10/09/2019
What is an Air Suspension Kit?
Air suspension kits are a revolutionary upgrade for your vehicle's suspension system. Essentially, they replace or supplement your existing springs with adjustable air springs, commonly known as airbags. These airbags are interconnected and can be inflated or deflated using a compressor, allowing you to precisely control the height and stiffness of your vehicle's suspension. This adaptability offers a host of advantages, from improved load-carrying capacity to enhanced ride comfort and handling.
Airbag Man Suspension, a leading provider in this field, offers kits that utilise high-quality airbags from reputable manufacturers like Firestone and Dunlop. These kits are meticulously designed to provide levelling control for vehicles, particularly when towing or carrying heavy loads. Whether your vehicle has leaf springs, coil springs, or struts, there's a tailored Airbag Man kit available. Some kits even offer a complete replacement of the coil spring suspension, providing full height adjustment for raised, standard, or lowered profiles.
How Does Air Suspension Work?
The principle behind air suspension is remarkably simple, akin to inflating a tyre. By adjusting the air pressure within the airbags, you can alter the vehicle's ride height and firmness. More air means a stiffer suspension and higher ride height, ideal for carrying heavy loads or towing. Less air results in a softer ride and lower profile, perfect for everyday driving or when unladen.
The system typically comprises the following components:
- Airbags: These are durable rubber bellows that contain the compressed air.
- Air Compressor: This unit draws in ambient air and compresses it to fill the airbags.
- Air Lines: These hoses connect the compressor to the airbags.
- Control Unit/Switches: These allow the driver to manually adjust the air pressure in the airbags.
- Air Tank (Optional): Some systems include a tank to store compressed air for quicker adjustments.
Benefits of Installing an Air Suspension Kit
The advantages of fitting an air suspension kit are numerous and can significantly transform your driving experience. As highlighted by Airbag Man Suspension, the benefits extend to:
Adjustable Levelling Control
This is arguably the most significant benefit. When towing a caravan, boat, or trailer, the added weight can cause the rear of your vehicle to sag. Air suspension allows you to compensate for this by inflating the rear airbags, levelling the vehicle. This not only improves the aesthetics but also enhances safety and handling by restoring the vehicle's intended weight distribution.
Eliminates Spring Sag
Even without towing, carrying heavy loads or having multiple passengers can put a strain on standard leaf or coil springs, leading to sagging. Air suspension effectively eliminates this issue, maintaining optimal ride height regardless of the load.
Safer Load Carrying
By providing consistent support and levelling, air suspension ensures that your vehicle remains stable and predictable when carrying heavy or uneven loads. This reduces the risk of mishandled loads and improves overall vehicle control.
Better Braking
A level vehicle provides a more consistent contact patch between the tyres and the road. This improved stability translates to more effective and predictable braking performance, especially under load.
Improved Steering & Handling
Air suspension can significantly reduce body roll and sway, particularly during cornering. By stiffening the suspension or adjusting the ride height, you can achieve a more planted and responsive feel, making the vehicle more agile and easier to control.
Stabilises Body Roll
The ability to adjust the firmness of the suspension means you can minimise unwanted body roll and sway, leading to a more comfortable and confidence-inspiring drive, especially on winding roads or at higher speeds.
Prevents Bottoming Out
When your vehicle encounters large bumps or dips, standard suspension can compress to its limit, causing the chassis to hit the road (bottoming out). Air suspension can be adjusted to provide sufficient clearance, preventing this jarring and potentially damaging event.
Excellent Ride Quality
The adjustability of air suspension allows you to fine-tune the ride comfort to your preference and the road conditions. You can opt for a softer setting for a more plush ride or a firmer setting for better control, all at the touch of a button.
Reduced Tyre Wear
When a vehicle sags due to heavy loads, it can lead to uneven tyre wear. By maintaining the correct ride height and alignment, air suspension helps to ensure that your tyres wear evenly, extending their lifespan and saving you money.
