I want to bag the Yuk

[Lentsnh2012]

I think in the next year, I would like to bag the Yuk. Kind of like how NathanJax (?) did his. I would like for it to still be conservative and nothing too crazy.

Anyway, I've heard of Ridetech, Kelderman, and Accuair and have looked at them, but I still don't know what all to get other than the main parts. I'm also aware that it won't be exactly bolt on but that's ok.

If everyone could please give me a quick run down of all the necessary parts, that would be absolutely awesome! I will try and shoot for next year (2015) to start.

Thanks!

 

[NathanJax]

components are basically:

bags
Brackets to mount the bags
air line
air compressor
tank
solenoids (or some type of manifold)
controller


That's the basics of it. Now out of each of those, you have tons of options. I have the accuair v4 and elevel for the manifold and controller. Love it 100% and wouldn't do anything else. You can get a couple tanks to go where your spare is as well as a compressor or 2 back there. Or you could do an on-board compressor that mounts to the engine and is turned with a belt like your alternator.


Hopefully a 00-06 bagged guys will chime in soon to help with specific locations/bags/brackets/etc since it's a little different with my NNBS to your NBS.


my e-level kit - http://accuairsuspension.com/product_elevel_tpad.html
my manifold - http://accuairsuspension.com/product_vu4.html
my compressors (2) - http://www.viaircorp.com/OffRoad/400C.html

 

[M Hankel]

Fabbing up the custom brackets to mount the bags will be the hardest part. Check out this thread for pics of how he mounted the brackets in front.

http://www.tahoeyukonforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=54923

Mike

 

[Lentsnh2012]

components are basically:

bags
Brackets to mount the bags
air line
air compressor
tank
solenoids (or some type of manifold)
controller


That's the basics of it. Now out of each of those, you have tons of options. I have the accuair v4 and elevel for the manifold and controller. Love it 100% and wouldn't do anything else. You can get a couple tanks to go where your spare is as well as a compressor or 2 back there. Or you could do an on-board compressor that mounts to the engine and is turned with a belt like your alternator.


Hopefully a 00-06 bagged guys will chime in soon to help with specific locations/bags/brackets/etc since it's a little different with my NNBS to your NBS.


my e-level kit - http://accuairsuspension.com/product_elevel_tpad.html
my manifold - http://accuairsuspension.com/product_vu4.html
my compressors (2) - http://www.viaircorp.com/OffRoad/400C.html

Your reply helped sooo much, you just don't even know! Haha!

Anyway, Everything sounds pretty straight forward as far as buying parts goes. You double check you have everything before you hit that "Pay with PayPal" button.

I am looking at Accuair's website right now and I'm having difficulty finding the V4 and e-Level system. Maybe it is within a link? One thing for certain is that I will DEFINITELY have a engine mounted compressor. I trust them more than a compressor underneath the car, IMHO.

As I've been researching, I have read that the rear is as simple as swapping out the rear coils, installing the bags and hooking up all necessary plumbing/wiring. The front however, will probably have to have new upper and lower control arms, as well as, airbag buckets. Or you could also modify the stock lower arms, but that may become more of a headache than one may think.

Fabbing up the custom brackets to mount the bags will be the hardest part. Check out this thread for pics of how he mounted the brackets in front.

http://www.tahoeyukonforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=54923

Mike

Hey Mike, Thanks for the reply!

The good thing about if I need custom mounts made for the bags is that I have a very big local fabrication shop that has a water jet. I'll definitely save that link for the future.... after I read it!

Lents

 

[NORCAL SS]

Your reply helped sooo much, you just don't even know! Haha!

Anyway, Everything sounds pretty straight forward as far as buying parts goes. You double check you have everything before you hit that "Pay with PayPal" button.

I am looking at Accuair's website right now and I'm having difficulty finding the V4 and e-Level system. Maybe it is within a link? One thing for certain is that I will DEFINITELY have a engine mounted compressor. I trust them more than a compressor underneath the car, IMHO.

As I've been researching, I have read that the rear is as simple as swapping out the rear coils, installing the bags and hooking up all necessary plumbing/wiring. The front however, will probably have to have new upper and lower control arms, as well as, airbag buckets. Or you could also modify the stock lower arms, but that may become more of a headache than one may think.






