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Air Springs - rear suspension height leveler (under load) ??

Posted: 20 Jul 2013 10:44
by Nino62
Hi,
After recently having experienced headlight height negative issues, when fully packed and overlanding, I've just had rear suspension Air Springs fitted, and can't wait to test them out in August, on the next "away" trip.
Can anyone tell me the PROS vs THE CONS, regarding this upgrade, or any notable benefits & limitations they've experiance, with a similar fitment???
BEFORE - fitment of Air Springs - granted with a slight load (jerrycans empty though)
BEFORE - fitment of Air Springs - granted with a slight load (jerrycans empty though)
IMG_3444.jpg (54.16 KiB) Viewed 2883 times
Post fitment of Air Springs .... including a better view over the bonnet (at the recommended 0.5 bar - unloaded.
Post fitment of Air Springs .... including a better view over the bonnet (at the recommended 0.5 bar - unloaded.
IMG_3586.jpg (59.29 KiB) Viewed 2883 times
Post fitment of Air Springs .... including a better view over the bonnet (at the recommended 0.5 bar - unloaded.
Post fitment of Air Springs .... including a better view over the bonnet (at the recommended 0.5 bar - unloaded.
IMG_3587.jpg (77.29 KiB) Viewed 2883 times

Re: Air Springs - rear suspension height leveler (under load

Posted: 20 Jul 2013 14:48
by Boats
What make of air springs are they and who installed them? I am considering a set, but as usual would probably do a DIY install.

Re: Air Springs - rear suspension height leveler (under load

Posted: 20 Jul 2013 17:58
by Nino62
Hi Nico,

It's a product from Gremeltech, CT. (http://www.airsprings.cc) Paid R2194.00 (incl. 30% discount - Garage price), and R1000.00 labour to fit. Total R3194.00

Re: Air Springs - rear suspension height leveler (under load

Posted: 20 Jul 2013 18:56
by Tinus lotz
They work well!! Make sure ur airlines are out the way and your vales has caps on keep to spec with regards to min and max pressures

Re: Air Springs - rear suspension height leveler (under load

Posted: 20 Jul 2013 20:30
by Boats
Thank you! Will keep them in mind.

Re: Air Springs - rear suspension height leveler (under load

Posted: 20 Jul 2013 21:29
by Chris Skinner
I have given these things much thought - they would assist with raising the rear end when I am towing my boat - however I know of a more than one 'incidents' where it is obvious that stabilty has been severely compromised by the use of these things.
At medium/low speeds this is not a problem, but at high speed, with the right conditions (road surface) there is a good chance of instability....

I have just typed about a full A4 page on my reasons for stating this, and when I pushed the submit button it disappeared into cyberspace (I hate it when that happens :redface: and I dont have the energy right now to re-write my masterpiece.

Anyway - I think this should be a good online debate if anyone disagrees....

Re: Air Springs - rear suspension height leveler (under load

Posted: 20 Jul 2013 22:03
by Jorrie
Is it possible to the front and the rear?

Re: Air Springs - rear suspension height leveler (under load

Posted: 21 Jul 2013 00:38
by Alex Roux
Chris

Instability:
When you tow your boat, you don't go beyond 100km/h? In which case I cannot imagine the instability being a problem.
However at higher speeds (130+), this seems more likely. Which you would not do with a big boat behind you.

I suspect, for track driving, the flex you get out of the coils will be less with the air bags inflated?

Alex

Re: Air Springs - rear suspension height leveler (under load

Posted: 21 Jul 2013 07:49
by Peter Connan
Chris, I would love to hear your reasons, as thus far I have only heard the opposite?

Jorrie, you can but then you lose your front bump stops (not a train smash, as a partially inflated airbag serves the same purpose), and I doubt it's necessary?

Nino, if the installation is not done well, they don't last very long, and they restrict flex a little bit, particularly when inflated. Other than that I don't really know of any issues?

Re: Air Springs - rear suspension height leveler (under load

Posted: 21 Jul 2013 08:10
by Tinus lotz
We must not confuse the air helpers with the replacement air springs the last one can have a problem when failing