[Bengt Weil]

Getting ready to pull the trigger on purchasing and installing Air Lift's Slam Air load leveling "air springs", but have concerns about rear AC lines needing to be moved. If anyone has done this install and could you give me an idea of what is involved in moving the AC lines - is it a major move or just a minor move up or out a bit...

As well, were you happy with the quality of the components and the engineering of the install? Was it worthwhile and would you do it again? Thanks for any and all feedback (and pictures would be an added bonus!)

 

[markmitch]

basically you have one line from front ac system that goes to the back and a return line. If you wish to keep front ac you will need to buy the front hose assembly that goes to a van with no rear air. Then you can take all the rear ac stuff off.
https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/che ... +hose,6900

 

[Meterpig]

Well, your heart may be set on the air springs. But, have you looked at Heavy duty leaf springs? With Excel or mid range shocks? It solves the same issue...unless you are literally hauling around 1 ton around in the rear. Also, the A/C would definitely not be an issue.

 

[Bengt Weil]

basically you have one line from front ac system that goes to the back and a return line. If you wish to keep front ac you will need to buy the front hose assembly that goes to a van with no rear air. Then you can take all the rear ac stuff off.
https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/che ... +hose,6900

Have you had experience with this particular install of the Air Lift P/N 59111 Slam Air kit?

Instructions state "...it will be necessary to move the lines up to the top of the frame to install the air spring kit."

I am looking for someone who has done this procedure and how they went about doing it. Removing the rear A/C is not the solution, but thank you for the suggestion.

 

[Bengt Weil]

Well, your heart may be set on the air springs. But, have you looked at Heavy duty leaf springs? With Excel or mid range shocks? It solves the same issue...unless you are literally hauling around 1 ton around in the rear. Also, the A/C would definitely not be an issue.

I had considered the HD spring replacement but I do believe that the air springs are the best solution as I am not looking to increase the rear spring rate and already have top tier rear shocks mounted. I am looking to have the ability to compensate for occasional increases in load, such as four additional adults and gear or pulling a trailer, etc. - all which makes up maybe 3-5% of the driving usage. Thank you for the suggestion - just hoping someone has actually done the Air Lift Slam Air install and could share their experiences.

 

[Sailing_Faith]

I have not. I did a search of the forum, and someone asked about it back in April and did not get answers then either.

From their site;

"...REPLACES OEM SUSPENSION
Our Slam Series air suspension kits are designed to replace the OEM suspension currently on your car - with little to no modifications required - which means you can easily return to stock suspension. Our kits can be installed with basic hand tools and include detailed installation instructions..."

It sounds like this is a system to replace the springs to be able to lower (or slam) the van. From your post, it sounds like that is not what you are looking to do (I read you to say you want "I am looking to have the ability to compensate for occasional increases in load, such as four additional adults and gear or pulling a trailer, etc. - all which makes up maybe 3-5% of the driving usage. "...

I think you are looking for a different airbag system altogether. I would tell you about my experience with the coilover helper springs but you dont seem interested. I know some have installed other brands of bags (might try the lift subform, rather then the lowering forum)... Firestone comes to mind as a mfg of helper air bags some have run.

Godo luck.

 

[Bengt Weil]

For clarification purposes, the Air Lift Slam Air "helper springs" are not for replacing the stock suspension. It is not an air bag suspension system (as used in radical drops or setting a vehicle on the ground when parked - it is merely a helper spring for vehicles that have been lowered in the rear 2-4" using conventional means (flip kit, lowering leafs). I believe the trade name of the Air Lift product, "SlamAir" is confusing people. Here is the link to the product in question:

https://www.airliftcompany.com/products/air-springs/slamair/

Not quite sure where you got the "Replaces OEM suspension" quote (Air Lift Performance?). The correct URL for the Air Lift Company is http://www.airliftcompany.com - Hope this helps.

Apparently, there doesn't seem to be many (any?) people who have had experience with this product, though I appreciate all who have tried to help.

 

[Birdshake]

Is your rear suspension lowered? Why do you want to use air bags for a lowered truck if it's at stock height? Have you looked into Timbrens? Seems like an easier solution with less maintenance for 3-5% of usage.

 

[Bengt Weil]

Yes, my van is lowered about 3" using a DJM flip kit, therefore, it is not the stock height.

Timbrens are designed for stock height vehicles and installing them on the 3" lowered van does not provide their recommended installation clearance. Downfall of the Timbrens is that they do not change (increase) the load carrying capacity until the vehicle is actually sitting on the Timbren and at that point, the vehicle is "squatting".

The Air Lift "air spring" is adjustable for the amount of weight being carried and corrects the ride height for that weight by using the proper air pressure to compensate.

I am not looking for other "solutions", but inquiring to see if any other fellow forum members have utilized the Air Lift SlamAir product (p/n 59111) and what their experiences were during the installation and in everyday use.

 

[Meterpig]

Well I wish you good luck dude. Sounds like your van is kind of Frankenstein to this point. That's Not unusual as some of us have Frankenstein Vans as well