Hey Mike, Thanks for the reply!

The good thing about if I need custom mounts made for the bags is that I have a very big local fabrication shop that has a water jet. I'll definitely save that link for the future.... after I read it!

Lents

if you need the djm lower a arms/rear djm endlink kit/rear djm trailing arm relocators/rear spohn panhard bar/upper/lowers i sell all of that. needed for the drop. Then in rear you can add bags and front you can add bags

 

[Lentsnh2012]

if you need the djm lower a arms/rear djm endlink kit/rear djm trailing arm relocators/rear spohn panhard bar/upper/lowers i sell all of that. needed for the drop. Then in rear you can add bags and front you can add bags

I already know that I will need the Spohn panhard bar and possibly swap out the swaybar end links to Jeep JK fronts, but the trailing arm relocators came with the McGaughys kit and I plan to keep those.

I can make my own trailing arms out of DOM if I need to, so that's not a big problem.

I'm sure I can find some front bag buckets at Poly Performance or maybe even the site I get the parts from. I'll have to see.

I'm expecting to spend about $1000- $1500 doing the bag conversion. Does this sound about right?

Thanks guys!

 

[NORCAL SS]

I already know that I will need the Spohn panhard bar and possibly swap out the swaybar end links to Jeep JK fronts, but the trailing arm relocators came with the McGaughys kit and I plan to keep those.

I can make my own trailing arms out of DOM if I need to, so that's not a big problem.

I'm sure I can find some front bag buckets at Poly Performance or maybe even the site I get the parts from. I'll have to see.

I'm expecting to spend about $1000- $1500 doing the bag conversion. Does this sound about right?

Thanks guys!

in rear you cant use shorter links you need the offset djm links or the swaybar will hit the panhard bar bracket or you can make your own links. Main thing you need to move the swaybar over or it will hit which will break the link.

spohn sale today is the last day if your interested in the panhard bar. You will need adjustable arms so you can push the rear axle back cause when you lay it out the axle will get sucked toward the front of the truck pushing the ds into the trans.


are you going to use the djm a arms or mod oem ones?

also in rear you can install the trailblazer ss airbags if you want to save money. You will need to do a little notch for hte ears but goes right in and can get them on my trailblazer ss board for like 100 bucks for both.
The traiblazer ss bags will lay the axle on the frame and also at ride height be about a 2.5 to 3 inch drop. ALso you can tow 6000 lbs with them

 

[NathanJax]

I'm expecting to spend about $1000- $1500 doing the bag conversion. Does this sound about right?

Not even close if done right. prices depend on exact setup, but here are some estimates...

Air tank, air lines, compressors, air water separator, pressure switch will be $400-$700

Air valves/solenoids/manifold $300-$500

controller (switches) $200-$300

bags are $100 a piece (give or take $20) without ay mounting brackets or anything. Unless you can COMPLETELY fabricate you own and just buy or already have metal, you can buy a front kit for your truck for $600-$900 including a-arms and brackets like this http://www.airbagit.com/Control-arms-p/airarm-gm99xx-3.htm and buy a rear kit (no link handy) or have them built. but you can safely say anywhere from $500-$1000 for bags/brackets.



Mine was around $5,000 NOT installed

 

[Lentsnh2012]

are you going to use the djm a arms or mod oem ones?

also in rear you can install the trailblazer ss airbags if you want to save money. You will need to do a little notch for hte ears but goes right in and can get them on my trailblazer ss board for like 100 bucks for both.
The traiblazer ss bags will lay the axle on the frame and also at ride height be about a 2.5 to 3 inch drop. ALso you can tow 6000 lbs with them

I have been throwing around the idea of using an adjustable stiffness off-road sway bar like a Currie Anti-Sway sway bar. That way, the mass of the sway bar is mounted on the frame and then I'll only have to buy short endlinks so that they can mount up to the axle. Obviously, I'll have to weld on new mounts to the axle.

Right now, I'm thinking I could modify the stock arms. The only problem is that they are cast aluminum and that is incredibly hard to TIG on. I may have to get DJM lowers and then modify those if needed.

The Trailblazer bags doesn't sound like a bad idea at all. I'll definitely have to think about that. Luckily I hardly tow; the last time i towed anything was almost 5 years ago. But the Trailblazer bags sound like a great alternative.

