TheSamba.com :: View topic

Wed Sep 17, 2003 10:14 pm

hi-
i just ordered a set of air shocks for my 71 square....just wondering what if any experience anyone had with air shocks on any vw...but especially a square :lol: ....i'm assuming they arent that hard to install....and plus i'll have the help of my buddy who has installed airbags many a times before.....so whats your take on an air source??....a compressor...or merely a tank??? how big of tank or compressor??....just any input or any links at all will be greatly helpful.....its stock ride height as of now...so i plan to lower it about 4 inches (because the shocks have a 4" rasing capability...duh) so i plan to just use em to dump my ride when i'm cruising an possibly when i'm driving on decently paved streets....i love the slammed look...but hate the whole muffler scrapin...and plus air bags and/or in my case air shocks just look bad ass...in my humble opinion....just throw your two cents my way...thanks!!!

Thu Sep 18, 2003 5:15 am

Are you planning on running air shocks or air bags? I am getting ready to install airshocks on the back of my notch this weekend. If you do airshocks make sure you run a seperate air line for each shock and not the T line connecting both or else you will hit a bump and the car will want to rock side to side for a moment. Ive had this experience. The bump will cause the air in the line to shift to the other side. You will have to buy a seperate airline kit because the shocks come with only 1 air line and a T connecter.

Thu Sep 18, 2003 6:15 am

Wher do you guy's get these air shock's that you speak of? Like the brand and/or supplier. Might be intersted in doing the same if you guy's give an update as to installation difficulty and product satisfaction.
nik

Thu Sep 18, 2003 8:41 am

Monroe or Gabriel Air Jackers from Pep Boys about $75 for the pair.

Thu Sep 18, 2003 9:02 am

the lower quality air shocks have an inflatable air baldder on the eterior of the shock. raising this kind of shock increases stiffness and makes it ride and handle poor unloaded.

better air shocks are made by Fox and also they have a progressive spring rate. The last few inches get very stiff. but they are about $200 each.

Initial Pressure:
With suspension extended, charge shocks to 200 psi.
Set vehicle on flat ground and check ride height.
Add or subtract pressure to get the correct ride height.
(Usually 35-50% shock compression)

Oil Level:
If vehicle bottoms out to easily, but rides well, add 15cc's of oil through shrader valve.
(Release pressure and remove valve core first)
Repeat until vehicle stops bottoming.

Thu Sep 18, 2003 2:44 pm

good luck with your shocks guys. I ran them on my 66 bug

IMO, AOMO they suck. too firm when full, you are not supposed to drive with them empty. bouncing when empty fuks em up, blows the bladders. I went through 3 sets in a year (1 year warrenty period from pepboys) Also, they sometimes leak, and all of a sudden you are driving around on them while they are empty, there goes the shock. Also, on my swing axle car, they were not strong enough to lift the car like I thought they would. you could roll into a show with the shocks full, and let out all the air for a show, but when you go to put the air in, it dosent jack the rear end back up much. maybe an inch. To really do it, you must use a floor jack to unspring the suspension, get the tires off the ground, add the air to each shock, and then let the car down to the ground.

I found them annoying, as it was a constant thing in my mind everytime I hit a big bump, I was worried I blew the shock again or was the air pressure ok, or do they match left and right etc.

Thu Sep 18, 2003 6:28 pm

yea air shocks suck hardly ever always hold air.

Sat Sep 27, 2003 6:12 pm

how do you all feel if i were to just put the air shocks up front...and then go with bags in the rear...the front it substantually lighter...and also doesnt necessarily need as much raise-ability as the rear would.....what do you think about that.....and also..those that have used hydros...where did you get the kits...and/or how much $$ am i looking at? thanks again