[rton20s]

There has been a lot of talk recently about air suspension. More specifically, talk about getting into an air suspension "cheap." Well, cheap just isn't going to happen unless you are willing to sacrifice quality, safety or more likely, both. What you can do is make some strategic sacrifices in component choices in order to get into an air suspension safely and more economically.

Below I have run through a basic run down of what you'll need to make it happen. I was going to hand pick all of the parts to make it easy for you, but it looks like one of the vendors out there already has. The Gauge Store has put together their own manual valve air management kit that should allow an xB owner to get into an air suspension system for about $500 less (or more) than what most kits are retailing for right now.

The ideal candidate for such a kit should meet the following criteria:

1. First time or novice air suspension owner.
2. Installing the system themselves.
3. Moderately mechanically inclined.
4. No access to fabrication equipment, or no fabrication skills.

Full disclosure: I have never installed a system like this (manual control) on an xB. The system will have to be adapted to work and function well on an xB. Aspects such as switch, tank and compressor mounting locations would have to be determined on an individual basis. And I am sure if you contacted Gauge by phone they would be willing to work with you if you were interested in a different tank, etc.

I will list a couple different options for both front and rear. The air management system would remain the same. I also did not include any tax or shipping on the list prices. (Use discount code "frmember" at the Gauge Store checkout.)

PARTS:

Air Management: Gauge Store 4 way manual - $427 - Gauge Store
Front Struts: Airlift/Easystreet - $559 - Gauge Store
Front Struts Option: Air Stunner - $610 - Randode
Strut Drop Plates (If Required): EZ Baked - $35 - EZ Baked Customz
Rear Bags: UAS Air House II - $140 - eBay (seller: vitojen)
Rear Bags Option: Slam Specialties RE-5 - $143 - Gauge Store
Rear Brackets: Randode Steel ($95)
Rear Kit Option: Airlift/Easystreet (bags and brackets) - $303
Rear shocks: Monroe 5870 or similar - $48

Total cost: $1269 - $1388 + tax and shipping

Again, the system still won't be cheap and you really aren't cutting any corners that chould prove dangerous.

Now, the pros and cons of doing this vs. buying a complete Easystreet kit...

Pros:
Cheaper
Lower (rear)
Includes Shocks
Less wiring

Cons:
Slower System
3/8" line would be better for future upgrades
More airline to run (in cabin)
Less (or no) instructions

Anyway, just thought I would throw this out there for general information or discussion. This setup definitely isn't for everybody. But for those on a tight budget wanting to remain safe and use quality parts, it is definitely worth considering.

[ogerdgonz]

Great info I will add this... new Easystreet front struts do not need drop plates and the cheapest you can find them is the $659 Scionpro has them for sale at. Most sites still have the pricing for the previous model before the redesign. Since they do not sell many Scion items they do not find out until they have your money that they can not get you the parts. Several owners in Orlando went through this. One person was waiting 4 months for his air ride kit before I think he got a refund.

For the Scion specific parts always check to make sure they have it in stock before buying.

[rton20s]

Ogerdgonz, good advice to always check stock by phone when ordering parts. I always make a habit of doing this. And if I don't have time to call, I'll at least shoot off an email. Responsiveness to this sort of contact can also be a good gauge of how well a company handles customer service.

On the Easystreet strut issue... What changes were incorporated in this revision of the xB strut? It seems like they are making changes every few months on these things. Is the only change the new top hat?

If the top hat is the only change, I would have a hard time spending the extra money for the newer struts through ScionPro. Especially when talking about a budget build. You would still be $85 ahead ordering the older struts from Gauge and adding EZ's top hats. (Assuming Gauge still had sets in stock.)

Now if Airlift has made other improvements to the strut (another new strut manufacturer? better dampening adjustment?) then the additional cost would definitely be worth considering.

[lunchboxpimp]

i agree! i have been waiting on my new easystreets for almost 2 months!

[SAKURA]

good job and great thread, rton20s

sticky and rep points!

[859Toaster]

we sticky this, but not my Suspension FAQ. BS!

Not really, but good write up. Must of been bored as crap.

[ogerdgonz]

The price change was a year ago when they redesigned the strut to fix the clunking. The minor tweaks have been based on my suggestions. All old design struts were supposed to be returned to Airlift from the vendors. No one is supposed to sell the old strut because there is no longer a warranty on them.

Lunchbox who did you order from?

Easystreet moved production back to the USA and are getting caught up on production now. Everything is tested for 72 hours before going out to the customer and the Cavi guys have the testing machines working overtime.

[859Toaster]

If you're talking about manual valves.... OH BUDDY they are slow. Slow and messy. Any water in the lines, gets dumped right out the back of the switch. But it's a very oldschool cool kinda set up. Just never expect speed from it. We had a s10 on 1/4" manual ARC valves.... Slow and dramatic. lol.

Now unless the new "manual" valves is a non digitally computer controlled button system, ignore my last statement. And don't buy digital! (coming from the old school, and from bad experiences with it)

Originally Posted by ogerdgonz

customer and the Cavi guys have the testing machines working overtime.