As far as the rear panhard and rear trailing arms, it would probably be best to get the whole Spohn package and hope to save a little money. I'll have to check out and see if it is easier for me to fabricate them or just buy them.

Not even close if done right. prices depend on exact setup, but here are some estimates...

Air tank, air lines, compressors, air water separator, pressure switch will be $400-$700

Air valves/solenoids/manifold $300-$500

controller (switches) $200-$300

bags are $100 a piece (give or take $20) without ay mounting brackets or anything. Unless you can COMPLETELY fabricate you own and just buy or already have metal, you can buy a front kit for your truck for $600-$900 including a-arms and brackets like this http://www.airbagit.com/Control-arms-p/airarm-gm99xx-3.htm and buy a rear kit (no link handy) or have them built. but you can safely say anywhere from $500-$1000 for bags/brackets.

Mine was around $5,000 NOT installed

I forgot a few things then!! Whoops!

The best option would to be at the right place at the right time and find somebody that is parting their Tahoe/Yuk/Esky out. Highly unlikely, but it could happen.

Even though there is still a lot that I missed that you need to have to complete the conversion, it still isn't THAT expensive. Especially if you buy a little at a time.

I appreciate y'alls help!!

 

[NORCAL SS]

I have been throwing around the idea of using an adjustable stiffness off-road sway bar like a Currie Anti-Sway sway bar. That way, the mass of the sway bar is mounted on the frame and then I'll only have to buy short endlinks so that they can mount up to the axle. Obviously, I'll have to weld on new mounts to the axle.

Right now, I'm thinking I could modify the stock arms. The only problem is that they are cast aluminum and that is incredibly hard to TIG on. I may have to get DJM lowers and then modify those if needed.

The Trailblazer bags doesn't sound like a bad idea at all. I'll definitely have to think about that. Luckily I hardly tow; the last time i towed anything was almost 5 years ago. But the Trailblazer bags sound like a great alternative.

As far as the rear panhard and rear trailing arms, it would probably be best to get the whole Spohn package and hope to save a little money. I'll have to check out and see if it is easier for me to fabricate them or just buy them.

Yes you modify and weld on a plate which has been done many times the a arms i sell for 330 shipped as always if you see it for less shoot me a pm and a link ill see what I can do for you. The tbss bags are cheap and effective and bolt right in. Plus give tons of lift if needed and drop axle to the frame. for 100-150 cheap and effective

As for the rear adjustable swaybar good luck. Honestly i have the links for 85 bucks bolt in and will clear the panhard bar bracket. Save the money you were going to do on the swaybar for the spohn rear bar kit.

 

[Lentsnh2012]

Yes you modify and weld on a plate which has been done many times the a arms i sell for 330 shipped as always if you see it for less shoot me a pm and a link ill see what I can do for you. The tbss bags are cheap and effective and bolt right in. Plus give tons of lift if needed and drop axle to the frame. for 100-150 cheap and effective

As for the rear adjustable swaybar good luck. Honestly i have the links for 85 bucks bolt in and will clear the panhard bar bracket. Save the money you were going to do on the swaybar for the spohn rear bar kit.

I'm hoping you're not talking about modifying the stock arms... It's almost impossible to weld a cast aluminum piece to a pure aluminum plate to it. Its hard enough welding cast to cast.

If you're not talking about that and instead talking about the DJM arms, It'll definitely be easier to weld a bag platform on those.

That's what I'm talking about! Best bang for your buck and very little to make it work. I'll definitely put those Trailblazer bags in my list instead of getting the other type bags.

So, what's the difference between the endlinks you have and the McGaughy's endlinks that came with my kit? Right now, the sway bar is totally parallel with the ground and doesn't hit anything. The reason why I was talking about having an adjustable stiffness sway bar, is that I wont have to worry about anything hitting the panhard and it will be its own system on the frame. Being on Pirate4x4, I could probably get a decent discount on it.

There are many ways of attacking this conversion and I'll just have to see what I want to do as I get closer to getting it done. Right now, this is a grain of salt on a 20 ft dinner table. I'll have to finish up my machinist degree first.

 

[NORCAL SS]

I'm hoping you're not talking about modifying the stock arms... It's almost impossible to weld a cast aluminum piece to a pure aluminum plate to it. Its hard enough welding cast to cast.

