Bolt on H1 Air suspention.

[Kapman]

I'm in the process of developing an air suspention setup for my H1.

I would like to find out if any one would be interested in a similar setup.

I do realize the this is not a new concept and has been successfully done before.

What I don't like about the systems I've seen, is all the custom modifications that have to be made to the existing suspention components. I'm not a fan of all the cutting and welding to engeneered components. Not to mention the time and cost.


What I am trying to accomplish is an air bag replacement for the stock springs that maintains all the original mounting points, load bearing surfaces and orginal hardware. I also want to maintain a respectable air pressure to avoid unnessary stress on the system.

I currently have two different design concepts, one could utilize several different shocks and the other would be limited to one specific shock with a slight (manufacturer approved) modification. I have also made allowances for an integrated suspention height sensor that could be configured to work with several different preexisting programable air suspention controllers.

I am currently in contact with Firestone researching the bag type and size to achieve the optimal "sweet spot" for the weight and suspention travel of the H1. The different spring rates front and rear are proving to be a tricky match. But no fear I may have a solution.


I'm obvously not going to be able to share every detail on here but I am interested in any suggestions, input, or concerns any of you may have. Not to mention if there is already a system like this out there please let me know as buying one off the shelf would be a tad quicker, easier and cheaper than the journey I have embarked on.


This is going to be a long road so if you want one don't get excited yet.


Ok let the session begin.

All are welcome. Suggestions. Coments. Complements. Complaints. Insults. Nay-Sayers. Bring it on, everything said will breed a better product. Even if only one is ever made.... For me.

[spies]

What were your plans for controlling ride height of the bags? Individually, in pairs or all four? I'm interested in seeing what you're doing and may be able to offer something.

[Kapman]

There will be a sensor integrated into each corner as the weight distribution in the truck could never be perfect. This leaves the option open to use any of the multitude of air suspention controllers currently on the market or leave the sensors out and regulate the pressure manually.


Edit: The controller I have now controlls each corner individually and is programable.

[dwaxman1]

Interesting. ...very interesting. I am curious about this project. .not sure if I would do it but I am interested for sure..

[Roy]

Seems like a bit of funds to do the kit. Springs and shocks are cheap when buying surplus parts. I have gone up as high as M1113 up-armoured front springs(2200#),and rear springs for the maximum weight and ride height. Everything is bolt on. Ride is really no difference, but my wheels do not go into the wheel well when heavy off roading.
 
Just my 5 cents worth.

[Kapman]

Point taken. No I don't think it's going to be a low cost option by any strech. Certainly not side by side with military surplus. My goal for this system is broader than load capacity and ride height. I want to create a suspention system worthy of the vehicle it is bolted too.

Comfortable. Durable. Capacity. Adjustable. Versatile.

[Sub]

I can appreciate the enthusiasm , messing up  with factory specs can be priceless 

[Sub]

is this what you trying to achieve?
<a href="http://www.bigdogoffroad.com/products-2 ... ension/</a>

[Kapman]

That's the first time I've seen that piticular setup but it is almost identical to the others I've found in the past. That is the concept of what I am trying to achieve, in its most rudimentary form. (An airbag supporting the vehicle instead of a spring).

What I don't like is the weld on brackets for the shock and limit strap and the limit strap itself. Welding to frame and suspension components is never a good idea and if you take it to a shop certified for frame repairs, they would either refuse to do it or the cost would be astronomical. Then there is the matter of the added stress of relocating the shock mount points. The top mount is the biggest concern on the systems I've seen. These shocks can exert a tremendous amount of force and extending the mount so far out from the upper spring perch multiplies the stress on the mount. And a broken mount could destroy other suspension and driveline components.

As for the limit strap. You have a fabric strap wrapped around a steel mount rubbing with every movement of the suspension. This is fine and proven for off-road only vehicles but with the amount the suspension cycles on a highway vehicle and being exposed to all the road grime and debris I would not trust it. I am a crane operator by trade so I am well aware of the affects of abrasion and chemical exposure on synthetic slings and webbing. The result of a broken limit strap could be similar to a broken shock mount.

Also, the airbags on this system and others I've seen look to be far to small for the application. The long spacers and high air pressure required would surely cause premature airbag failure. As well as a less than optimal ride quality.


The system I'm working on would be true "bolt on". It would retain all the stock mounting points. If any of my replacement components failed it would have the same consequences as a broken OEM spring.

[Sub]

well I definitely would love to see it in prototype...it sounds like you know what you doing...bolt on air ride is very demanding product