HAHAHAHAHA! I promise that's true. I haven't check the jbo site in a while to see what everyone's up too, but we had a group of us a few years ago place an order for about 10 kits for Cavaliers. I got screwed and had to wait forever to get everything. Totally sucked. But of course, back then, you could bag for $2K with everything top grade, and not cheap out on anything.... Now $2K barely gets you a basic set up.

[SAKURA]

Originally Posted by 859Toaster

we sticky this, but not my Suspension FAQ. BS!

Not really, but good write up. Must of been bored as crap.

HA, done son!

[859Toaster]

Thanks sir. Maybe not us suspension whore will stop seeing the same topics typed different ways. lol

[rton20s]

When I say manual, I mean manual. "Old skool" manual. There is definetly a noticeable difference, even between slower 3/8" electric solenoid valves and manual paddles.

Now, you can still get some fairly quick manual valves. The manual valves that MIC has are actually pretty quick for a manual valve. The big drawback is how expensive they are. For the cost you can jsut about pick up solenoid valves, but you do have to add a controller to electric valves. MIC's site is also screwed up right now and not showing the actual purchase page for thos valves.

Anyone considering the system described in the first post should be prepared to be rolling on "hot rod" style bags. Its on there to give you height adjustment when you need it, not to play with.

[whitej47]

Ok, I am in the predicament of building an air kit as we speak. Various part-outs and whatnot have done me good money-wise, but this is not for the faint of heart. My kit is 50-60% complete. I am waiting on compressor and deciding on a valve set-up. The one below is "pending" payment. does anyone know anything about this type of valve set-up?



List of what I have:
ES Fronts (re-design)
SS re-5 rears
5 gal tank
3/8" line
custom switch box
Fittings

Need:
compressor (would like to run a single Viair 400+ series)
decision on valves ($ on hand)
Rear brackets (deciding)
water trap

Drum roll please...I am $360 deep so far. Figure on spending another $400 or so. I need the info on those valves I listed. I am setting them up in the storage compartment inside the car (lines inside as well).

Any input appreciated, especially on the aforementioned valve assembly. I am a first time builder.

Thanks all.

[EZBAKED]

looks huge! whats the price ?

My I suggest the Accuair VU4 its small & clean 3”x3”x5” with 3/8” . lines the price is $499.00 msrp but I know where you can get it a little cheaper

[rton20s]

+1 for the AccuAir. I have been running those valves for a couple of years with great success. I won't say what I got them for, but I'd be willing to bet that I paid even less than what EZ's cost is.

Also, I've said it before and I'll say it again. STAY AWAY FROM AIM, CHASSIS TECH AND AIRBAGIT.COM. If you decide that the AccuAir valves are too expensive after you get EZ's pricing, post back up and we can give you other recommendations.

[whitej47]

Thank you for your posts.

regardless of pricing, My system is already designed for a non-prewired valving system. this means I cannot use a system that has a plug built into it for another harness (that will connect to some "generic" switch box).

Also rton20s, I have read your testimonial about airbagit.com several times and I know you should stay away from them for some stuff, but a lot they have to offer is universal. They are just a distributor of stuff that comes from china or wherever. I have found several sites selling the valve set-up I pictured and I have not heard good nor bad responses.

I was looking for some information on the TYPE of valve set-up. Does anyone have this info?

[rton20s]

I don't understand what you mean about not being able to connect to the valve EZ posted. You can run that valve with any switch box. The valve comes with the male end of the connector with about a 12" wire lead. It also comes with paperwork and a diagram so that you know the function of each wire. I used this along with male and female fully insulated disconnects in order to wire the valve up to a plain old 10 switch box.

My issues with AIM go far beyond product quality. Sure, they use plenty of inferior parts, but it is the way they do business that I dislike the most. They are a horrible company, and I will do everything I can to save people from the pain of dealing with them.

As far as the valve you linked to... If I am not mistaken, that is a spool valve. They are used primarily in industrial applications. (Just like most of the valves adapted to pneumatic suspension.) I personally don't care for them. A lot of people turned to spool valves when electric valves first started getting used in air suspension. They clog easier than direct acting and diaphragm valves, the o-rings can get damaged pretty easily, and they are more prone to leaking than other types of valves. At least that is my experience.

It is my personal opinion that you either come up with the cash for the AccuAir valve, or just get a set of regular diaphragm valves and deal with the additional fittings and plumbing. There are other valves similar to the AccuAir Valve that I could recommend, but they cost just as much, if not more.

[whitej47]

yeah,lol, I have never had the problem of finding things that are more expensive. The block style valves are used in industry and have been adapted for air ride.

The reason I posted about the accuair is because I have only ever seen the generic pic that EZ posted. There is never a picture of the harness that you mentioned so that is good to know. That said, I know I can get away with a set of valves for MUCH cheaper than those, and that is what I am after. Even if I have to break down and buy a set of 8 SMCs I will still be ahead cost wise.

Anyone else care to weigh in?

[EZBAKED]

Instructions PDF its real easy
http://www.accuaircs.com/products/ma..._Card_V1.2.pdf

[rton20s]

Thanks EZ... I was just about to post similar information.

Also, if you can't swing the AccuAir, I would just go with 8 SMC 3/8" valves.

[iceboxx5]

whitej47 i have this laying around,Its 8 brand new Arp 3/8 valves on a pimped out custom manifold,just playing there m/m/f fittings put together.ready to go for 250$ shipped.