Removing adjustable air bag suspension!

[jamiemacp]

Or whatever it's called!
I have recently bought a 99 AFT which came fitted with adjustable air suspension.
There is an accumulator tank in the spare wheel space to top up the bags and ride height can be adjusted by about 4" from a small panel fitted below the dashboard.
It's a great toy but the ride is REALLY harsh, you feel every pot hole and crease on the road, so what I am thinking is switching it back to original factory suspension.
However, in order to do that I need to know what's supposed to be in each corner!
That's where I am hoping you can all help out! So is there anybody out there who knows what I am talking about, seen a similar system or fitted a similar system?
Any advice appreciated!
Cheers folks!
Jamiemacp

[Simon Jones]

Most people think that fitting suspension assistors improves the ride and make it less 'wallowy' at the back end. Before removing them, try letting the pressure down gradually, or even right down and that will give you a feeling for how it will handle without them.

[jamiemacp]

Hi Simon,
Thanks for reply.
I don't have much of an issue with the handling (although the front end can feel a little light and skitty on cornering) but how hard the ride is. As explained if you hit any holes or sleeping policemen etc, then the jolt is spine shattering.
The system works fine as it rises and falls with ease and actually when you drop it right down the van looks excellent! but the uncomfortable ride is already starting to grate!
Jamie

[teenmal]

Hi jamiemacp,

The system that your vehicle has fitted is it,Air assisted (bags),or a Full blown Air Suspension System with an on board compressor etc.

Cheers.

[jamiemacp]

Hi,
It's a full blown air suspension system. As I said there is an accumulator storage tank where spare wheel should go which you use to raise the vehicle front and back ( separate controls) and a compressor which then pumps the tank back up if stored pressure gets too low.
If you let it all the way down then the inner arches are pretty much touching the tops of the wheels, it looks excellent!:-)
I tried letting it all the way down this morning and then pumped back up before driving and I think it made a difference to the ride so will keep trialling it for a while until I can look at what the cost of returning it to stock would be.
Cheers
Jamie

[helen&tony]

Hi
Where did that system come from....I want one....
Cheers
Helen

[Simon Jones]

Proper 'Pimp My Ride' stuff then . I reckon someone would happily buy that lot off you, or at least part-ex for the conventional springs & shockers.

[teenmal]

Hi Jamie,

I have worked with these systems in the past,it is a major task to reinstate back to original and would cost a fortune depending on the spec used.

I would persevere with it and get used to the setting that most suit you.

PS remember and inform your Insurance Company as this is a heavy modification.

Have a nice ride.

[jamiemacp]

Hi all,
I have had this bongo about a month and am first UK owner so it must have been fitted in Japan.
I will take some pics of the various components etc along with some showing highest and lowest heights of the car.
If its going to be excessively expensive then I will probably be as well keeping it fitted.
Front end is a bit light in the steering with it as well, so will hope that different settings in height from front to back cures that as well.
Cheers
Jamie

[dandemann8]

I have the air assist bag set up set at about 28 psi and can honestly say the ride has never been better, to take it off would be a bit harsh in my opinion, as others have said keep tinkering with different settings and I'm sure you'll be quite surprised when you find the right setting

[chipvan]

francophile1947 has it on his..maybe worth asking him

[teenmal]

Hi,
I think Jamie is talking about Full Air Suspension not air assist.It is a wee bit more expensive


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTcG8_5WIt0

Cheers.

[jaylee]

...Or even this sort of "hot action" going on.??!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-ZcocgSw2I

[beerfinder]

hello Guys N Gals

Looking to fit a Full Air Suspension Kit myself

does anyone know of someone in Scotland, as previously tempted to get it done at AirRide Norwich, but obviously bit of a Trek

Did hear of a Place in Dunfermline - Trix , yet to hear back from them

Any feedback Greatly Appreciated

K

[Simon Jones]

I think Jamie and Beerfinder need to get together in a car oark with a box of spanners and some axle stands and get swapping them springy bits over