Bagging a Mustang

[otherjohnson]

I'm new to air suspensions, and I'm planning to bag the front of my 98 Mustang. Ridetech makes some bolt-on front bags specifically for my application. I want a system that can rapidly lift the front-end to deal with the massive pot holes in Houston, and lower back down without slamming the ground. I'm thinking about going with the AirLift Quick Shot single gauge system.

Does anyone have any experience with the Quick Shot system? I believe it's intended for trucks, but the price is right. I'm trying to built a cost effective system. Any advice is appreciated.

[Oh Damn, it's Sam]

Are you looking at the single-path Quickshot system or the dual-path? You could make the latter work, but it would not be my first choice. It's missing some essentials like a tank drain and a safety valve, and the compressor it comes with is undersized and has an insufficient duty cycle for your application.

I would look instead at Bag Riders's manual management system, and plan on just not installing two of the switches. It's a better kit for $300 less.

[otherjohnson]

Thanks for the quick reply. I was looking at the Bag Rider's 4-Way Manual Management kit (I would only set it up for 2 ways of course - the 2 ridetech bags in the front).
With the following options:

• Air Lift 4 gallon polished tank;
• 444c compressor (I'm not sure what the specs are on this compressor);
• Standard Viair Check Valve;
• No compressor Silencer;
• Single Compressor Power Kit;
• Dual Needle Gauge Combo Kit; and
• Single Water Trap Kit.

The kit also comes standard with:

• (4) Manual Paddle Valves with Mounting Plate
• FREE Bag Riders Tank Fitting Pack (only compatible with tank options in the full kit drop down menu)
• 40amp Relay(s) for your compressor(s)
• Bag Riders Relay Wiring Kit(s)
• Inflation Valve
• 110-145psi Pressure Switch
• Air Line Cutter Tool
• (1) 60ft Bundle of DOT Approved 1/4' Air Line
• (2) PTC Union Y Fittings

Is there anything else I might need to complete my setup, or will all of this have me covered?

[Oh Damn, it's Sam]

Everything looks good there, though I'd skip the gauge combo kit and just get a single dual-needle gauge. Bag Riders's kit comes with a pair of gauges, and you only need one.

If you're getting a 444c, make sure Bag Riders includes a 200 psi pressure switch. I'm sure they will, but just so you know.

You might need a couple extra fittings to thread into whatever bags you get, but that depends on the bags and what they come with.

One last thing you might want to consider here is whether 1/4" lines and fittings will achieve the lift rate you're looking for. Are you looking for the car to jump between ride heights, or is something more smooth acceptable? I think 1/4" is plenty fast, but I don't know exactly what your expectations are.

[otherjohnson]

Sounds good, I will ditch the gauge combo kit, and confirm that a 200 psi pressure switch is included. I'm looking for really fast inflation. What would be the biggest lines that are still practical?

[Oh Damn, it's Sam]

If you need lines larger than 1/4", you will want to get a system with electric valves, since those mechanical valves will be a chokepoint.

3/8" is the largest most air ride shops carry. Truck shops and the like will carry 1/2" and 5/8", but valves begin to get harder to find.

[otherjohnson]

Sounds expensive. I will probably just stick with the 1/4" inch lines in that case.

[Oh Damn, it's Sam]

Have a look at what SMC electric valves cost. They're not horrifically expensive. Upgrading to 3/8" with electric valves might add $150-$200 to the cost for your application, and it'll save you a lot of plumbing as well as the noise of mechanical valves.

[KyleAnderson]

I've had good luck getting used parts from mini-truck forums. Picked up a full set of 3/8 SMC valves for about $80 and Autopilot V1 for around $125 from S10forum.com.

[otherjohnson]

Thanks for the tip about mini-truck forums. I've purchased performance parts off of mustang forums in the past with mixed results, but I will look into it.

[otherjohnson]

It hit me that I will have four 1/4 inch lines with the Bag Rider's setup and only 2 bags in the front. Could I run two 1/4 inch lines to each bag for faster air delivery?

[Oh Damn, it's Sam]

Bag Riders's setup is designed around running a single 1/4" line to your valve block at the dashboard, so that is your limiting factor. You could, however, run additional lines or thicker lines from the tank to your valves. From there, there's no reason you couldn't double up your valves and lines for additional speed, though you'd need two mechanical valves per corner, and you'd need to tee the lines coming off the valves together into a single 3/8" or larger line to go to the bag.

[otherjohnson]

Great. I think I'm going to run additional 1/4 inch lines to the valves, and then tee two lines exiting each mechanical valve into a single 3/8 inch line. I've sent an e-mail to Bag Rider's about their 4-way manual package while I make my final decision on things.

[Oh Damn, it's Sam]

Only one minor modification I'd make to your plan if it were me: I'd run a pair of 3/8" lines to the valves, rather than four 1/4". You'll need some additional tees (which are cheap) and you'll need to make sure you have at least two 3/8" ports at the tank (which most do), but the advantage is that it will be much easier to route and will flow slightly more.

[otherjohnson]

Will do. I will shop around for some 3/8" inch dot line and tees. I guess I will need to upgrade to a 3/8" water trap kit if I go this route though.