Air cylinders? Or wait and save for air struts? DC Integra

[RedHeadMetalHead]

Okay, here's the story. I acquired a set of air cylinders for my Integra for a steal of a price [basically for free]. They don't leak when I fill them while not installed on the car. They look to be of a solid construction.

My question is: What is the general consensus or opinion of air cylinders? I've seen people say they're worse than AIDS and leak like crazy, then I hear people say they've run them for years with no problems.
I'm just trying to decide whether it will be worth the trouble of installing if it's not going to work well.

Also, I've heard that adding air accumulators inline will help with the harsh ride. Anyone care to explain this?

Thanks in advance for any help!

[NycCustomizer]

Air cylinders work but I wouldn't install them on anyones car. They ride like crap and dont dampen the ride like suspension should. Some ppl install shocks, but why bother when there are other options. The end stops are abrupt and make noise when you hit them so you have a narrow window for decent ride height. They cant usually handle the abuse that cars go through so they eventually wear and leak. Just think about every move the suspension makes, the cylinders seals are wearing. Its just a matter of time before they leak.

Now your next question, since gases can be compressed as the car hits bumps the cylinder is bottoming out when youre on a road that isnt flat. There isn't enough volume in the cylinder to allow the air to compress the way a bag does, so it bottoms out with bumps. The theory to adding accumulators is adding that air volume. The theory is from hydraulics, where a pressurized gas acts against the oil. Air compresses while oil doesnt, so the air acts as a shock absorber. It works for hydraulics, not so much for cylinders.

[RedHeadMetalHead]

Air cylinders work but I wouldn't install them on anyones car. They ride like crap and dont dampen the ride like suspension should. Some ppl install shocks, but why bother when there are other options. The end stops are abrupt and make noise when you hit them so you have a narrow window for decent ride height. They cant usually handle the abuse that cars go through so they eventually wear and leak. Just think about every move the suspension makes, the cylinders seals are wearing. Its just a matter of time before they leak.

Now your next question, since gases can be compressed as the car hits bumps the cylinder is bottoming out when youre on a road that isnt flat. There isn't enough volume in the cylinder to allow the air to compress the way a bag does, so it bottoms out with bumps. The theory to adding accumulators is adding that air volume. The theory is from hydraulics, where a pressurized gas acts against the oil. Air compresses while oil doesnt, so the air acts as a shock absorber. It works for hydraulics, not so much for cylinders.

Awesome, that's the exact type of answer I was looking for, thank you very much.

While saving for air struts, would there be any negative effects of riding on the cylinders for about 2-3 weeks? This is going to be my first car on air, so I'd like to be able to work out the kinks and get used to it [and drive it - I'm tired of seeing it on jackstands while I decide which route to go with, suspension-wise]. I think it'd make the air struts all the more enjoyable when I swap them over.

Thanks for the insight!

[Daviticus]

If there's anything I've learned from my S10 so far [which is my first vehicle on air], its' that patience is a virtue. Definitely hold out and do it right the first time.

[NycCustomizer]

I've seen air cylinders break. NY roads kill everything. If you want to risk getting stuck or worse for something you got for free that you'll take out anyway, that's you're call. Just think if the car dropping while on the highway. Yeah, it's worst case scenario but it could happen. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone.