Air ride installers?

[DBROWN03]

i just called the airlift company. they only make rear kits any more, cause their other strut maker doesn't make them no more and there is not a big demand for the pt cruiser. they sell the rear bags with brackets for 295.00. thats 100 cheaper then ridetech. so i am looking at like 1300 for my front and rear setup. after that i need my compressors , tank, air line, and switches. thanks for all your help kevin

[kevinl1058]

For your airline and fittings you can get them at Nappa.. I would go with 3/8" D.O.T. airline.. You should be able to piece together your system for well under $1800.00..
Thought you could give them a try last time I talked with them some time ago they said that they were developing some strut bags for the cruiser.. I guess not..
Kevin

[DBROWN03]

WHATS A GOOD SIZE TANK AND COMPRESSOR?

[kevinl1058]

You should be good with a 3 gallon tank, although you do have enough room for a 5 gallon tank underneath the car if you want I'm running a thomas 315 compressor, but it seems as if the VIA brand compressor might be a better fit with a 5 gallon tank..

[DBROWN03]

how long does your tank last for? and how long does your compressor take to fill it up? thanks for all the info trying to know as much as i can before i go and buy everything i need. i would like to have this all done by june, so its crunch time u know what i mean.

[DBROWN03]

Just found air struts for the front of the cruiser for 499.00, thats a pretty good price. so i am looking at for front and back bolt on , right around 800.00, not bad. just need to find a nice compressor, tank, switches, and hoses and fittings. thanks for the help kevin

[kevinl1058]

What brand did you go with for the front struts? With a 3 gallon tank I can get up and down 3 times before the tanks kicks in, but since the cylinder take a bit more air pressure to get up you should be able to get 4 - 5 strokes in before you empty the tank.. Time to refill is about 3 mins. Here is what you can do for the remainder of your system to save you some $$.
1.) Go with Air Ride Tech's ride pro 2-way system with wiring harness, switches, and 2way guage
2.) Thomas 315 compressor (best price)
3.) 3 gallon tank (best price)
4.) #6957 / 255C firestone bags (best price)
5.) Spring Cups for bags (best price) or have them made..
*to get the right drop hieght you might have to get the spring cups milled
6.) 3/8" air line and fittings you can get @ Nappa Auto Parts or any place that sales D.O.T. airline and fittings.
This would be the best way to piece together you system saving a large amount of money, and keep you at or below your budget for the rest of your system..

[DBROWN03]

the front struts are from AIM industries. i called them on the phone and they said that i wiould be abled to drop 3-4 inches and go above 1 inch stock. directly bolt on. then the backs would be from airlift for 295.00 so for a direct bolt on i am looking at 800.00 way under what i had planned on. so i can upgrade my tank and compressor . one more question what kind of switch box did you use?

[kevinl1058]

Ride Tech sileniods and swithes, a simple 2 way system. I've heard mixed reviews on the AIM stuff.. I did check them out before going with the system I am using now.. I know hat at SEMA they had had a new strut bag system that had an adjustable bag perch.. My only concern with there system is that they use a stock strut and bag over it..Since the ride hieght is going to take you out of the designed sweet spot of the shock your ride is going to be pretty hard.. For a few hundred more you could have gone the Ride Tech struts that have 12way QA1 racing shock designed into there system. I do understand in saving a buck especially when your looking at a $400.00 savings.

[DBROWN03]

So you think i should just spend the extra money and get the ridetech front struts too. i haven't ordered anythig yet, like i said trying to find out as much as possible before dropping like 2-3000 on a air ride. thanks bro