OME AAL or Airlift suspension.

[cnskate]

Apparently I pack too much camping gear, because my OME HD leafs go from 3" of lift to 1" or even less, depending on the gear I'm bringing. I'm having a hard time deciding if I want to fix this problem with an OME AAL, or install the Airlift air bag system.
They sell lift spacers now, so the airbag thing is a pretty straight forward install now. I like the "gee whiz" aspect of it, and the definitive height control. I wonder if it would inhibit articulation a lot, though.
The AAL is a little cheaper, but I've heard they give a harsh ride, and the lack of friction pads inhibits articulation as well.
Any thoughts?
Thanks

[madizell]

Add a leaf systems always produce a harder ride because they force arch the springs to increase spring rate. If you always carry a heavy load, perhaps it would not be much of an issue. if you switch back and forth with loads, the air system is superior. Don't think it will necessarily deprive you of articulation. At least one TJ Jeep in Australia is outback racing on airbag rear suspension without coils, just the bags, and does fine.

[ExpoMike]

I am looking to add an Airlift setup to mine. I have read a couple different people who have done it with great luck. I want this method so when I have the trailer hooked up and the XJ loaded, it won't sit as low but when empty I keep my OME ride.

Here is a link to Go Jeep's install.

http://go.jeep-xj.info/HowtoAirbagSuspension.htm

http://go.jeep-xj.info/HowtoAirbagHigherSuspension.htm

The only thing I need to do is to get my flexed out to max then do some measuring. I want to make sure I am not limiting my rear flex with bags too short. I got a PDF file from Airlift showing all the specs of their bags, so hopefully I will find one that works for me.

Hope that helps.

[Mashurst]

...so did you do it mike, cnskate? How do you like it? I'm contemplating them as well.

[saburai]

I'm intrested in this as well. My XJ just keeps getting heavier...

[ExpoMike]

I haven't done it yet as I am knee deep into my frame off '68 C10 project truck. The poor XJ is just not gettin' the love. :D

Actually, it has made it to a higher priority after this past weekend trip. With the fridge, dog and adding a few more things to haul on the trailer, I was noticing that I was hitting the rear bump stops a little more often.

What I need to do is get out and get the XJ flexed to max (swaybar disconnected) and measure the min. and max distance, total travel, etc. and then select a bag setup. I had contacted Airlift regarding their bags and mounting kits and they were happy to put something together for me. They sent me a PDF file that had their rear overload bags listed, with all the specs. There is a couple I have my eye on but need to make sure of my measurements first.

I will post up when I do something.

[saburai]

Thanks Mike! Keep us posted...

[CanuckMariner]

Ever thought of phoning ARB and asking them which they might recommend given your circumstance? I think they would know best.

[ExpoMike]

Ever thought of phoning ARB and asking them which they might recommend given your circumstance? I think they would know best.

Since I am very happy with the ride and height unloaded, adding any AAL is going to change one or both of those items. With an air bag system, I only use it when I need it. Ride won't change when unloaded nor lift height.

That is the advantage of having something adjustable versus a static value. YMMV. :ylsmoke:

[bat]

I just added a Ome AAL and I did not see any change in my ride, being a full leaf it works with the others. It added about 1" of lift and I just greased up between the leafs and everything is great.
33585

[ddog45]

I put alcan springs on my 69 commando front and rear and I thought they were sweet.

[cnskate]

I went with the AAL and it works pretty well. The ride is a little stiffer unloaded, but not bad, and it actually rides better when loaded and has yet to bottom out. They have started to squeak pretty bad though, and I have to WD40 them about once a month. I think my makeshift plastic bushings fell out.

I might end up doing air bags too if the load for my next big trip brings it down too much, so the answer might be both:)

[winkosmosis]

I went with the AAL and it works pretty well. The ride is a little stiffer unloaded, but not bad, and it actually rides better when loaded and has yet to bottom out. They have started to squeak pretty bad though, and I have to WD40 them about once a month. I think my makeshift plastic bushings fell out.

I might end up doing air bags too if the load for my next big trip brings it down too much, so the answer might be both:)

You might want to try some other lube. WD 40 is mostly kerosene that evaporates. How about some light silicone oil?

[blueeyeddevil]

A Light silicone oil, or a Teflon spray.

[saburai]

In thinking about my usage, an AAL is probably the better solution. My load out is pretty consistent - RTT stays on and the tools and Jerry cans stay on/in as well.

What is considered to be the best AAL? OME? Who is a good on line supplier?

Many Thanks...

[ExpoMike]

I have yet to hear any real complants about OME AAL's and that would be my first choice.

As for online vendors, my first choice for anything OME is Dirk at DPG Offroad http://www.dpgoff-road.com/

[mcunningham25]

Add a leaf systems always produce a harder ride because they force arch the springs to increase spring rate. If you always carry a heavy load, perhaps it would not be much of an issue. if you switch back and forth with loads, the air system is superior. Don't think it will necessarily deprive you of articulation. At least one TJ Jeep in Australia is outback racing on airbag rear suspension without coils, just the bags, and does fine.

