I like the idea of having the valves at the wheel wells. My right rear bag has a slow leak that I'm hoping is the line. When I replace those lines I might just relocate the valves.

As an alternative, I would replace the front air bags with Super Steer coil springs. They are designed for the weight that is on your front axle. The chassis mfg had no way of knowing what was going to be put on the chassis, ergo air bags. I got rid of mine and along with a couple of other suspension parts that needed fixing, the improvement was dramatic. I'll try to find the post where I went into this at great detail. Now, air springs in the back is a different deal. Please consider getting rid of those air bags.

There's a lot of stuff around the first of September, 2009. I don't know how to show it hear, but you should be able to find it. One of the things that you might want to consider, is that on an older coach, the front coil springs are probably worn out as well as the air bags. So if you have to replace the coil springs anyway, why not just get the Super Steer coil springs and forget the airbags. Makes sense to me. And, no, I'm not getting paid by Super Steer.
Jim

In fact, (brain is starting to work a little), I called Air Lift and they told me new air bags wouldn't help if the springs were worn out and that they shouldn't be inflated to overcome old springs. Check your ride height. Mine was 3" to low!! Again, lots of info on alignment and ride height on this site. Also, if the ride height is wrong, that's affecting alignment, especially caster.

Thanks for the input Jim. I was expecting to also change the springs but at a later date. The left side is sagging. You make a good point, why change both springs and bags.

quote:

The chassis mfg had no way of knowing what was going to be put on the chassis, ergo air bags.

Jim,

I don't fully agree with your statement and want to be sure we don't confuse others on air bag suspension. While add-on air bags may have been added by a manufacturer to increase capacity of a coil suspension, the chassis manufacturers always have a front and rear rating that cannot be exceeded - therefore they do know what will be put for weight on their chassis.

The problem with any suspension system is that they all have parts that will wear out. It is commonly agreed that full air suspension is the superior suspension for ride quality, wear ability (if it holds air - it will work as designed) and ride height control. I think from reading your piece that you are referring to people "adding" air bags to bolster an already weak coil or leaf type suspension. This I agree is bad practice.

It would never be wise in my mind to replace an air bag suspension with coils.

I'm only talking about the air bags installed by GM on the P30 chassis. In talking to both Super Steer and Air Lift, GM added airbags for more of an option to have a stiffer ride. The GAWR was determined by the springs
Air suspension on the big rigs is another topic. Obviously, it is the superior way to go. Had it on a Monoco Dynasty once and it was very nice.

quote:

I'm only talking about the air bags installed by GM on the P30 chassis.

Jim,

That's sorta what I thought, but considering there could be hordes of airbag users pounding the phones tomorrow morning to swap out their airbags....well, just thought I'd set things right.