If you're not talking about that and instead talking about the DJM arms, It'll definitely be easier to weld a bag platform on those.

That's what I'm talking about! Best bang for your buck and very little to make it work. I'll definitely put those Trailblazer bags in my list instead of getting the other type bags.

So, what's the difference between the endlinks you have and the McGaughy's endlinks that came with my kit? Right now, the sway bar is totally parallel with the ground and doesn't hit anything. The reason why I was talking about having an adjustable stiffness sway bar, is that I wont have to worry about anything hitting the panhard and it will be its own system on the frame. Being on Pirate4x4, I could probably get a decent discount on it.

There are many ways of attacking this conversion and I'll just have to see what I want to do as I get closer to getting it done. Right now, this is a grain of salt on a 20 ft dinner table. I'll have to finish up my machinist degree first.

No im talking about the djm a arms. I dont sell the oem arms only djm. If you have the offset mcguahys links then your fine there no use changing it up nothing will hit.

 

[Lentsnh2012]

No im talking about the djm a arms. I dont sell the oem arms only djm. If you have the offset mcguahys links then your fine there no use changing it up nothing will hit.

That's what I thought.. Well we will just see how I want to attack the conversion. I'll buy or modify the parts as needed.

But yes, the McGaughy kit comes with offset sway links in their rear drop kit.

 

[ILLEGAL REGAL]

I just threw my air ride up for sale in the classifieds

 

[Lentsnh2012]

OK guys, I'm starting to get a list together and see how soon I can start the conversion.

What I have right now:

AccuAir e-Level with rocker switch. The 3 with All Down modes are fine with me.
RideTech RQ Series Shockwaves. Since I will be mostly cruising around town and going to car shows, the non-adjustable bags should be fine.... right?

The rear, however, I'm sort of stumped on. I'm not sure what I should be looking for; I've been reading that RE6 bags would work well...


Complete my list! Thanks!

 

[NORCAL SS]

you will need the rear spohn kit so the rear end doesnt gest sucked to far forward and right side doesnt get pushed out which hits the fender

http://www.tbssowners.com/store/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=135

you will need teh rear djm endlink kit and my bumpstops for free trael mod so you can lay it down $110

then you can get the bags. I highly recommend the tbss airbags. for 150 bucks cant go wrong and MINOR modding to make work. If you check the 2007 up section i show how they fit in the nnbs suvs and on your you sould just just need to make 3 notches for the bag to slip in.

then you hook up a compressor to it and done

 

[Lentsnh2012]

you will need the rear spohn kit so the rear end doesnt gest sucked to far forward and right side doesnt get pushed out which hits the fender

http://www.tbssowners.com/store/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=135

you will need teh rear djm endlink kit and my bumpstops for free trael mod so you can lay it down $110

then you can get the bags. I highly recommend the tbss airbags. for 150 bucks cant go wrong and MINOR modding to make work. If you check the 2007 up section i show how they fit in the nnbs suvs and on your you sould just just need to make 3 notches for the bag to slip in.

then you hook up a compressor to it and done

Yeah, I was planning on getting the Spohn stuff but I was really talking about the other equipment.

I totally forgot that you already mentioned the TBSS bags. What is the range of height for them though? I want it to sit a lot like NathanJax's. The minor work to make them work for the Tahoe doesn't seem that bad at all.

I want the adjustability to be from all 4 down to the ride height I'm at now. Hopefully, all of the components will work together.

 

[NORCAL SS]

at ride height will sit lower than any other bolt on kit out there. You can also tow 6000 pounds and lift up the rear 10 inches if you need to. your shocks will prevent it from letting you lift it up more the bags have tons of lift.

 

[Lentsnh2012]

at ride height will sit lower than any other bolt on kit out there. You can also tow 6000 pounds and lift up the rear 10 inches if you need to. your shocks will prevent it from letting you lift it up more the bags have tons of lift.

That's perfect! That's what I was hoping.

The good thing is that I don't tow anything and I would like for my ride height to equal out to a 4/6 drop, "rest" to be just a little lower. Then, of course, the all down mode.

The Belltech 2410FFs should be adequate for the rear bags, correct?

 

[NORCAL SS]

yes with shock extenders