So I am looking into air ride for my sn and I know some of you are running these so here are some of my question
1. If I buy air ride ie the best bags can I upgrade my system as I go?
2. Can you use someone elses upper lower control arms?
3. Can you optimize the shock for, drag, autox, and street, or is this like everything else you needs a new shock for each scenario.
4. Can you really get ride height where you want or is it just like a coil over its only going to work well at one height?
5. If air ride really is so great why does no one run it at the track?
6. Am I better buying a kit or building my own kit.
7. Who is "The best" manufacturer for our car?
8. Does it ride better than a factory mustang or similar to a c/o car?
Thanks,
Cameron
1.) If your asking what the best brand is that is a bit of a loaded question. Like anything else every rose has its thorn. Not sure you can put your finger on the best as there are some really good companies out there. I don't know about the different brands as much as I probably should have before getting into it but I went to a local shop and they suggested Ridetech and why not, they are only 45 mins away. I have since gone up to their facility to pick up my last purchase and it really is a nice set up they have going there.
2.) If you are going with a traditional bag system at the very least you would need to modify the mounts to hold a bag. Now Ridetech and at least one other(I can't think of right now) offers an integrated air-shock/strut that will bolt up to aftermarket gear. Ridetech also makes rear control arms.
3.) When I went up and saw the facilty it was to pick up a set of of dual adjustable shockwaves, their brand of air-shock/struts. They do offer adjustability, and there was recently a 3-way set that came out for the front and working on a rear set. I have not got them on the car yet as I do not want to get overspray on them so I can't say with first hand knowledge how they are.
4.) You can set it up to what ever height you want to. Obviously there will be a point that has the best handling and a worst point. I have been using their E3 system with the ride height sensors on bags up till this point. It has 3 presets that you can set to any height you want. I set got an alignment done at the #2 setting and that is what I normally drive at. I hit #3 if I need the height and it raises it up pretty quickly.
5.) $$$ and simplicity in the idea that they know so much about coil-over characteristics effect on everything as well as less moving parts, less to worry about failing and needing repair.
6.) You can save money on a kit piecing it together and probably mixing some new/old stuff into it all. I like to try and get all my pieces in the same pace if I can out of a small ocd problem and because it makes it easier to go back to the same place if I need help or have a problem.
7.) Again a bit of a loaded question. With that being said I have said what brand I run and have had no issues with them. I know there are chdeaper kits but I do not know anyone running them.
8.) The ride is better then any lowered mustang I have been in. No vs a mustang at stock height you have the air ride up to the same height that is plenty of air for a smooth ride. Most lowered mustangs I have ridden in were a pretty stiff ride mainly due to the loss in space for the suspension work in. With air ride you can have it as low as you want but I rarely feel the need to try and drop it down low enough to while driving to worry about ripping my side exhaust skirts off. But at a reasonable height the air ride is a smoother ride, there is a reason why Lincoln liked them.
Tony is the resident air ride expert and I would take any advise he has over me though honestly. He has been in it a lot loner.......
