for and found in hopping where there is a lot of pressure. Drop speed is increased dramatically and for most people it is too fast for daily use.
Q: What brand airbags are good?
A: Slam Specialties produces some great 'bags, as well as Contitech and AirLift. Personally preference will be the deciding factor.
Q: What size airline is good for gauges?
A: Most gauges accept either 1/4" or 1/8" line. Check the gauge to see what size it accepts, though 1/8" is highly recommended and becoming popular among gauges.
Q: How many gauges do I need?
A: Most commonly used is a 3 gauge setup; 2 Dual Needle Gauges to monitor 'bag pressure Front-Back, and 1 Single Needle to monitor tank pressure.
Q: What size air tank do I need ?
A: Tanks can range anywhere from 3 gallons to 12 gallons. A very basic setup with 1 compressor could use one 5 gallon tank, but most commonly used is a dual compressor setup with two 5 gallon tanks or one 8 to 12 gallon tank. Personal preference is what makes the decision here.
Q: How many ports do you need on an air tank?
A: Generally, it is recommended to use an 8 port tank. You can however, have anywhere from 2 ports up to 10 ports. Personal preference again plays a big role.
Q: What kind of pressure switch do I need?
A: This is dependent on the max pressure you are running; 145PSI, 175PSI, and 200PSI are common. There are preset pressure switches (110PSI ON-145PSI OFF), and there are adjustable pressure switches available (100PSI-250PSI).
Q: What kind of fittings do I need?
A: Most commonly used are Push-to-Connect (PTC) and Compression fittings. Whichever you choose, make sure they are DOT Approved.
Q: How many fittings do I need?
A: Refer to: How To: Fitting Diagram
Q: What brackets do I need for the front?
A: The front of a standard 86-93 Mazda will need the regular front torsion brackets.
Q: Do I need shocks in the front?
A: It is personal preference in regard to safety and ride quality. For a better ride, shocks are recommended.
Q: What brand shocks should I use?
A: Bilsteins are the best shock for any air ride application, though there many other options.
Q: Do I need to buy a shock relocation kit?
A: Not necessarily, if you are capable of producing your own kit there is no need to purchase one.
I won't touch on the rear setup FAQ, for the sole purpose that there are too many different variations available to cover...Whichever you choose make sure it is safe!!!
This is not a discussion topic, so please feel free to add something if needed, but keep the same format!!!