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Air Springs for Low-Riders

When I think of suspension systems I picture thick metal springs that compensate for my rough driving; that or the suspension on my mountain bike that creates for a smooth ride. However, not all suspension springs are solid metal. Air springs, often referred to as air bags, can take the place of steel springs in vehicle suspension systems. The pneumatic spring is an inflatable balloon-like device. I liken it to a rubber propane tank in appearance. Although if propane tanks were used to support cars I imagine the results would be disastrous.

This particular type of vibration absorber utilizes an enclosed pocked of air to absorb shock. Air can be added or removed from the air spring to adjust ride quality. Fully inflated springs carry vehicles high on the suspension and create a very harsh ride. The ability to adjust a vehicle’s ride quality is one of the added benefits of using air springs. For heavy vehicles that carry large loads the added air can increase the vehicles ride height to normal ride height, instead of riding low to the ground. Actually, one of the first uses for air springs was on semi-tractor trailer rigs and other heavy equipment.

To provide ample air at the flip of a switch the air springs are attached to custom air compressors and hold tanks. This allows the springs to inflate and deflate whenever needed. Greater payloads can be achieved for pick-up trucks when air springs are added to the suspension system. Air springs are the latest fad in the once hydraulically dominated low-rider technology. Some suggest air springs are more mechanically reliable when “hopping” the vehicle compared to the older hydraulically technology.