Front air bag set up options...

[WhatWouldSeanDo]

I have spent the past week reading through this, other forums, magazine articles, vendors pages and so on trying to figure out my best bet for a front suspension and it is just proving to be overwhelming.

I am going to do either the porterbuilt or ridetech 4 link set up in the rear. The front I am unsure about. I think I have ruled out drop members as they are probably overkill for my desires. I want improved handling and traction a 4.5/6 or 5/7 dropped ride height and a nice low appearance when aired out, but not totally layed out by any means.

I have seen countless companies making upper and lower control arms, but they are all around a grand and I just don't see how they will be worth that investment in my fairly budget build. I am open to them if they will really improve things though. Then there's using stock control arms with an adapter plate, or cupping and pie cutting my stock control arms. I really don't know what's the best bang for the buck as far as my goals are concerned and am totally open to any suggestions from you guys.


Sean

[Da67goatman]

I have been watching these plates asking myself the same question, is it worth it?  Its really up to how much you want to spend or do to get the outcome you want.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220278852521&viewitem=&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWAX%3AIT

Then I saw these bags that would let me run stock height, but slam it whenever I wanted with almost 10in of compression.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220481246204&viewitem=&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWAX%3AIT

[WhatWouldSeanDo]

Oh yeah, and one more aspect. Drop spindles, are they needed with bags. I see some people using them and some people running without them.

[Da67goatman]

they are not required, but its personal preference on how low you want to go.

[WhatWouldSeanDo]

I want to go as low as possible (aired out) without requiring a z a drop member or removing the inner fenders, so I am guessing a drop spindle will help.

[Captkaos]

Personally if you want better handling, get the matching Porterbuilt in the front.  It adds rack and pinion and improved suspension geometry based on lowered height.

If you are only going 5/7, I would question why you would want bags unless you want it dropped, and if you do, it wouldn't be that much.  If you are going with a static front drop, you have to have spindles.  If you are going with a Porterbuilt rear, it is going to be laying on the ground from Nates out of the box design, so you need something comparable in the front to get it down.  spindles and springs aren't going to do it.  Getting the rear down is simple even with leafs, getting the front down is the kicker.

You honestly can't go wrong with the bolt in stuff.  Porterbuilt, Scots are both good options.

If you want to go as low as you can without a Z or drop memeber you HAVE to have spindles. 

[WhatWouldSeanDo]

Thanks for the response Capt. you make some valid points.

I'd love to go with the full front end by porterbuilt it's just not in the finances now. The truck needs a lot of work to meet my goals, but for PHASE 1, it doesn't need to be all out. I do plan to do an LS series swap down the road and when I am building that, I will likely do the PB front with appropriate mounts.

The PB 4 link I plan on using isn't their current offering. Nate tells me they have one in the works similar to the stage 2 rear for 63-72 trucks they currently have. So it will just be a c notch, no major frame work or cutting into the bed.

The reason for bagged rather than static, is it seems the most logical for what I want. If I am going to go 4 link in the rear, why not have the adjustability and load handling benefits of bags? If I am bagging the rear, why not do the front as well?

I like the fact I will be able to lift the front up more for rough roads and I like the fact I can air out and drop it lower for "show" sake.

Right now Mcgaugh'ys 2.5' drop spindles and ridetechs coolride (for stock control arms) seems like the best bang for the buck for my front suspension, but I am totally open to suggestion for other options.

[Captkaos]

Have you see my how to on how to section a crossmember?  I used to sell these before Porterbuilt started doing his thing.

[N2TRUX]

There is so much to cover, but let me throw some info in here. Lets start up front and work back from there. All you need for the front is bag plates up top, a double convoluted bag, and a short cup in the bottom.

You don't "need" a drop spindle, but it will allow you to have more air pressure at a lower ride height. Unless your set on running 15x8" wheels and don't want to mod the stock A-arms, go with a 3" spindle. Why spend the money then regret not gaining the additional 1/2" of drop.

 This technically should get you low enough to have your tire on the fenderliner, or crossmember on the ground. This will depend on the height of your tires, and whether or not you remove the factory bump stop.

If you go with this set up in front and decide to go with a dropped crossmember later, you can still utilize the same components so nothing is wasted.