Lower Maintenance Costs
While there is an initial investment, air suspension can actually lower long-term maintenance costs. By reducing the strain on your original suspension components, it can prevent premature wear and tear, potentially saving you from costly repairs down the line.
Increased Life Span of Existing Suspension
By taking on the brunt of the load and providing a more controlled environment, air suspension can significantly extend the life of your vehicle's original springs and shock absorbers.
Airbag Man Suspension Kits for Ford Ranger
Airbag Man Suspension offers a range of specifically designed kits for popular vehicles like the Ford Ranger. These kits are tailored to suit different models and configurations, ensuring optimal performance and fitment. Examples include:
| Vehicle Model | Drivetrain | Engine | Production Dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| RANGER PJ & PK | 4x2 | 2.5L | JAN.07-11 |
| RANGER PJ, PK | 4x2 / 4x4 | 3.0L | JAN.07-11 |
| RANGER PX & PX II | 4x2 (NOT HI-RIDER) | All | DEC.11-19 |
| RANGER PX & PX II | 4x4, 4x2 HI-RIDER | All | DEC.11-19 |
What to Expect in an Air Suspension Kit
A typical Airbag Man Suspension kit comes complete with everything you need for installation:
- Firestone or Dunlop Airbags: High-quality airbags offering excellent durability and performance. Firestone airbags come with a Limited Lifetime Warranty, while Dunlop airbags have a 2-Year Warranty.
- Heavy Duty Nylon Tubing: Robust tubing designed to withstand the pressures of the air suspension system.
- All Necessary Fittings: Comprehensive hardware for a secure and reliable connection.
- Owner’s Manual & Step-by-Step Instructions: Clear, easy-to-follow guides to facilitate a smooth installation process.
Who Can I Contact for an Air Suspension Kit?
Finding the right replacement airbag can be a challenge, especially with the vast number of variations available. With an estimated 10,000 to 20,000 different airbags listed in common catalogues and a lack of universal search facilities, customers often struggle to locate the correct part. This is a common issue that specialists like Airbag Man Suspension frequently address.
If you're experiencing difficulties finding a replacement airbag, it's best to contact a reputable supplier who specialises in air suspension systems. They will have the expertise and stock to help you find the correct part, even if it requires minor modifications such as re-drilling mounting holes. Cars and vans typically have a suspension travel range of between 4 and 7 inches, with most falling within the 5-6 inch range. Airbag Man Suspension typically stocks bags with ranges between 4 and 9 inches and diameters from 3 to 9 inches, catering to a wide array of customer needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Is air suspension difficult to install?
While it requires some mechanical aptitude, most Airbag Man Suspension kits are designed for ease of fitment, coming with comprehensive instructions. If you're not comfortable with DIY, a qualified mechanic can easily install the system.
Q2: How do I adjust the air pressure?
Adjustment is typically done via simple switches or a control unit mounted inside the cabin. You can inflate or deflate the airbags to achieve your desired ride height and stiffness.
Q3: Can air suspension improve my vehicle's fuel economy?
While not a direct benefit, by improving handling and reducing drag from sagging, there can be a marginal improvement in fuel efficiency. The primary benefits are related to load carrying and ride quality.
Q4: Will air suspension affect my vehicle's warranty?
It's advisable to check with your vehicle manufacturer. However, many aftermarket upgrades, when fitted correctly, do not invalidate a vehicle's warranty.
Q5: How long do airbags last?
With proper use and maintenance, airbags can last for many years. The warranty provided by Firestone (Limited Lifetime) and Dunlop (2 Years) reflects their confidence in the durability of their products.
Conclusion
An air suspension kit is a valuable upgrade for any vehicle owner who frequently tows, carries heavy loads, or simply desires a more comfortable and adaptable ride. The ability to fine-tune your suspension's performance offers a significant improvement in safety, handling, and overall driving pleasure. With reputable brands like Firestone and Dunlop, and specialised kits from providers like Airbag Man Suspension, achieving superior ride quality and load-carrying capability is more accessible than ever.
If you want to read more articles similar to Air Suspension: The Ultimate Guide, you can visit the Suspension category.