To Slam or Not To Slam

[hqhzvans]

Wanted some feedback on airbags spoke with a few old school guys recently that are into Rat Rods etc and they all commented on the negative side in regards to airbags their argument basically being that airbags will wear your other suspension components out, any guys on here had any experience either good or bad ? Curious as considering them for a project and love the slammed look not sure what ride is like I imagine you can control ride firmness ?

[Big Rob]

They aren't my cup of tea, but they are getting more and more use on a wide variety of cars.

I guess if you like the really low look when the car is parked (and who doesn't?) then they have some merit, but I like a car (van) looking low all the time on a good set of springs and shocks.

I've had no experience long-term with any, so I have no opinion on what trouble they may cause to other components. I'm sure there must be some people here that have had some experience with them.

[Frosty]

Had them on my coaches I drove for years. Last well and give a good ride on a bus

[Taily]

They can be absolute murder on standard bushes and mounting points if the system hasn't been well thought out. The standard design suspension components fitted to a vehicle are designed to have a certain range of movement. If you go outside that range you'll induce wear and tear/terminal damage. That is why any bagged system needs to be well thought out and specifically designed (ie; new arms, correct mounting points etc) before it hits the road. There are a number of people who specialise in this stuff now and authorities (while they still don't like it) are more accepting of it now, certainly more than they were twenty years ago!

- - - Updated - - -

Had them on my coaches I drove for years. Last well and give a good ride on a bus

Purpose designed for it, that's why it worked well!