AIR SUPPLY
AIR Ride Suspension Supplies in Bayswater, Melbourne, has been supplying air systems since 1997, and the crew there has since seen the industry grow into the juggernaut it is today. We hit up managing director David Rulach to get the good oil on modern air systems.
What have been the biggest improvements in air suspension set-ups over the past 20 years?
Pressure-based systems have been taken over by heightcontrol systems, allowing for super-accurate, computercontrolled ride heights, while modern valves are now very compact and can come with flow controls, internal filters and hidden wiring. Accuair’s ENDO-CVT sees the tank house the compressors and valves internally, making them almost silent and allowing a super-clean installation.
What’s the latest fashion in air suspension installations?
It’s pretty popular to have the air tanks and valves on display, and a lot of people are now doing hard lines to finish off their installation and to make it unique.
What is the number one thing to consider before buying an air suspension system?
Think about what system you’re after: if it’s a two- or four-way system; how low you want to go; and if it’s going to be engineer-approved. Some vehicles require front and rear ends to be changed, as factory suspension designs don’t always allow you to achieve the results you’re after, and this can lead to lots of fabrication and engineering work, which you then have to factor in as additional costs on top of the air suspension kit.
Do you need more tanks/capacity in larger cars?
Big, heavy cars can require more air and air pressure than a typical vehicle. We always recommend running dual compressors and higher air pressures in the bags for heavier cars, which will speed up the tank fill time. We recommend a five-gallon tank as a minimum for front and rear systems, while three-gallon tanks are big enough for a system that only works on the rear or front.
What mistakes are people making when setting up their air suspension?
The biggest issues include people rushing their installation, poorly sealed fittings causing air leaks, installers not checking bag clearance during and after installation, people using cheap parts that don’t last long, installers cutting the air line poorly, and bad power or earth connections.