If you place them on the outside like the pics in the article you will limit the travel by however tall the bag is. The last thing you want to do is overstretch a bag. If you have some fab skills the best way to get both worlds is to put one bag in the center over the pumpkin. This will require some fabrication as nobody makes a kit for this right now. This has been done on alot of trail rigs that are the daily drivers and :smiley_drive:proves to be a great way to do it. Like I said you will need to know how to do your own fab work on this. Please be sure to use a Bellowed or Convoluted bag for this ad not the other.

[ExpoMike]

So, just to bounce this to the top, I ordered and received my airbags this week. I did a custom kit, that was the XJ kit, minus bags, then I added bags that were longer but same diameter. Just shy of 10" max travel.

I am hoping this weekend I will get them install and post up pics. This project got bumped to the top of the list after our Death Valley trip and my trailer mods. I added two holders and gas cans to the front of the trailer. This added a fair amount of weight to the tongue and was causing the Jeep to dip to about 2-3" off the bump stops (which are lowered by 2"). Before the addition gas cans, I would only occationally hit the stops but on that trip, it was much more frequent. Even the wife said it was time to do it.

I'll post up a new thread when I get it done and give my opinions then.

[XXXpedition]

you can alway add airbags if you need to.
i had some on my xj and loved them help keep the truck level... mine were airlift. the xj kit and bags from a full size truck - sim. to mike...
http://xxxpedition.com/aboutrig/gallery/IMG_7538.JPG

[Root Moose]

Sorry if this is a n00b Q, I haven't read up on the air bags.

What does a system like that do to axle articulation?

Is it a barely perceptible thing or it pooches the flex you had?

[ExpoMike]

I really comes down to how much air you have in them. They need a minimum of 10psi so there will be a slight increase in "spring rate" but articulation should not be affected. As you move up to the max 100psi, it will stiffen up the spring rate and will change how much effort it takes to flex what you have. No different then having a heavier rate spring. It is not limiting flex, only how much effort it takes to do so.

As long as your airbag is a correct lenght to not limit articulation, all you are doing is adjusting the spring rate with air. The more air, the higher the rate, the stiffer the spring. Now if you have added weight to the vehicle which offsets the added air, you should not see any difference in flex or ride then unloaded without added air.

Not sure if that clears it up any?

[ExpoMike]

you can alway add airbags if you need to.
i had some on my xj and loved them help keep the truck level... mine were airlift. the xj kit and bags from a full size truck - sim. to mike...
http://xxxpedition.com/aboutrig/gallery/IMG_7538.JPG

Funny, your old XJ was what inspired me to go with airbags in the first place. I found a few others since then but you were the first I saw.

I am using the Airlift brand and had gotten an airbag chart from Airlift a couple years back. I was told what bag was in the stock kit (which is a 4.0 diameter bag) and just started looking over the list. Found one that fit my needs and custom ordered my kit. I am really excited to get this finally done and I know towing the Kamparoo is going to be so much more enjoyable without having to cringe each time we bottom out the rear end.

[Root Moose]

I follow what you are saying.

I suppose there is no reason why you couldn't set them up independently so that you can increase the spring rate in the down hill side when off-camber?

[ExpoMike]

I follow what you are saying.

I suppose there is no reason why you couldn't set them up independently so that you can increase the spring rate in the down hill side when off-camber?

If you had everything setup with an on board compressor and correct valves, you could do this but I can't recall anyone in the 4x4 world really have done this. Most helper bag setups tend to be manual fill as needed. Quick and simple.

[Backwoods Rambler]

If you place them on the outside like the pics in the article you will limit the travel by however tall the bag is...... If you have some fab skills the best way to get both worlds is to put one bag in the center over the pumpkin.....

Regarding flex loss (or percecption of it); it seems that a single bag over the differential is a bit extreme.

I was thinking of using both, but closer to the center (inboard of the fram rails at least), probably just outside the differential, but not a single one directly over the differential.

Based on what I'm reading here though, it's probably not necessary at all if you can order the kit components that fit your flex/weight/size needs.

Anyone mind posting what the kit cost them?

[ExpoMike]

Not including the expedited shipping since I needed it this week, the custom kit was ~$260. I think a stock out of the box kit can be found around $225 but I haven't looked that hard.

[Backwoods Rambler]

WOW, that's not bad at all. Thanks

[BPage]

Not including the expedited shipping since I needed it this week, the custom kit was ~$260. I think a stock out of the box kit can be found around $225 but I haven't looked that hard.

Are you saying that a custom airbag setup only cost 260?
I'm confused?
Air bags replace coils? Do you still need shocks? Do yo have to install a compressor?

If you swap out air bags (if that's how they work) do you get a better ride when they aired down and more lift support when aired up?

:REOutCampFire03:

[ExpoMike]

Are you saying that a custom airbag setup only cost 260?
I'm confused?
Air bags replace coils? Do you still need shocks? Do yo have to install a compressor?

If you swap out air bags (if that's how they work) do you get a better ride when they aired down and more lift support when aired up?

:REOutCampFire03:

Not all of us are using coil springs in the back. :elkgrin:

These are "Helper Airbags". They do not replace anything but add to the leaf springs.

I just posted my install and pictures to view.
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=36091